 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 31 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Wednesday, February 21, 2007 | 45th Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
|
This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.
HB 1032-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Anderson, Wallace, Moeller, B. Sullivan, and Chase)
Creating a sustainable energy trust.
Declares an intent to promote the development of sustainable energy resources, including new energy technologies, and to improve system reliability by establishing a fund that can be used to reduce the cost of deploying distributive generation projects in the state.Authorizes all electric and natural gas utilities to collect a monthly system benefits charge from all retail electricity and natural gas customers served by the utility. The purpose of the system benefits charge is to foster the growth, development, and commercialization of sustainable energy resources of five megawatts or less or smart energy technologies that are connected to the distribution system of an electric utility.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1046-S
by House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Takko, Campbell, Lovick, O'Brien, Pettigrew, Springer, Blake, Morrell, Dunn, and Moeller)
Meeting financial responsibility requirements for automobiles.
Provides that, when the department sends a vehicle license renewal notice to a registered owner who has previously failed to respond to a random sampling program request under this act, it shall also provide notice of the requirement for proof of meeting the financial responsibility requirements and payment of the fifty-dollar penalty imposed under this act in order to renew the license.Provides that the department shall not renew a vehicle license due for renewal January 1, 2008, or after for a registered owner who has previously failed to respond to a random sampling program request under this act, unless the applicant provides proof of meeting the financial responsibility requirements for operating a motor vehicle as provided in RCW 46.30.020 and pays the fifty-dollar penalty imposed under this act.Requires the department to establish a random sampling program to determine if registered vehicle owners meet the financial responsibility requirements to operate a vehicle as required in RCW 46.30.020.Provides that the department shall select no more than three percent of registered vehicles per year in monthly increments and send the registered owner of each vehicle selected a form requesting that the owner provide proof of financial responsibility to operate a vehicle as required in RCW 46.30.020 for a randomly selected date during the last registration period.
| Jan 18 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1304-S
by House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Kagi, Clibborn, Jarrett, Flannigan, McCoy, Darneille, Lovick, Campbell, Schual-Berke, Kenney, Morrell, and Roberts)
Modifying commercial motor vehicle carrier provisions.
Finds and declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to prevent the loss of human lives and the loss of property and vehicles, and to protect the traveling environment of the state of Washington through sound and consistent regulatory provisions for interstate and intrastate motor carriers.Finds and declares that it is a policy of the state of Washington to require commercial motor vehicles operating on state roadways to comply with rigorous federal and state safety regulations. The legislature also finds that intrastate and interstate commercial motor vehicles should comply with consistent state and federal commercial vehicle regulations.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1333-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle, Kagi, and Walsh)
Concerning child welfare protections.
Requires the department to coordinate within the divisions of the department, and shall enter into contracts with service providers, to require that parents in dependency proceedings under this act receive priority access to court-ordered services to the extent funding is appropriated in the operating budget. If court-ordered services are unavailable for any reason, including lack of services or language barriers, the department shall promptly notify the court that the parent is unable to engage in the treatment due to the inability to access such services.Provides that, prior to the child returning home, the department must complete the following: (1) Identify any person who will act as a caregiver for the child and determine whether the caregiver is in need of any services in order to ensure the safety of the child, regardless of whether the caregiver is a party to the dependency. If services are recommended for the caregiver, and the caregiver fails to engage in the recommended services, the child welfare worker must promptly notify the court;(2) Identify all adults residing in the home and conduct background checks on those persons; and(3) Notify the parent in the home to which the child is being returned that he or she has an ongoing duty to notify the department of any persons who are residing in the home or acting as a caregiver for the child.Provides that, if a child is removed from home due to allegations of abuse or neglect, returned home, and subsequently removed and placed in out-of-home care, the court shall hold a permanency hearing no later than thirty days from the date of the removal to determine the appropriate action, including a change in the permanency plan or the filing of a termination petition. The best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration in determining the appropriate action.Requires the criminal justice training commission to develop and deliver multidisciplinary team training sessions aimed at improving the coordination of, and communication between, agencies involved in the investigation of child fatality, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, and criminal child neglect cases. Each county shall be encouraged to send a multidisciplinary team to participate in one of these team training sessions at least on an annual basis. Multidisciplinary teams shall include, at a minimum, representatives from the prosecuting attorney's office, the sheriff's office, police departments located in the county, the department of children and family services, local child advocacy groups, and emergency medical services.Directs the department of social and health services, the attorney general, and the judicial branch to identify all cases in which a dependency has been established under chapter 13.34 RCW and in which the permanency planning goals have not been achieved within fifteen months of when the child was placed in out-of-home care. The agencies shall also identify the reasons for the noncompliance. The department, the attorney general, and the judicial branch shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature before December 1, 2007, and before December 1st of each year thereafter.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1334-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle and Walsh)
Requiring the petitioner in a child welfare case to provide the court with relevant documentation.
