SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6294

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 4, 2004

Title: An act relating to increasing the physical activity of Washington citizens.

Brief Description: Increasing the physical activity of the citizens of Washington state.

Sponsors: Senators Franklin, Winsley, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, B. Sheldon, Shin, McAuliffe, Fraser, Regala, Prentice, Thibaudeau and Doumit.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/3/04, 2/4/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Franklin, Keiser and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: It is widely accepted that regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining good health. In a recent study, the two most popular forms of regular exercise by citizens of Washington are walking and biking. Health planners both nationally and in our state have developed public health policies which emphasize that access to safe and accessible ways to walk and bike should be a priority in every community. The state Department of Health has led an effort to include as many public and private partners as possible in planning for increased access to physical activity for citizens in the state.

Summary of Bill: The Legislature intends to promote statewide policy and planning efforts that increase access to inexpensive or free opportunities for regular exercise in all communities. The Board of Health must adopt rules for the control of obesity in the state, including physical activity standards. County and city comprehensive plans are directed, wherever possible, to utilize urban planning approaches that promote physical activity. Transportation planning in cities, towns and counties should incorporate policy and infrastructure changes that promote non-motorized transit. State agencies considering grants or loans for a county, city, or town planning must accord additional preference to those applicants that have incorporated elements in their plans that increase access to walking and biking in their communities. The Superintendent of Public Instruction must promote adoption of school-based curricula and policies that provide quality physical education for all students.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: We need to plan for physical activity, since our society has done so much to remove it from everyday life. We, as a society, are faced with the enormous costs of chronic illness and obesity. One of the basic and most important ways to control these public health problems is to increase physical activity in the population.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Dr. Maxine Hayes, Department of Health; Tom Wells, Washington Coalition for physical Activity; Anne Schnartz, Healthy Families Active Kids; Bob Weathers, WCPPA; Steve Daley, WCPPA; Brit Kramer, Washington Recreation and Parks Association; Janis Martin, Safe Homes; Bob Myrick, Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club; Liz MeNett Crowl, Washington State Physical Action Coalition; Dr. Jone Moore.

Signed In/Did Not Testify: Craig McLaughlin, Board of Health; David Levinger, Feet First; Alton McDonald, National Action Network.