Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Local Government & Housing Committee

HB 2526

Brief Description:  Providing exemptions from SEPA for reductions of city limits and disincorporations.

Sponsors:  Representatives Berkey, Mulliken, Dunshee, Mielke, Kirby, Crouse and Linville.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Exempts reductions of city limits and disincorporations from compliance with the state environmental policy act.

Hearing Date:  1/31/02

Staff:  Amy Wood (786‑7127).

Background:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires a governmental entity, whether state or local, to analyze the environmental impacts of its major actions.  The Department of Ecology has adopted rules to implement SEPA.  The lead agency must make a threshold determination of whether the proposal has probable significant adverse environmental impacts.  If the lead agency determines that it does, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared.  An agency=s decision under SEPA is subject to review administratively, if allowed by the agency, and judicially.

These same basic rules apply to proposed reductions of city limits and proposed disincorporations.

Summary of Bill:

Reductions of city limits and disincorporations are exempted from compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.