Requires that in any proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW, if the department submits a report to the court in which the department is recommending a child be placed with a parent after the child was removed from the parent due to abuse or neglect allegations, the department shall include the documents listed in (1) through (4) of this act to the report. The department shall include only these relevant documents and shall not attach the entire history of the parent or child.(1) If the report contains a recommendation, opinion, or assertion by the department relating to the parent's substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, anger management classes, or domestic violence classes, the department shall attach the document upon which the recommendation, opinion, or assertion was based. The documentation may include the progress report or evaluation submitted by the provider, but may not include the entire history with the provider.(2) If the report contains a recommendation, opinion, or assertion by the department relating to the parent's visitation with the child, the department shall attach the document upon which the recommendation, opinion, or assertion was based. The documentation may include the most recent visitation report, a visitation report referencing a specific incident alleged in the report, or summary of the visitation prepared by the person who supervised the visitation. The documentation attached to the report shall not include the entire visitation history.(3) If the report contains a recommendation, opinion, or assertion by the department relating to the psychological status of the parent, the department shall attach the document upon which the recommendation, opinion, or assertion was based. The documentation may include the progress report, evaluation, or summary submitted by the provider, but shall not include the entire history of the parent.(4) If the report contains a recommendation, opinion, or assertion by the department relating to injuries to the child that occurred while in the care of the parent, the department shall attach a summary of the physician's report relating to the recommendation, opinion, or assertion by the department.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1482-S
by House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Takko, Flannigan, Springer, and Hailey; by request of Transportation Improvement Board)
Retaining the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
Retains the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1601-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Environmental Health (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Campbell, Chase, Hudgins, Hunt, Morrell, Upthegrove, McCoy, Santos, Dickerson, Hasegawa, Sells, Schual-Berke, Wood, and Simpson)
Creating the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.
Establishes the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.Requires the advisory council to: (1) Review and comment on existing laws, rules, regulations, and standards to ensure that they adequately protect the health of children from environmental hazards;(2) Review existing laws, rules, regulations, and standards of other states that relate to the protection of the health of children from environmental hazards;(3) Review current research on environmental toxins and exposures, children's environmental health, and other research relevant to the protection of the health of children from environmental hazards;(4) Work collaboratively with state agencies and others without duplicating current work in this area; and(5) Report to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2007, and December 1, 2008, with recommendations on changes in regulation that would reduce children's exposure to environmental hazards and recommendations for collaborative approaches to public education.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ENVH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1624-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Kagi, Walsh, Appleton, Roberts, and Haigh)
Reinstating parental rights for adolescents who are in state care and have not been adopted and providing immunity for department of social and health services representatives.
Provides that a child may petition the juvenile court to reinstate the previously terminated parental rights of his or her parent under the following circumstances: (1) The child must have been found to be a dependent child under chapter 13.34 RCW;(2) The child must be at least twelve years of age at the time the petition to reinstate parental rights is filed;(3) At least three years have passed from the date of entry of an order for the termination of parental rights under RCW 13.34.190;(4) The child's permanent plan is adoption and the child has not been adopted;(5) The petition is signed by the child, unless the court finds good cause not to require the child's signature; and(6) The petition alleges facts demonstrating the parent is fit and that reinstatement of parental rights is in the best interest of the child.Provides that the state or a person, individually or in a representative capacity for the state, who is involved in the delivery of social and health services through the department of social and health services, is not liable for selecting one of two or more alternative courses of action even though the course of action chosen results in a poor outcome if the person exercised reasonable care and skill in arriving at the judgment to follow the particular course of action.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1817-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby, Roach, Simpson, Strow, Santos, Rodne, Hurst, Kelley, Chase, Ericks, B. Sullivan, Hunt, Wallace, Haigh, Sells, Linville, Campbell, Green, and Wood)
Adding an additional payment plan option for small loans.
