5078 AMS SHIN FLOO 005

SB 5078 - S AMD

By Senator

   On page 2, after line 2, insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The joint task force on essential public facilities is created to consist of the following twelve members:

   (a) Four members of the house of representatives from diverse geographic locations, two from each of the two largest political caucuses, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

   (b) Four members of the senate from diverse geographic locations, two from each of the two largest political caucuses, appointed by the president of the senate;

   (c) Four members representing local governments as follows:

   (i) One member representing cities, to be selected by the association of washington cities;

   (ii) One member representing counties, to be selected by the washington state association of counties;

   (iii) Two members representing the interests of general purpose and special purpose districts, selected jointly by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.

   (2) The joint task force is cochaired by one senator and one representative appointed by the senate president and the speaker of the house of representatives respectively.

   (3) The cochairs of the joint task force may appoint an advisory committee of nonvoting advisors and experts to provide input on various subjects. For purposes of this subsection, "advisors and experts" includes, but is not limited to, representatives of: Cities, counties, port districts, other special purpose districts, the office of the governor, and state agencies with planning functions and permitting authority.

   (4) Any final findings, conclusions, or recommendations of the joint task force must be agreed to by a majority of the members; however, minority findings, conclusions, or recommendations may be included that are submitted by any member or group of members.

   (5) The joint task force on essential public facilities shall:

   (a) Evaluate and develop processes to define regional and state mitigation responsibility resulting from the siting of essential public facilities of regional and statewide significance. Issues the task force shall consider include, but are not limited to, definitions of essential public facilities; strategies for determining which communities are adversely impacted; ways to quantify the adverse impacts on communities; and ways to identify any regional or state responsibilities for mitigation;

   (b) Evaluate and develop funding options for state and regional jurisdictions to pay for mitigation costs; and

   (c) Consider options to incorporate regional and state mitigation responsibilities and funding tools into regional and state planning policies and agreements to ensure that regional and state mitigation measures will be fully implemented.

   (6) The joint task force on essential public facilities shall commence by August 1, 2003. The joint task force shall present a final report, including any legislative recommendations, to the legislature no later than January 1, 2004.

   (7) This section expires and the powers and duties of the task force are terminated June 1, 2004."

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Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT: Creates a legislative and local government task force to review and make recommendations on essential public facility siting processes.