BILL REQ. #:  H-0175.1 

Read first time 01/26/11.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to suspending the growth management act in counties with significant and persistent unemployment; and adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The requirements of this chapter for counties and cities are suspended and have no applicability if the average rate of total unemployment in the county, seasonally adjusted, as determined by the Washington state employment security department, exceeds seven percent for three consecutive months. A suspension under this section:
     (a) Is effective for five years, or until the average rate of total unemployment in the county, seasonally adjusted, as determined by the Washington state employment security department, is equal to or less than seven percent for three consecutive months, whichever is later; and
     (b) Takes effect immediately upon the public release of the applicable unemployment data by the Washington state employment security department.
     (2) Comprehensive land use plans and development regulations adopted in accordance with the requirements of this chapter are suspended and have no applicability in counties and cities in which the requirements of this chapter are suspended.
     (3) State agencies may take no action to enforce the requirements of this chapter in counties and cities in which the requirements of this chapter are suspended.