Provides that a borrower may convert the unpaid principal and fee authorized by RCW 31.45.082 into a no additional cost payment plan. Except as authorized by this act, the licensee may not assess any additional charge to convert a loan into a no additional cost payment plan under this subsection. A licensee is only obligated to extend to each borrower one no additional cost payment plan during any twelve-month period of time. A new twelve-month period begins on the date that any prior no additional cost payment plan is paid in full.Provides that, to convert a small loan into a payment plan under this act, a borrower must return to the licensee's point of sale location and request a payment plan no later than the close of business on the business day prior to the due date of the loan.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1874-S
by House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Dickerson, Green, Pettigrew, O'Brien, Kagi, Dunshee, Hunt, Goodman, Jarrett, Darneille, Hasegawa, McCoy, Appleton, Upthegrove, Kessler, Kenney, Moeller, Lantz, Sells, Hurst, Simpson, McIntire, and Ormsby)
Addressing the transition and reentry of offenders into the community.
Declares an intent to support evidence-based programing for offenders and focus on facilitating the successful reentry of offenders into the community. The goals of the offender reentry programs are to increase public safety, maximize rehabilitation of offenders, and lower recidivism.Provides that the department of corrections shall continue to establish community justice centers within the state for the purpose of providing assistance to inmates who are reentering the community.Requires a minimum of six community justice centers to be operational by December 1, 2009. The six community justice centers include those in operation at the time of the effective date of this act. The community justice centers shall be located in the six counties with the largest population of offenders who were released from department of corrections custody. At least two centers shall be located in eastern Washington.Provides that, by December 1, 2011, the department of corrections shall establish a minimum of three additional community justice centers within the state.Provides that, in addition to any other programs or services offered, the community justice centers shall designate a community transition coordinator who shall act to facilitate connections between the former inmate and the community. The community transition coordinator shall provide information to former inmates regarding services available to them in the community regardless of the length of time since the offender's release from the correctional facility.Directs the department of corrections and the state board for community and technical colleges to investigate and review methods to optimize educational and vocational programming opportunities to meet the needs of each offender as identified in his or her individual reentry plan both while an offender is incarcerated and postrelease.Requires that, in conducting its review, the department and state board shall consider and make recommendations regarding: (1) Technological advances which could serve to expand educational programs and vocational training including, but not limited to, distance learning, satellite instruction, videotape usage, computer aided instruction, and flexible scheduling;(2) Methods to ensure educational programs and vocational training are relevant to work programs and skills necessary to enhance the employability of offenders upon release;(3) Long-term methods for maintaining channels of communication between the department, state board administration, educators, and students; and(4) Methods for ensuring that security measures remain intact regarding an offender's use of the internet.Requires the department and state board to report to the governor and the legislature on the investigation and recommendations required in this act no later than November 15, 2007. Provides that, on or before October 1, 2007, the department of corrections and the department of licensing shall enter into an agreement establishing expedited procedures to assist offenders in obtaining a driver's license or identification card upon their release from a department of corrections' institution.Establishes a joint legislative task force on reentry barriers for previously incarcerated individuals for the purpose of providing oversight into the implementation of this act and develop recommendations to assist the reentry of inmates into the community.Requires the joint legislative task force to present a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature, including any proposed legislation, by November 15, 2008.Provides that: (1) The department of corrections shall enter into agreements to provide short-term housing assistance to offenders classified as high risk or high needs who are reentering the community and are in need of transitional housing;(2) The department may develop further criteria in rule to determine who will qualify for housing assistance and shall utilize the recommendations provided by the joint legislative task force under this act in the development of the criteria;(3) Housing assistance shall not be provided in excess of one hundred twenty days for each offender; and (4) The state, department, and its employees are not liable for civil damages arising from the conduct of an offender solely due to the placement of an offender in short-term housing or the provision of housing assistance.Makes appropriations to carry out the purposes of the act.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1922-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Pedersen, Pettigrew, Miloscia, McIntire, Walsh, Kagi, Appleton, Kenney, Hasegawa, and Ormsby)
Creating an independent youth housing program.
