HB 1558 - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Establishes a growth management needs and priorities task force.

     Requires, by December 1, 2007, the task force to issue a report with recommendations on legislative and executive actions that address, at a minimum, the following topics: (1) How the best available science is identified and applied when local governments develop regulations to protect critical areas under the growth management act, and the relationship of those regulations to preexisting land uses; and

(2) A review of the appeals process for actions taken under the growth management act, including data on the number and outcome of cases, and any recommendations on needed improvements to the appeals process.

Requires, by June 30, 2008, the task force to issue a report with recommendations on legislative and executive actions that address, at a minimum, the following topics: (1) How to better meet the infrastructure and basic service needs of growing communities, including schools, local roads, fire and police service, and water, sewer, and other utilities, with recommendations for financing these service and infrastructure needs;

(2) How to ensure that state roads provide a level of service consistent with local growth management decisions;

(3) The effect of the vested rights doctrine on the achievement of the goals and requirements of the growth management act;

(4) The effect of the provisions for fully contained communities and master planned resorts on the achievement of the goals and requirements of the growth management act;

(5) Performance measures for the ongoing evaluation of land use programs, based on the assessment conducted under this act; and

(6) Any recommendations for additional topics that warrant continued work by the task force or by other groups.

Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.