Read first time 02/21/2003.   Referred to Committee on State Government.

     AN ACT Relating to a military facilities task force; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that placing a high priority on the continuation of military activities at the military bases located in our state is in the best interest of the state and the United States. The combined efforts of the state and local governments and the private sector, working in partnership with the United States military, will be required to avoid the closure of these bases. Therefore, the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs shall conduct a Washington military facilities study to determine and coordinate statewide efforts needed to ensure that all military facilities in Washington retain their premier status with respect to their national defense missions.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The joint committee on veterans' and military affairs shall inform the governor and the legislature on matters affecting the operational viability of military facilities within Washington through:
     (a) Understanding the mission of each military facility in Washington;
     (b) Examining the integral role of Washington facilities within the national defense structure;
     (c) Identifying any obstacles to the mission of each facility according to criteria used by its respective branch of service;
     (d) Examining any law, ordinance, requirement, rule, or regulation that impacts each facility's mission;
     (e) Evaluating any locally developed proposals intended to mitigate the impact of military facilities on surrounding areas or the impact of nonmilitary activities in surrounding areas on the mission of military facilities; and
     (f) Studying the economic impacts of the facilities on the Washington economy.
     (2) The joint committee shall make recommendations to the governor and the legislature regarding actions needed to ensure the viability of military facilities, including:
     (a) Expenditures appropriate to ensure the proper functioning and continued operation of military facilities within the state;
     (b) Required changes to state law, local ordinances, local zoning requirements, or any other state or local requirement, rule, or regulation in order to encourage the continued operation of military facilities within the state; and
     (c) Any required actions to be taken by the state at the federal level in support of military facilities within the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   In carrying out the requirements of this act, the joint committee shall invite participation and seek input from any experts it deems appropriate, but at a minimum shall consult with representatives and nonelected community leaders of each county and city containing a major military facility and the military authorities of each military base in the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The joint committee shall begin work on the Washington military facilities study immediately after the completion of the legislative session. It shall continue until such time as the consensus of committee membership is to conclude.