Finds that protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by providing housing resources to needy or vulnerable persons, such as young people exiting the state dependency system, is a fundamental purpose of government. The legislature further finds that providing such young people with safe and viable options for housing to avoid homelessness confers a valuable benefit on the public that constitutes consideration for financial assistance to such youth.Provides that, beginning in September 2008, the Washington state institute for public policy shall conduct a study measuring the outcomes for youth who are participating or who have participated in the independent youth housing program created in this act. The institute shall issue a report containing its preliminary findings to the legislature by December 1, 2009, and a final report by December 1, 2010.Appropriates the sum of two million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the Washington housing trust fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development, and provided solely for housing stipends administered through the independent youth housing program. Any of the money that is not obligated by the department by January 31, 2009, shall be added to the housing assistance program under chapter 43.185 RCW.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1929-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hurst, Morris, and Kenney)
Authorizing utilities to engage in environmental mitigation efforts.
Finds and declares that offset contracts and other greenhouse gas mitigation efforts are a recognized utility purpose that confers a direct benefit on the utility's ratepayers. The legislature declares that this act is intended to reverse the result of Okeson v. City of Seattle (2007) by expressly granting municipal-owned utilities and public utility districts the statutory authority to engage in mitigation activities to offset their utility's impact on the environment.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2100-S
by House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Morrell, Quall, Kenney, Linville, and Ormsby)
Establishing a statewide health resources strategy.
Creates the office of strategic health resource coordination in the office of the governor. The office shall serve as a coordinating body for public and private efforts to improve quality in health care, promote cost-effectiveness in health care, and plan health facility and health service availability. In addition, the office shall facilitate access to health care data collected by public and private organizations as needed to conduct its planning responsibilities.Creates the health resource strategy commission consisting of nineteen members appointed by the governor.Declares that the commission shall develop a statewide health resources strategy. The strategy shall establish statewide health planning policies and goals related to the availability of health care facilities and services, quality of care, and cost of care. The strategy shall identify needs according to geographic regions suitable for comprehensive health planning as designated by the commission.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 19 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2304
by Representatives Morrell, Quall, McDonald, Bailey, Grant, Walsh, Haler, McCune, Seaquist, McDermott, Kenney, Cody, Darneille, Dunn, Schual-Berke, Kessler, Conway, Springer, Hudgins, Green, Blake, Rodne, Goodman, Campbell, VanDeWege, Williams, Hunter, Takko, and Moeller
Providing for the issuance of a certificate of need for certain cardiac care services.
Provides that, to promote the stability of Washington's cardiac care delivery system, by July 1, 2008, the department of health shall adopt rules establishing criteria for the issuance of a certificate of need under chapter 70.38 RCW for the performance of elective percutaneous coronary interventions at hospitals that do not otherwise provide on-site cardiac surgery.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2305
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Alexander, Green, Cody, Appleton, Morrell, and Moeller
Authorizing retired local government employees to receive benefits from the public employees' benefits board.
Authorizes retired local government employees to receive benefits from the public employees' benefits board.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2306
by Representatives Pettigrew, Appleton, Hasegawa, Roberts, and Santos
Requiring school district accountability for students missing school.
Requires each school district to file an annual report, by August 1st of each year, with the superintendent of public instruction regarding disciplinary and placement actions taken during the prior school year. The report shall classify the types of actions into the following categories: (1) Actions in which a student was assigned to in-school suspension;(2) Actions in which a student was suspended for a period of ten days or less;(3) Actions in which a student was suspended for a period of more than ten days;(4) Actions in which a student was expelled;(5) Actions in which a student was placed in an alternative educational setting;(6) Actions in which a student was suspended from riding the bus;(7) Actions in which a student was emergency expelled; and(8) Actions in which a student was removed from class.Directs the superintendent of public instruction to conduct a study for each school year based upon the statistical data filed by districts in accordance with this act for the purpose of determining trends in discipline. The superintendent of public instruction shall also use existing data on school personnel as needed to establish trends in discipline.Requires the superintendent of public instruction to issue a report on the study for the legislature by December 1st of each year. The report shall be accessible to the public on the superintendent of public instruction's report card web site and in such other forms as will promote easy public access. The report shall include summaries of the data rather than individual listing of each student's data.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2307
by Representatives Jarrett, Clibborn, Eddy, Springer, Hunter, Santos, and Kenney
Addressing noise abatement in transportation projects.
Finds that inadequately mitigated noise related to roadway construction projects adversely affects citizens' quality of life and property value. The legislature further finds that existing policies and practices fail to adequately mitigate such noise.Declares that the purpose of this act is to establish more stringent standards for noise mitigation as it relates to certain transportation projects, thereby providing additional protection for and increased enjoyment of our communities.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2308
by Representatives Ross, Skinner, Ahern, Kretz, Newhouse, McCune, Hailey, and Kenney
Making residential burglary a crime against persons.
Makes residential burglary a crime against persons.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2309
by Representatives Simpson, Chase, Kirby, Moeller, Upthegrove, Takko, Hasegawa, Pettigrew, B. Sullivan, Ormsby, and Linville
Regarding property tax limits.
Revises provisions regarding property tax limits.Repeals RCW 84.55.005 and 84.55.0101.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2310
by Representatives McCoy and Moeller
Concerning the care of individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Establishes the current expanded community services program as a permanent program in the department of social and health services aging and disability services administration.Requires the department to determine the appropriate individuals who may participate in the expanded community services program. To the extent of available funding, the individuals who shall be served by the program include those that have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and do not have an accompanying mental disorder that requires active psychiatric treatment at an inpatient hospital level of care.Requires the program to provide enhanced community residential support services and personal care for people whose treatment needs constitute substantial barriers to community placement, and who no longer require active psychiatric treatment in an inpatient hospital setting.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2311
by Representative Hunter
Removing the performance audits provision.
Repeals RCW 43.09.450.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2312
by Representatives Walsh, Kagi, Morrell, and Kenney
Providing legislative oversight of WorkFirst and temporary assistance to needy families.
Provides legislative oversight of WorkFirst and temporary assistance to needy families.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services. | |
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2313
by Representatives Kagi, Rodne, Dickerson, Lantz, Morrell, and Goodman
Preventing alcohol and drug use by persons involved in fatal or near fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Provides procedures for preventing alcohol and drug use by persons involved in fatal or near fatal motor vehicle accidents.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2314
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Hasegawa, Cody, McDermott, Green, Pettigrew, Linville, McIntire, Kagi, Morrell, Dunshee, Chase, Roberts, Eddy, Hunt, Goodman, Conway, Quall, Moeller, Seaquist, Appleton, Ormsby, Campbell, Dickerson, Hurst, McCoy, Lantz, Miloscia, Morris, B. Sullivan, Rolfes, Darneille, and Hudgins
Creating the short-term cash advance loan program.
Establishes the short-term cash advance loan program.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 2315
by Representatives Rodne and Anderson
Adjusting the child support economic table.
Amends RCW 26.19.020 relating to adjusting the child support economic table in response to inflation that has occurred since the table's enactment.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2316
by Representatives Upthegrove, Santos, Hasegawa, Sells, McCoy, Appleton, Williams, Ormsby, and Kenney
Providing temporary graduation provisions for certain limited English proficient students.
Provides that limited English proficient students in the graduating classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010 who meet the criteria under this act may graduate from high school without earning a certificate of academic achievement or a certificate of individual achievement if they: (1) Have met all other state and school district graduation requirements; and(2) For the graduating class of 2008, successfully earn one additional high school credit after their eleventh grade year intended to increase their English language skills and, as necessary to measure progress in English language proficiency, continue taking the Washington language proficiency assessment; and(3) For the graduating classes of 2009 and 2010, successfully earn two additional high school credits after their tenth grade year intended to increase their English language skills and, as necessary to measure progress in English language proficiency, continue taking the Washington language proficiency assessment.Applies only to limited English proficient students who: (1) Enrolled in a United States school for the first time in the fall of their ninth grade year or later; and(2) Qualified for the state transitional bilingual program as a result of their scores on the Washington language proficiency assessment for at least one year of their enrollment in high school.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2317
by Representatives Wallace, Anderson, Sells, and Kenney
Requiring development of a definition of "high demand."
Directs the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the office of financial management, the employment security department, and the department of community, trade, and economic development, to work collaboratively to prepare recommended legislation that includes a statutory definition of high demand for use by the legislature and all agencies and institutions that offer postsecondary education, employment preparation, and workforce-related services to business and industry. The recommendations and proposed legislation shall be submitted in a joint report from all agencies listed in this act to the higher education committees in the house of representatives and senate by November 1, 2007.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
HB 2318
by Representatives Hasegawa, Hudgins, Santos, Ormsby, and Moeller
Concerning inequities in the location of certain facilities in low-income or minority neighborhoods.
Addresses inequities in the location of facilities that impact human health in low-income or minority neighborhoods.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Environmental Health. | |
HB 2319
by Representatives Kagi, P. Sullivan, Wallace, Seaquist, Appleton, Morrell, Goodman, Santos, Wood, Ormsby, and Kenney
Supporting early learning and parenting education opportunities at community colleges.
Requires the state board for community and technical colleges to conduct an inventory and survey of all campus-based early learning programs and services for the purpose of creating a coordinated system of course offering and early learning education opportunities including parenting education and on-campus child care. The survey shall include, but not be limited to: (1) Early learning and parent education courses;(2) Parent cooperative classes; and(3) Identification of early learning opportunities available on campus, including early childhood education programs and child care programs.Requires the board to report back to the legislature by December 1, 2007, with recommendations for an integrated, comprehensive system for strengthening early learning education opportunities and child care services offered on community college campuses and to parents and providers in the community.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services. | |
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2320
by Representatives Strow, Appleton, Newhouse, and Williams
Reducing the penalty for a person conducting unlawful internet gambling in his or her primary residence for recreational purposes.
Reduces the penalty for a person conducting unlawful internet gambling in his or her primary residence for recreational purposes.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2321
by Representatives McDermott, Barlow, Clibborn, Jarrett, Santos, and Williams
Regarding student privacy rights.
Declares an intent, in the interest of student confidentiality, that school districts minimize the release of student telephone numbers and other directory information in the absence of express parental consent. The legislature finds that the nondisclosure of student telephone numbers and other directory information reduces the possibility of harassment of students and their families by organizations that received student information.Provides that, by September 1, 2007, each school district shall provide separate written notice to every public high school student and his or her parent or legal guardian informing the students, parents, and guardians: (1) Of their right to request, pursuant to 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7908(a)(2), that the student's directory information not be released to recruiters without the prior written consent of the student's parent or guardian or the student;(2) That if they do not request that the student's directory information be withheld from some or all recruiters by the thirtieth day of the new school year, the school may release the student's directory information if requested to do so by a recruiter; and(3) Of the obligation of all males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years to register with selective services within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday and information regarding how to register.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2322
by Representatives Haler and Appleton
Increasing access to full-day kindergarten programs.
Provides that an agency that receives funding under this act must agree to and abide by the following conditions: (1) Providing at least a one thousand-hour instructional program;(2) Establishing a learning environment that is developmentally appropriate and promotes creativity;(3) Demonstrating strong connections and communication with other early learning providers;(4) Participating in kindergarten readiness activities with early learning providers, parents, and local public schools;(5) Providing experiences in science, social studies, arts, health and physical education, and a language other than English; and(6) Providing a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that assist students in: (a) developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, and writing; (b) developing a variety of communication skills; (c) acquiring large and small motor skills; and (d) acquiring social and emotional skills, including successful participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a group.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services. | |
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2323
by Representative Ericksen
Regarding food service rules.
Provides that the rules for food service must provide an exemption to the cold-holding temperature standard of forty-one degrees or colder for an establishment that purchased its equipment prior to May 2, 2005, and the equipment meets the standards that were in place at the time the equipment was purchased. Equipment purchased after May 2, 2005, is exempt if it was purchased to replace a component unit of a cold-holding system, purchased prior to May 2, 2005, that is comprised of several smaller units.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HJR 4224
by Representatives Ross, Skinner, Newhouse, Ahern, McCune, Kretz, and Warnick
Resolving to amend the state Constitution to make public safety a paramount duty of the state.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to make public safety a paramount duty of the state.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
SB 5163-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senator Jacobsen)
Creating a capitol campus tourism task force.
Declares that Washington state's legislative building is the most vital and preeminent public building in this state and serves as both a working governmental center and a symbol of Washington's free and democratic government. It is the centerpiece of the five historic capitol buildings and grounds designed by New York architects Walter Wilder and Harry White. This building and its contents reflect the dreams and achievements of many individuals and organizations across the history of Washington.Declares an intent to recognize the capitol campus and grounds as a uniquely valuable cultural and historical resource that should be preserved and promoted as an outstanding example of Washington state heritage. To that end, the legislature intends to establish a task force to make recommendations to improve tourist access to the capitol campus grounds and buildings and provide an enhanced learning and recreational experience for the visitors of the capitol.Requires the task force to submit the proposals to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by November 1, 2007.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5164-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Hobbs, Shin, Rasmussen, Kilmer, and Franklin)
Expanding the veterans conservation corps program.
Requires the department to assist veterans enrolled in the veterans conservation corps with obtaining employment in conservation programs and projects that restore Washington's natural habitat, maintain and steward local, state, and federal forest lands and other outdoor lands, maintain and improve urban and suburban storm water management facilities and other water management facilities, and other environmental maintenance, stewardship, and restoration projects.Requires the department to submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2008, on the status of the veterans conservation corps program, including the number of enrollees employed in projects, training provided, certifications earned, employment placements achieved, program funding provided from all sources, and the results of the pilot project authorized in this act.Provides that, during fiscal year 2008, the department of veterans affairs may enter an agreement with a local government or other entity for use of veterans conservation corps enrollees in a project or projects, where the enrollees' work on the project or projects will be commenced before June 30, 2008. Up to one million dollars appropriated from the veterans conservation corps account in the biennial budget act may be expended by the department for this agreement.Provides that, by September 30, 2007, the department shall provide to the office of financial management and to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives a report that: (1) Identifies projects on state agency-managed lands that are currently planned for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation;(2) Identifies additional projects on state agency-managed lands that are suitable for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation and for which funding is currently in place for such participation; and(3) Identifies additional projects on state agency-managed lands for which project implementation has been funded or is included in the agency's multibiennial stewardship plans, and that are suitable for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation in the event that additional funding is provided to the department for associated training, education, and certification.Provides that, during calendar years 2007 and 2008 the salmon recovery funding board shall cooperate with the department of veterans affairs to inform salmon habitat project sponsors of the availability of veterans conservation corps enrollees to perform project work. From applications submitted, the board and the department shall identify projects that propose work suitable for corps enrollees and located near where enrollees are based or may be created.Appropriates the sum of one million 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 veterans affairs for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of veterans affairs for the purposes of this act.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 20 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5224-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Rockefeller, and Kilmer; by request of Office of Financial Management)
Regarding the governor's salmon recovery office.
Provides that the department, the department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the state conservation commission, and the governor's monitoring forum shall provide to the statewide salmon recovery office information requested by the office necessary to prepare the state of the salmon report and other reports produced by the office.Requires the statewide salmon recovery office to work with regional salmon recovery organizations including the southwest Washington salmon recovery region established in RCW 77.85.090 and the Puget Sound partnership, created by chapter . . ., ([House][Senate] Bill No. .... (Z-0369/07)), Laws of 2007 on salmon recovery issues in order to ensure a coordinated and consistent statewide approach to salmon recovery.
| Jan 17 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5233-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Hatfield, McCaslin, Pridemore, Fairley, and Haugen)
Concerning special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.
Revises provisions for special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5245-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Brandland, McAuliffe, Stevens, Rockefeller, and Shin; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)
Modifying foster children placement provisions.
Requires the supervising agency to provide the child's foster parents, preadoptive parents, or relative caregivers with notice of their right to be heard prior to each proceeding held with respect to the child in juvenile court under chapter 13.34 RCW. The rights to notice and to be heard apply only to persons with whom a child has been placed by the supervising agency and who are providing care to the child at the time of the proceeding. This act shall not be construed to grant party status to any person solely on the basis of such notice and right to be heard.Provides that any foster parent who receives information about a child or a child's family pursuant to this act shall keep the information confidential and shall not further disclose or disseminate the information, except as authorized by law. Such individuals shall agree in writing to keep the information that they receive confidential and shall affirm that the information will not be further disclosed or disseminated, except as authorized by law.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5278-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Kastama, Kline, Spanel, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Regala, Pridemore, Poulsen, Fraser, Rasmussen, and Rockefeller)
Concerning use of public funds to finance campaigns for local office.
Amends RCW 42.17.128 relating to use of public funds for political purposes.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 20 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 5339-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Rockefeller, and Rasmussen)
Authorizing the acquisition and operation of tourism-related facilities by port districts.
Authorizes the acquisition and operation of tourism-related facilities by port districts.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 20 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 5362-S
by Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Pridemore, Rasmussen, and Kline)
Preserving farm and agricultural land through conservation futures levies.
Preserves farm and agricultural land through conservation futures levies.
| Jan 29 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | ARED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5478-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Rasmussen, and Shin)
Addressing less than countywide port district formation.
Finds that global competition requires local areas within the state to develop new tools to enhance their competitiveness and that local and regional economic development is served through the formation of locally controlled port districts.Finds that the state has a history of forming countywide and less than countywide port districts and that both countywide and less than countywide port districts have been successful. Because less than countywide port districts can address specific local economic development goals and increase local prosperity, it is the purpose of this act to give the opportunity to local areas to form less than countywide port districts over the next four years.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5568-S
by Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Clements, Shin, Schoesler, Jacobsen, Morton, Holmquist, and Honeyford)
Extending the date when counties east of the crest of the Cascade mountains that pledged lodging tax revenue for payment of bonds prior to June 26, 1975, must allow a credit for city lodging taxes.
Extends the date when counties east of the crest of the Cascade mountains that pledged lodging tax revenue for payment of bonds prior to June 26, 1975, must allow a credit for city lodging taxes.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | ARED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5625-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove and Pridemore)
Authorizing counties and cities to contract for jail services with counties and cities in adjacent states.
Authorizes counties and cities to contract for jail services with counties and cities in adjacent states.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5634-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland, Kline, McCaslin, and Delvin; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission)
Revising corrections personnel training provisions.
Amends RCW 43.101.220 and RCW 43.101.350 relating to corrections personnel training.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6091
by Senators Tom, Honeyford, Weinstein, Oemig, Kauffman, Kilmer, Delvin, and Jacobsen
Addressing the time and date when posting credit card payments made in person.
Provides that all payments made in person shall be considered payment to the issuer and shall be posted on the day received and at the time of day in the bank, subsidiary, or branch at which the payment is made.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
SB 6092
by Senators Keiser, Delvin, Poulsen, Morton, and Tom
Implementing weight-based taxation of moist snuff.
Finds that reforming how this product is taxed will provide more certainty to taxpayers, provide stability to the revenue stream, maintain pricing levels to address access to youth, and simplify administration by the department of revenue. It is the intent of the legislature that any new money attributable to this act shall be dedicated to the health services account, while keeping other accounts whole.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6093
by Senators Fraser and Rasmussen
Raising the retirement allowance limits for certain plan 1 members of the public employees' retirement system and teachers' retirement system.
Increases the retirement allowance limits for certain plan 1 members of the public employees' retirement system and teachers' retirement system.
| Feb 20 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |