FIFTY-FOURTH DAY

MORNING SESSION

Senate Chamber, Olympia, Friday, March 3, 2006

The Senate was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Pro Tempore. The Secretary called the roll and announced to the President Pro Tempore that all Senators were present with the exception of Senator Mulliken.

The Sergeant at Arms Color Guard consisting of Pages Arielle Weinstein and Jonathan Hrehov, presented the Colors. Reverend Irene Martin of Saint James Episcopal Church offered the prayer.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the third order of business.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS

March 3, 2006

TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit the following appointment, subject to your confirmation.

DAVID TROUTT, appointed January 6, 2006, for the term ending July 15, 2006, as Member of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.

Sincerely,

CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor

Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

March 3, 2006

TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit the following appointment, subject to your confirmation.

HEYWARD WATSON, appointed May 25, 2005, for the term ending March 26, 2009, as Member of the Higher Education Facilities Authority.

Sincerely,

CHRISTINE O. GREGOIRE, Governor

Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, all appointees listed on the Gubernatorial Appointments report were referred to the committees as designated.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the sixth order of business.

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2685, by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Fromhold, Conway, Lovick, Quall, Simpson, Ormsby and Moeller)

Making changes to general provisions in the public safety employees' retirement system.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Fraser moved that the following committee amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means be adopted.

On page 2, on line 14, after "means ", insert "the Washington state department of natural resources, the Washington state department of social and health services, ".

Senator Fraser spoke in favor of adoption of the committee amendment.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Schoesler, Senators Stevens and Mulliken were excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means to Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2685.

The motion by Senator Fraser carried and the committee amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Fraser, the rules were suspended, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2685 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Fraser and Zarelli spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2685 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2685 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 1; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47

Absent: Senator Haugen - 1

Excused: Senator Mulliken - 1

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2685 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3113, by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells, Kenney, Strow, McCoy, Haler, Dunshee, B. Sullivan, Lovick, Roberts and Hasegawa)

Expanding access to higher education using the university center model.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Pridemore, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 3113 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Pridemore, Berkey and Schmidt spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senator Haugen was excused.

Senator Jacobsen spoke on passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 3113.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 3113 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Excused: Senator Haugen - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3113, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Shin: “On behalf of the higher education in Snohomish County, I want to express my profound appreciation for all your votes. Yes, it is true that many years when I was in the House, we try so hard to set up a four-year institution in the north of University of Washington. My aim to set up in Everett because it’s half way between Seattle and Bellingham but nothing in Bothell. I think Snohomish County fast growing population and high demand for education. This is why I want to thank you for your votes and supporting for this legislation. Thank you.”

MOTION

On motion of Senator Brandland, Senator Roach was excused.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2817, by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells, McCoy, Strow, Dunshee, Lovick, Jarrett, Morris, Ormsby, Morrell, Haler, O'Brien, Fromhold, Ericks, Kilmer and B. Sullivan)

Establishing technology priorities for institutions of higher education. Revised for 1st Substitute: Establishing a technology emphasis for institutions of higher education.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Pridemore moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The legislature recognizes the vital importance to the state's economic prosperity and the economic benefit of placing a priority on enrolling and conferring degrees upon students in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, science, computer science, and mathematics.

(2) The legislature has significant concerns that other countries are outpacing the United States in graduating qualified engineers, and that major corporations within Washington state are searching out-of-state and even outside the United States to find the qualified and trained employees they need.

(3) Data compiled by the technology alliance shows that Washington state ranks thirty-fourth among the fifty states in the percentage of residents who have earned a science or engineering degree, per capita.

(4) Data collected by the office of financial management indicates that between the academic years of 1993-94 and 2003-04 at public four-year institutions of higher education in Washington state:

(a) There was a twelve percent decline in the number of full-time equivalents enrolled in the fields of engineering and related technologies; and

(b) There was nearly a nine percent decline in the number of bachelor's degrees conferred in the fields of engineering and related technologies.

(5) Data collected by the office of financial management also shows that for the 2003-04 academic year, only four percent of all full-time equivalents were enrolled in engineering and related technologies and just two percent of all full-time equivalents were enrolled in computer science studies at public four-year institutions of higher education in the state.

(6) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to promote increased access, delivery models, enrollment slots, and degree opportunities in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics. It is recognized that these areas of study and training are integrally linked to ensuring that Washington state's economy can compete nationally and globally in the twenty-first century marketplace. It is also recognized that community colleges play a unique role in supporting degree attainment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the development of transferable curricula and the maintenance of viable articulation agreements with both public and private universities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A state priority is established for institutions of higher education, including community colleges, to encourage growing numbers of enrollments and degrees in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics.

(2) In meeting this state priority, the legislature understands and recognizes that the demands of the economic marketplace and the desires of students are not always on parallel tracks. Therefore, institutions of higher education shall determine local student demand for programs in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics and submit findings and proposed alternatives to meet demand to the higher education coordinating board and the legislature by November 1, 2008.

(3) While it is understood that these areas of emphasis should not be the sole focus of institutions of higher education. It is the intent of the legislature that steady progress in these areas occur. The higher education coordinating board shall track and report progress in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics including, but not limited to, the following information:

(a) The number of students enrolled in these fields on a biennial basis;

(b) The number of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees conferred in these fields on a biennial basis;

(d) The number and type of public-private partnerships established relating to these fields among institutions of higher education, including community colleges, and leading corporations in Washington state.

(4) Institutions of higher education, including community colleges, shall be provided discretion and flexibility in achieving the objectives under this section. Examples of the types of institutional programs that may help achieve these objectives include, but are not limited to, establishment of institutes of technology, new polytechnic-based institutions, new divisions of existing institutions, and a flexible array of delivery models, including face-to-face learning, interactive courses, internet-based offerings, and instruction on main campuses, branch campuses, and other educational centers.

(5) The legislature recognizes the global needs of the economic marketplace for technologically prepared graduates, and the relationship between technology industries and higher education. Institutions of higher education, including community colleges, are strongly urged to consider science, engineering, and technology program growth in areas of the state that exhibit a high concentration of aerospace, biotechnology, and technology industrial presence. Expanded science and technology programs can gain from the proximity of experienced and knowledgeable industry leaders, while industry can benefit from access to new sources of highly trained and educated graduates."

Senators Pridemore and Berkey spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education to Substitute House Bill No. 2817.

The motion by Senator Pridemore carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted.

On page 1, line 4 of the title, after "education;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and adding new sections to chapter 28B.10 RCW."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Pridemore, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2817 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Pridemore and Spanel spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2817 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2817 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Excused: Senator Roach - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2817 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Rasmussen: “I’m going to try to be really quick, but my little grandson, Kayden is watching TVW and can I just say hi to Kayden? Hi Kayden, Grammy loves you.”

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2507, by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Shabro, Hasegawa, Morrell, Rodne, Lantz and Ormsby)

Prohibiting false or misleading college degrees.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Pridemore moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 28B.85 RCW to read as follows:

(1) It is unlawful for a person to:

(a) Grant or award a false academic credential or offer to grant or award a false academic credential in violation of this section;

(b) Represent that a credit earned or granted by the person, in violation of this section, can be applied toward a credential offered by another person; or

(2) The definitions in section 2 of this act apply to this section.

(3) A violation of this section constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the conduct of trade or commerce under chapter 19.86 RCW.

(4) In addition to any other venue authorized by law, venue for the prosecution of an offense under this section is in the county in which an element of the offense occurs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 A new section is added to chapter 9A.60 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A person is guilty of issuing a false academic credential if th person knowingly:

(a) Grants or awards a false academic credential or offers to grant or award a false academic credential in violation of this section;

(b) Represents that a credit earned or granted by the person in violation of this section can be applied toward a credential offered by another person;

(c) Grants or offers to grant a credit for which a representation as described in (b) of this subsection is made; or (d) Solicits another person to seek a credential or to earn a credit the person knows is offered in violation of this section.

(2) A person is guilty of knowingly using a false academic credential if the person knowingly uses a false academic credential or falsely claims to have a credential issued by an institution of higher education that is accredited by an accrediting association recognized as such by rule of the higher education coordinating board:

(a) In a written or oral advertisement or other promotion of a business; or

(b) With the intent to:
(i) Obtain employment;

(ii) Obtain a license or certificate to practice a trade, profession, or occupation;

(iii) Obtain a promotion, compensation or other benefit, or an increase in compensation or other benefit, in employment or in the practice of a trade, profession, or occupation;

(iv) Obtain admission to an educational program in this state; or

(v) Gain a position in government with authority over another person, regardless of whether the person receives compensation for the position.

(3) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section and section 1 of this act.

(a) "False academic credential" means a document that provides evidence or demonstrates completion of an academic or professional course of instruction beyond the secondary level that results in the attainment of an academic certificate, degree, or rank, and that is not issued by a person or entity that: (i) Is an entity accredited by an agency recognized as such by rule of the higher education coordinating board or has the international equivalents of such accreditation; or (ii) is an entity authorized as a degree-granting institution by the higher education coordinating board; or (iii) is an entity exempt from the requirements of authorization as a degree-granting institution by the higher education coordinating board; or (iv) is an entity that has been granted a waiver by the higher education coordinating board from the requirements of authorization by the board. Such documents include, but are not limited to, academic certificates, degrees, coursework, degree credits, transcripts, or certification of completion of a degree.

(b) "Grant" means award, bestow, confer, convey, sell, or give.

(d) "Operate" includes but is not limited to the following:

(i) Offering courses in person, by correspondence, or by electronic media at or to any Washington location for degree credit;

(ii) Granting or offering to grant degrees in Washington; (iii) Maintaining or advertising a Washington location, mailing address, computer server, or telephone number, for any purpose, other than for contact with the institution's former students for any legitimate purpose related to the students having attended the institution.

(4) Issuing a false academic credential is a class C felony. (5) Knowingly using a false academic credential is a class C felony.

Sec. 3 RCW 28B.85.020 and 2005 c 274 s 246 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The board:
(a) Shall adopt by rule, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW,minimum standards for degree-granting institutions concerning granting of degrees, quality of education, unfair business practices, financial stability, and other necessary measures to protect citizens of this state against substandard, fraudulent, or deceptive practices. The rules ((may)) shall require that an institution operating in Washington:

(i) Be accredited ((or be making progress toward accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education. The board shall adopt the rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW));

(ii) Have applied for accreditation and such application is pending before the accrediting agency;

(iii) Have been granted a waiver by the board waiving the requirement of accreditation; or

(iv) Have been granted an exemption by the board from the requirements of this subsection (1)(a);

(b) May investigate any entity the board reasonably believes to be subject to the jurisdiction of this chapter. In connection with the investigation, the board may administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoenas and compel attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memorandums, or other records which the board deems relevant or material to the investigation. The board, including its staff and any other authorized persons, may conduct site inspections, the cost of which shall be borne by the institution, and examine records of all institutions subject to this chapter;

(c) Shall develop an interagency agreement with the work force training and education coordinating board to regulate degree-granting private vocational schools with respect to degree and nondegree programs; and

(d) Shall develop and disseminate information to the public about entities that sell or award degrees without requiring appropriate academic achievement at the postsecondary level, including but not limited to, a description of the substandard and potentially fraudulent practices of these entities, and advice about how the public can recognize and avoid the entities. To the extent feasible, the information shall include links to additional resources that may assist the public in identifying specific institutions offering substandard or fraudulent degree programs.

(2) Financial disclosures provided to the board by degree-granting private vocational schools are not subject to public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.

Sec. 4 RCW 28B.85.040 and 2004 c 96 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) An institution or person shall not advertise, offer, sell, or award a degree or any other type of educational credential unless the student has enrolled in and successfully completed a prescribed program of study, as outlined in the institution's publications. This prohibition shall not apply to honorary credentials clearly designated as such on the front side of the diploma or certificate and awarded by institutions offering other educational credentials in compliance with state law.

(2) No exemption or waiver granted under this chapter is permanent. The board shall periodically review exempted degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions granted a waiver, and continue exemptions or waivers only if an institution meets the statutory or board requirements for exemption or waiver in effect on the date of the review.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, this chapter shall not apply to:

(a) Any public college, university, community college, technical college, or institute operating as part of the public higher educational system of this state;

(b) Institutions that have been accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the agency for the purposes of this chapter: PROVIDED, That those institutions meet minimum exemption standards adopted by the agency; and PROVIDED FURTHER, That an institution, branch, extension, or facility operating within the state of Washington which is affiliated with an institution operating in another state must be a separately accredited member institution of any such accrediting association to qualify for this exemption;

(c) Institutions of a religious character, but only as to those education programs devoted exclusively to religious or theological objectives if the programs are represented in an accurate manner in institutional catalogs and other official publications;

(d) Honorary credentials clearly designated as such on the front side of the diploma or certificate awarded by institutions offering other educational credentials in compliance with state law; or

(e) Institutions not otherwise exempt which offer only workshops or seminars and institutions offering only credit-bearing workshops or seminars lasting no longer than three calendar days.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5 A new section is added to chapter 28A.405 RCW to read as follows:

A person who issues or uses a false academic credential is subject to sections 1 and 2 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6 A new section is added to chapter 28B.50 RCW to read as follows:

A person who issues or uses a false academic credential is subject to sections 1 and 2 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7 A new section is added to chapter 41.06 RCW to read as follows:

A person who issues or uses a false academic credential is subject to sections 1 and 2 of this act."

Senator Pridemore spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The motion by Senator Pridemore carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "education;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 28B.85.020 and 28B.85.040; adding a new section to chapter 28B.85 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 9A.60 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.405 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28B.50 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 41.06 RCW; and prescribing penalties."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Pridemore, the rules were suspended, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2507 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Schoesler and Pridemore spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2507 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2507 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 49; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 49

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2507 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 1966, by Representatives Ericks, O'Brien, Lovick, Strow, Haler, Takko, Morrell, Nixon, Campbell, McIntire, Conway, Santos, Chase and Moeller

Classifying identity theft as a crime against persons.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Kline, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 1966 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Kline and Johnson spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 1966.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 1966 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 49; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 49

HOUSE BILL NO. 1966, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 3041, by Representatives Alexander, Nixon, Haigh, Darneille and P. Sullivan

Modifying voter registration timelines.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Kastama, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 3041 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Kastama and Roach spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senator Thibaudeau was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 3041.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 3041 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Excused: Senator Thibaudeau - 1

HOUSE BILL NO. 3041, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2418, by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Springer, Miloscia, Chase, Morrell, Hasegawa, Darneille, Santos, P. Sullivan, Kagi, Green, Sells, Ormsby and O'Brien)

Increasing the availability of affordable housing.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Fairley moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.185 RCW to read as follows:

The legislature finds that Washington is experiencing an affordable housing crisis and that this crisis is growing exponentially every year as the population of the state expands and housing values increase at a rate that far exceeds most households' proportionate increase in income.

The fiscal and societal costs of the lack of adequate affordable housing are high for both the public and private sectors. Current levels of funding for affordable housing programs are inadequate to meet the housing needs of many low-income Washington households.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The legislature may authorize a transfer of up to twenty-five million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, into the Washington housing trust fund created in RCW 43.185.030. Any portion of this act that is appropriated to the department shall be included in the calculation of annual funds available for determining the administrative costs of the department, which shall not exceed five percent of the annual funds available for the housing assistance program and the affordable housing program as authorized under RCW 43.185.030 and 43.185A.030.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.185 RCW to read as follows:

The application process and distribution procedure for the allocation of funds are the same as the competitive application process and distribution procedure for the housing trust fund, described in this chapter and chapter 43.185A RCW, except for the funds applied to the homeless families services fund created in RCW 43.330.167, dollars appropriated to weatherization administered through the energy matchmaker program, dollars appropriated for housing vouchers for homeless persons, victims of domestic violence, and low-income persons or seasonal farm workers, and dollars appropriated to any program to provide financial assistance for grower-provided on-farm housing for low-income migrant or seasonal farm workers.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.185A RCW to read as follows:

The application process and distribution procedure for the allocation of funds are the same as the competitive application process and distribution procedure described in section 3 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The department must report to the appropriate committees of the legislature how appropriated funds were utilized on a county or city specific basis no later than December 31, 2007.

Sec. 6. RCW 43.185C.010 and 2005 c 484 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Department" means the department of community, trade, and economic development.

(2) "Director" means the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development.

(3) "Homeless person" means an individual living outside or in a building not meant for human habitation or which they have no legal right to occupy, in an emergency shelter, or in a temporary housing program which may include a transitional and supportive housing program if habitation time limits exist. This definition includes substance abusers, mentally ill people, and sex offenders who are homeless.

(4) "Washington homeless census" means an annual statewide census conducted as a collaborative effort by towns, cities, counties, community-based organizations, and state agencies, with the technical support and coordination of the department, to count and collect data on all homeless individuals in Washington.

(5) "Homeless housing account" means the state treasury account receiving the state's portion of income from revenue from the sources established by RCW 36.22.179.

(6) "Homeless housing grant program" means the vehicle by which competitive grants are awarded by the department, utilizing moneys from the homeless housing account, to local governments for programs directly related to housing homeless individuals and families, addressing the root causes of homelessness, preventing homelessness, collecting data on homeless individuals, and other efforts directly related to housing homeless persons.

(7) "Local government" means a county government in the state of Washington or a city government, if the legislative authority of the city affirmatively elects to accept the responsibility for housing homeless persons within its borders.

(8) "Housing continuum" means the progression of individuals along a housing-focused continuum with homelessness at one end and homeownership at the other.

(9) "Local homeless housing task force" means a voluntary local committee created to advise a local government on the creation of a local homeless housing plan and participate in a local homeless housing program. It must include a representative of the county, a representative of the largest city located within the county, at least one homeless or formerly homeless person, such other members as may be required to maintain eligibility for federal funding related to housing programs and services and if feasible, a representative of a private nonprofit organization with experience in low-income housing.

(10) "Long-term private or public housing" means subsidized and unsubsidized rental or owner-occupied housing in which there is no established time limit for habitation of less than two years.

(11) "Interagency council on homelessness" means a committee appointed by the governor and consisting of, at least, ((the director of)) policy level representatives of the following entities: (a) The department of community, trade, and economic development; (b) the ((secretary of the)) department of corrections; (c) the ((secretary of the)) department of social and health services; (d) the ((director of the)) department of veterans affairs; and (e) the ((secretary of the)) department of health.

(12) "Performance measurement" means the process of comparing specific measures of success against ultimate and interim goals.

(13) "Community action agency" means a nonprofit private or public organization established under the economic opportunity act of 1964.

(14) "Housing authority" means any of the public corporations created by chapter 35.82 RCW.

(15) "Homeless housing program" means the program authorized under this chapter as administered by the department at the state level and by the local government or its designated subcontractor at the local level.

(16) "Homeless housing plan" means the ten-year plan developed by the county or other local government to address housing for homeless persons.

(17) "Homeless housing strategic plan" means the ten-year plan developed by the department, in consultation with the interagency council on homelessness and the affordable housing advisory board.

(18) "Washington homeless client management information system" means a data base of information about homeless individuals in the state used to coordinate resources to assist homeless clients to obtain and retain housing and reach greater levels of self-sufficiency or economic independence when appropriate, depending upon their individual situations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 43.185C RCW to read as follows:

(1) The interagency council on homelessness, as defined in RCW 43.185C.010, shall be convened not later than August 31, 2006, and shall meet at least two times each year and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature annually by December 31st on its activities.

(2) The interagency council on homelessness shall work to create greater levels of interagency coordination and to coordinate state agency efforts with the efforts of state and local entities addressing homelessness.

(3) The interagency council shall seek to:

(a) Align homeless-related housing and supportive service policies among state agencies;

(b) Identify ways in which providing housing with appropriate services can contribute to cost savings for state agencies;

(d) Review and improve strategies for discharge from state institutions that contribute to homelessness;

(e) Recommend policies to either improve practices or align resources, or both, including those policies requested by the affordable housing advisory board or through state and local housing plans; and

(f) Ensure that the housing status of people served by state programs is collected in consistent formats available for analysis.

Sec. 8. RCW 43.63A.655 and 1999 c 267 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to improve services for the homeless, the department, within amounts appropriated by the legislature for this specific purpose, shall implement ((a)) the Washington homeless client management information system for the ongoing collection and ((analysis of)) updates of information about all homeless individuals in the state.

(2) Information about homeless individuals for the Washington homeless client management information system shall come from the Washington homeless census and from state agencies and community organizations providing services to homeless individuals and families. Personally identifying information about homeless individuals for the Washington homeless client management system may only be collected after having obtained informed, reasonably time limited written consent from the homeless individual to whom the information relates. Data collection shall be done in a manner consistent with federally informed consent guidelines regarding human research which, at a minimum, require that individuals be informed about the expected duration of their participation, an explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the data collection and their rights regarding their personal identifying information, an explanation regarding whom to contact in the event of injury to the individual related to the homeless client survey, a description of any reasonably foreseeable risks to the homeless individual, and a statement describing the extent to which confidentiality of records identifying the individual will be maintained.

(3) The Washington homeless client management information system shall serve as an online information and referral system to enable local governments and providers to connect homeless persons in the data base with available housing and other support services. Local governments shall develop a capacity for continuous case management, including independent living plans, when appropriate, to assist homeless persons.

(4) The information in the Washington homeless client management information system will also provide the department with the information to consolidate and analyze data about the extent and nature of homelessness in Washington state, giving emphasis to information about the extent and nature of homelessness in Washington state among families with children.

(5) The system may be merged with other data gathering and reporting systems and shall:

(a) Protect the right of privacy of individuals;

(b) Provide for consultation and collaboration with all relevant state agencies including the department of social and health services, experts, and community organizations involved in the delivery of services to homeless persons; and

(((2))) (6) Within amounts appropriated by the legislature, for this specific purpose, the department shall evaluate the information gathered and disseminate the analysis and the evaluation broadly, using appropriate computer networks as well as written reports.

(7) The Washington homeless client management information system shall be implemented by December 31, 2009, and updated with new homeless client information at least annually.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. (1) The department of community, trade, and economic development shall conduct a study to evaluate the potential development of a voluntary statewide, low-income household housing waiting list data base that would include information on all low-income households requesting housing assistance for the purpose of connecting such households with appropriate housing opportunities. The study shall investigate and evaluate the following:

(a) The anticipated benefits of such a statewide waiting list to low-income households and low-income housing providers;

(b) The cost of implementing and maintaining the data base; and

The department shall report the results of this study to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2007.

(2) This section expires December 31, 2007.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 43.185A RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall create or purchase, and implement by December 31, 2009, a master affordable housing data base that includes specific information about existing affordable rental housing stock in the state of Washington. The data base shall be maintained and continually updated by the department, and the department may cross-reference and exchange information between this data base and other existing state housing data bases.

(2) The data base shall include information on all rental units that meet the affordable housing definition and have received or continue to receive funding from the federal, state, or local government, or other nonprofit organization or financing through the Washington housing finance commission. The department shall encourage private landlords to voluntarily submit information about private rental units that are affordable for low-income households to be included in the data base.

(3) The data base shall include information about rental units that shall be determined by the department. However, the data base must include, at a minimum, measures for quality, cost, safety, and size.

(4) Other state agencies, local governments, local public agencies, including water and sewer districts, housing authorities, and other housing organizations shall cooperate with the department to create and update the affordable housing data base by providing to the department any requested existing information about rental housing units within the jurisdiction.

(5) The data base shall be searchable by the department, local governments, community housing organizations, including housing authorities, and the public according to housing characteristics determined by the department including, at a minimum, location, cost, and size. The data base will be utilized for data collection about Washington's affordable rental housing stock and will also serve as a low-income housing referral system to connect low-income households seeking housing with appropriate and available units.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. A new section is added to chapter 43.185A RCW to read as follows:

The department, the housing finance commission, the affordable housing advisory board, and all local governments, housing authorities, and other nonprofits receiving state housing funds or financing through the housing finance commission shall, by December 31, 2006, and annually thereafter, review current housing reporting requirements related to housing programs and services and give recommendations to streamline and simplify all planning and reporting requirements to the department of community, trade, and economic development, which will compile and present the recommendations annually to the legislature. The entities listed in this section shall also give recommendations for additional legislative actions that could promote affordable housing and end homelessness.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. A new section is added to chapter 35.82 RCW to read as follows:

A joint housing authority may be dissolved pursuant to substantially identical resolutions or ordinances of the legislative authority of each of the counties or cities that previously authorized that joint housing authority. These resolutions or ordinances may authorize the execution of an agreement among the counties, cities, and the joint housing authority that provides for the timing, distribution of assets, obligations and liabilities, and other matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the legislative authorities.

(2) Each resolution or ordinance dissolving a joint housing authority shall provide for the following:

(a) Activation or reactivation of a housing authority or joint housing authority by each of the cities and counties that previously authorized the joint housing authority and any additional cities or counties that are then to be added. This activation or reactivation takes effect upon the dissolution of the joint housing authority or at an earlier time provided in the resolutions or ordinances dissolving the joint housing authority; and

(b) Distribution of all assets, obligations, and liabilities of the joint housing authority to the housing authorities activated or reactivated under (a) of this subsection. Distribution of assets, obligations, and liabilities may be based on any, or a combination of any of, the following considerations:

(i) The population within the boundaries of each of the housing authorities activated or reactivated under (a) of this subsection;

(ii) The number of housing units owned by the joint housing authority within the boundaries of each of the housing authorities activated or reactivated under (a) of this subsection;

(iii) The number of low-income residents within the boundaries of each of the housing authorities activated or reactivated under (a) of this subsection;

(iv) The effect of the proposed distribution on the viability of the housing authorities activated or reactivated under (a) of this subsection; or

(v) Any other reasonable criteria to determine the distribution of assets, obligations, and liabilities.

(3) Each activated or reactivated housing authority shall be responsible for debt service on bonds or other obligations issued or incurred to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of the projects, properties, and other assets that have been distributed to them under the dissolution. However, if an outstanding bond issue is secured in whole or in part by the general revenues of the joint housing authority being dissolved, each housing authority activated or reactivated under subsection (2)(a) of this section shall remain jointly and severally liable for retirement of debt service through repayment of those outstanding bonds and other obligations of the joint housing authority until paid or defeased, from general revenues of each of the activated or reactivated housing authorities, and from any other revenues and accounts that had been expressly pledged by the joint housing authority to the payment of those bonds or other obligations. As used in this subsection, "general revenues" means all revenues of a housing authority from any source, but only to the extent that those revenues are available to pay debt service on bonds or other obligations and are not then or thereafter pledged or restricted by law, regulation, contract, covenant, resolution, deed of trust, or otherwise, solely to another particular purpose.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. RCW 43.63A.655 is recodified as a section in chapter 43.185C RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. If specific funding is not transferred from the general fund to the Washington housing trust fund for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, by June 30, 2006, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."

Senator Fairley spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means to Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2418.

The motion by Senator Fairley carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "housing;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 43.185C.010 and 43.63A.655; adding new sections to chapter 43.185 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.185A RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.185C RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.82 RCW; creating new sections; recodifying RCW 43.63A.655; and providing an expiration date."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Fairley, the rules were suspended, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2418 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Fairley and Benton spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2418 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2418 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 1; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Voting nay: Senator Schoesler - 1

ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2418 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 2424, by Representatives Grant, Kessler, Williams, Morrell, Condotta, Clibborn, Linville, Cox, Hunt, Buck, Conway, Haigh, Sump, P. Sullivan, Walsh, Springer, Buri, Haler, Newhouse, Ericksen, Morris, Ericks, Kretz, Strow, B. Sullivan, Dunn, Upthegrove, Ormsby, McDermott, Holmquist and Takko

Providing sales and use tax exemptions for users of farm fuel.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Rasmussen moved that the following committee amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means be adopted.

On page 1, line 8, after "diesel fuel" insert ", or aircraft fuel as defined in RCW 82.42.010(5),"

On page 2, line 4, after "diesel fuel" insert ", or aircraft fuel as defined in RCW 82.42.010(5),"

Senator Rasmussen spoke in favor of adoption of the committee amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means to House Bill No. 2424.

The motion by Senator Rasmussen carried and the committee amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Rasmussen, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 2424 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Rasmussen, Schoesler, Honeyford, Mulliken and Hewitt spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 2424 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 2424 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 44; Nays, 4; Absent, 1; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker and Zarelli - 44

Voting nay: Senators Kohl-Welles, Pridemore, Thibaudeau and Weinstein - 4

Absent: Senator Schmidt - 1

HOUSE BILL NO. 2424 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, House Bill No. 2424 was immediately transmitted to the House of Representatives.

STATEMENT FOR THE JOURNAL

Though present, I inadvertently missed the vote on final passage for House Bill No. 2424, which exempts from the sales and use tax certain fuels purchased by a farm fuel user. I would like the journal to reflect that I support this measure and would have voted for the bill on final passage.

DAVE SCHMIDT, 44th Legislative District

SECOND READING

FOURTH SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1483, by House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, McDonald, Moeller, Darneille, Jarrett, Simpson, Morrell, Sommers, Kenney, McDermott, Kagi, Chase and Clibborn)

Creating an "investing in youth program." Revised for 4th Substitute: Establishing a reinvesting in youth program.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Hargrove, the rules were suspended, Fourth Substitute House Bill No. 1483 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Hargrove, Stevens, Esser and Kohl-Welles spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Fourth Substitute House Bill No. 1483.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Fourth Substitute House Bill No. 1483 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 2; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47.

Absent: Senators Fraser and Roach - 2.

FOURTH SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1483, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Jacobsen: “If, with permission of the body I would like to ask the clerk to read a letter from the Director of the Department of Fish & Wildlife.”

March 2, 2006

State of Washington

Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Honorable Bob Oke

P. O. Box 40426

Olympia, WA 98504-0426

Dear Senator Oke,

It is with great pride that I offer my heart-felt appreciation for your service to the citizens and natural resources of the state of Washington. Your efforts within the state Legislature have resulted in dramatic, long-term impacts on our fish and wildlife management programs and your contributions as a sportsman have made positive impressions on the lives of the many people who have known and worked with you.

I know that an important focus for you has always been to encourage youth to recreate outdoors. Special youth seasons for upland birds have been created under your guidance on both sides of the state. Your philosophy of getting kids outdoors to engage in clean, healthy activities is expanding and is strongly supported by many.

Your keen interest in pheasants has expanded the emphasis and the attention that the state pays to pheasant hunting recreation. You are the primary reason that the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program was instituted to address hunting opportunity and habitat improvement. In addition, your leadership helped save the western Washington pheasant program during fiscal challenges faced by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since that time, pheasant production has been consolidated into one facility that has been modernized into a stat-of-the-art game farm that produces the same number of pheasants that two farms with twice the staff raised in the early 1990s. These programs continue to improve recreational hunting opportunities.

I would also like to acknowledge all of your efforts to secure funding for the Puget Sound recreational salmon and marine fish enhancement program. You played a leading role in the early 1990s in the crafting of the Puget Sound Recreational Salmon and Marine Fisheries Enhancement Program that culminated with the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2055 in 1993 that provided the necessary funding stability for this program. Your efforts and support of this program during the last 13 years has led to productive recreational fisheries throughout Puget Sound. The popular Blackmouth Program has produced approximately 1.7 million delayed release fall chinook per year and countless hours of fishing opportunity across Puget Sound. In addition, this program has provided significant economic benefits to Washington State.

Your other accomplishments in support of hunters and fishers are numerous and are deeply embedded in the fabric of Washington's fish and wildlife management programs. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work together and it is my sincere belief that citizens of the State of Washington, and Washington's fish and wildlife resources will always be indebted to you for your service.

In recognition for your work on behalf of the hunters and fishers of the state, I am pleased to announce that the Centralia Game Farm will be renamed, in your honor, the Bob Oke Game Farm.

Sincerely,

JEFF KOENINGS, PH. D., Director

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Hargrove: “Thank you Madam President. I just wanted to say what a real pleasure, Bob, to know you personally as a friend. I know you said you might retire or you said you might come back if certain bills didn’t pass to which I responded, 'I’m going go to go and make sure those bills don’t pass. I would like to see Bob back. He is going to be missed if he does retire because he is such a fine Christian gentleman. He has always had a smile for us, a comforting tap on the shoulder. I can not remember an angry word out Bob Oke even when the sampling bill was getting killed in the House. Over, over, over and over. How many times? Sixty times? Ok, a lot of times. It’s been a real pleasure to know you and count you as my friend. Thank you Bob.”

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Swecker: “Thank you Madam President. Well, this is a real honor. This game farm is located in my district in Centralia. In fact it’s located right out behind my church where I go to church on Sunday. So I have two ways to drive to church and I know which way I am going to be driving now because I want to be able to look at this sign when I go by. You may all remember Bob for Bob’s bridge, but I’m going to remember him for Bob’s Game Farm.”

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President Pro Tempore welcomed and introduced Mrs. Judy Oke, the wife of Senator Bob Oke, who was seated at the rostrum, Pages from Senator Okes district; Spencer Ethan Minshull; Travis Lee Stephens; Daniel Lee Hageman and David James Hageman who were also seated on the rostrum were also recognized.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President Pro Tempore welcomed and introduced Ron Antill, Supervisor of the Centralia Game Bird Farm; Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director of the Department of Fish & Wildlife; Mr. Larry Peck, Assistant Director who presented Senator Oke with a mock up of the "Bob Oke Game Farm" sign at the bar of the Senate

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President Pro Tempore welcome and introduced the Department of Fish and Wildlife staff who were seated in the Gallery.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Oke: “Thank you and another big shock. I mean I can’t tell you how many days I’ve been so honored, I didn’t have to reach so hard for the Kleenex. Most of you probably don’t know, I do love hunting pheasants but more importantly I do love seeing families hunt pheasants and young people. It just makes them better people and it did with me. Over the years maybe I shouldn’t say this on the floor, but the capital budget been moving a little money into the pheasant in Centralia. Just after I was elected it was the only farm. We had one on Whidbey and closed it down, but now we only one pheasant farm in the State of Washington. We used to have about nine I think. That farm that we have in Centralia, I would invite all of you to come down Ron and his wife Darlene run the farm. They are there twenty-four hours a day, all through the year. It’s just great to go down when the little chicks are all out and running around. I think it’s the best pheasant farm in the United States and it’s distributing pheasants for people to hunt up and down the west side. Those folks couldn’t hunt anymore because it’s too expensive to go to the other side but I’ve had folks a lot older than I, in their eighties. The only thing they have left in life is this dog they love dearly and that the fact that they can get out to a place and maybe, and most times, get at least a shot at a rooster. It’s a wonderful program and thank you all of you for honoring me. I don’t feel like I deserve any honor but I just love that rooster. Thank you.”

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Hewitt: “Thank you Madam President. Bob, when I met you six years I didn’t know what a guzzler was and today I know what a guzzler is. If you don’t know guzzler is, it is a little thing they put on the ground out in pheasant territory, captures the water so the pheasant can drink. You know, I can’t remember a day ever seeing you with a suit on that you didn’t have that pheasant on the lapel. What I really want to say is the last six years that I got to know you, you're one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever met in my entire life and I’m hoping that you're over in my territory this fall doing exactly what you told me you wanted to do. Two things, pheasant hunt and work for the people. Thank you Robert. We all love you.”

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Rasmussen: “Thank you Madam President. Well, I would also like to rise to a point of personal privilege and also be able to say thank you to Bob Oke, to Senator Oke. I’m going to say this on behalf of all the youth. Our Tacoma sportsman club is a marvelous, wonderful club but we really dedicate a lot to the youth and especially in our programs hunters safety and all the other issues. They, I know, would want me to tell you thank you for all you’ve done for our young people. Hunting, fishing is a chance for our young people to can go out with their moms and dads and be able to recreate. Get a long better. It is a tremendous program. I know my little granddaughter finished hunter safety and we were so proud of her because this is what it should be about. You know, our young people with their moms and dads. Thank you so much for working for the pheasants, for the fish and for all of our hunting programs and recreation programs throughout our state because it is for the youth and it is for their relationship with their parents, with their grandpas and grandmas and I just want to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Deccio: “Bob, the thing I like about you is, once you set your sights on something you never give up until the deal is done. I can think of three issues that you were involved in and I want to tell you I like that because I like to think maybe I do the same thing. That’s the way you get things done around here, you got to be patient. You got to set your sights. You got to keep moving till you get there and even if it takes five or six years, Bob's a good example of that and I admire you for it.”

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 2501, by Representatives Schual-Berke, Cody and Morrell

Regulating group health benefit plan coverage of mental health services.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Keiser, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 2501 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senators Doumit and Pridemore were excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 2501.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 2501 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 46; Nays, 0; Absent, 2; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 46

Absent: Senators Haugen and Mulliken - 2

Excused: Senator Pridemore - 1

HOUSE BILL NO. 2501, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2573, by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Wallace, Clibborn, Cody, Flannigan, Simpson, Green, Ormsby, Springer, Kilmer, Moeller, Kagi and Conway)

Adopting health information technology to improve quality of care.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Keiser moved that the following committee amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care be adopted.

On page 6, after line 27, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The department of corrections shall create a demonstration project with one county jail system, one city jail system in the same county as the county jail system, and one state prison to demonstrate an integrated electronic health records system to facilitate and expedite the transfer of inmate health information between state and local correctional facilities.

(a) The demonstration project shall at a minimum be partially operational prior to September 1, 2006.

(b) The demonstration project data shall be available to the legislature by December 31, 2006.

(c) If specific funding is not provided for this subsection, the department is not required to complete the demonstration project.

(2) The department of corrections, in consultation with the Washington state health care authority, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington association of county officials, the Washington state association of counties, and the association of Washington cities shall prepare a recommendation to the 2007 legislature on how to implement a statewide integrated electronic health records system to facilitate and expedite the transfer of inmate health information between state and local correctional facilities. The recommendation shall include data from similar demonstration projects, the cost necessary to implement the statewide program, anticipated savings created to state and local governments, the benefits of such a system, any relevant data from other states that have implemented similar statewide programs, and whether any statutory changes are necessary to implement a statewide system. The recommendations shall be presented to the legislature by December 31, 2006."

Senator Keiser spoke in favor of adoption of the committee amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care to Substitute House Bill No. 2573.

The motion by Senator Keiser carried and the committee amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 2 of the title, strike "a new section" and insert "new sections"

MOTION

On motion of Senator Keiser, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2573 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2573 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2573 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 45; Nays, 2; Absent, 2; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 45

Voting nay: Senators McCaslin and Morton - 2

Absent: Senators Haugen and Mulliken - 2

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2573 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2342, by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Appleton, Nixon, Hunt, Curtis, Lantz, Morrell, Springer, Wallace, Fromhold, Kagi, Roberts, Cody, Ericks, Green and Ormsby)

Establishing a health care declarations registry.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Keiser, the rules were suspended, Second Substitute House Bill No. 2342 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Schoesler, Senator Mulliken was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Second Substitute House Bill No. 2342.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Second Substitute House Bill No. 2342 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 1; Absent, 1; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47

Voting nay: Senator Mulliken - 1

Absent: Senator Spanel - 1

SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2342, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2352, by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins and B. Sullivan)

Modifying net metering provisions.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Poulsen moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Water, Energy & Environment be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 80.60.010 and 2000 c 158 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) "Commission" means the utilities and transportation commission.

(2) "Customer-generator" means a user of a net metering system.

(3) "Electrical company" means a company owned by investors that meets the definition of RCW 80.04.010.

(4) "Electric cooperative" means a cooperative or association organized under chapter 23.86 or 24.06 RCW.

(5) "Electric utility" means any electrical company, public utility district, irrigation district, port district, electric cooperative, or municipal electric utility that is engaged in the business of distributing electricity to retail electric customers in the state.

(6) "Irrigation district" means an irrigation district under chapter 87.03 RCW.

(7) "Municipal electric utility" means a city or town that owns or operates an electric utility authorized by chapter 35.92 RCW.

(8) "Net metering" means measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by an electric utility and the electricity generated by a customer-generator ((that is fed back to the electric utility)) over the applicable billing period.

(9) "Net metering system" means a fuel cell ((or)), a facility that produces electricity and used and useful thermal energy from a common fuel source, or a facility for the production of electrical energy that generates renewable energy, and that:

(a) ((Uses as its fuel either solar, wind, or hydropower;

(b))) Has ((a)) an electrical generating capacity of not more than ((twenty-five)) one hundred kilowatts;

(((c))) (b) Is located on the customer-generator's premises;

(((d))) (c) Operates in parallel with the electric utility's transmission and distribution facilities; and

(((e))) (d) Is intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-generator's requirements for electricity.

(10) "Port district" means a port district within which an industrial development district has been established as authorized by Title 53 RCW.

(11) "Public utility district" means a district authorized by chapter 54.04 RCW.

(12) "Renewable energy" means energy generated by a facility that uses water, wind, solar energy, or biogas from animal waste as a fuel.

Sec. 2. RCW 80.60.020 and 2000 c 158 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

An electric utility:

(1) Shall offer to make net metering available to eligible customers-generators on a first-come, first-served basis until the cumulative generating capacity of net metering systems equals ((0.1)) 0.25 percent of the utility's peak demand during 1996((, of which not less than 0.05 percent shall be attributable to net metering systems that use as its fuel either solar, wind, or hydropower)). On January 1, 2014, the cumulative generating capacity available to net metering systems will equal 0.5 percent of the utility's peak demand during 1996. Not less than one-half of the utility's 1996 peak demand available for net metering systems shall be reserved for the cumulative generating capacity attributable to net metering systems that generate renewable energy;

(2) Shall allow net metering systems to be interconnected using a standard kilowatt-hour meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in two directions, unless the commission, in the case of an electrical company, or the appropriate governing body, in the case of other electric utilities, determines, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment:

(a) That the use of additional metering equipment to monitor the flow of electricity in each direction is necessary and appropriate for the interconnection of net metering systems, after taking into account the benefits and costs of purchasing and installing additional metering equipment; and

(b) How the cost of purchasing and installing an additional meter is to be allocated between the customer-generator and the utility;

(3) Shall charge the customer-generator a minimum monthly fee that is the same as other customers of the electric utility in the same rate class, but shall not charge the customer-generator any additional standby, capacity, interconnection, or other fee or charge unless the commission, in the case of an electrical company, or the appropriate governing body, in the case of other electric utilities, determines, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment that:

(a) The electric utility will incur direct costs associated with interconnecting or administering net metering systems that exceed any offsetting benefits associated with these systems; and

(b) Public policy is best served by imposing these costs on the customer-generator rather than allocating these costs among the utility's entire customer base.

Sec. 3. RCW 80.60.030 and 1998 c 318 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

Consistent with the other provisions of this chapter, the net energy measurement must be calculated in the following manner:

(1) The electric utility shall measure the net electricity produced or consumed during the billing period, in accordance with normal metering practices.

(2) If the electricity supplied by the electric utility exceeds the electricity generated by the customer-generator and fed back to the electric utility during the billing period, the customer-generator shall be billed for the net electricity supplied by the electric utility, in accordance with normal metering practices.

(3) If electricity generated by the customer-generator exceeds the electricity supplied by the electric utility, the customer-generator:

(a) Shall be billed for the appropriate customer charges for that billing period, in accordance with RCW 80.60.020; and

(b) Shall be credited for the excess kilowatt-hours generated during the billing period, with this kilowatt-hour credit appearing on the bill for the following billing period.

((At the beginning)) On April 30th of each calendar year, any remaining unused kilowatt-hour credit accumulated during the previous year shall be granted to the electric utility, without any compensation to the customer-generator.

Sec. 4. RCW 80.60.040 and 2000 c 158 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A net metering system used by a customer-generator shall include, at the customer-generator's own expense, all equipment necessary to meet applicable safety, power quality, and interconnection requirements established by the national electrical code, national electrical safety code, the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, and underwriters laboratories.

(2) The commission, in the case of an electrical company, or the appropriate governing body, in the case of other electric utilities, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment, may adopt by regulation additional safety, power quality, and interconnection requirements for customer-generators, including limitations on the number of customer generators and total capacity of net metering systems that may be interconnected to any distribution feeder line, circuit, or network that the commission or governing body determines are necessary to protect public safety and system reliability.

(3) An electric utility may not require a customer-generator whose net metering system meets the standards in subsections (1) and (2) of this section to comply with additional safety or performance standards, perform or pay for additional tests, or purchase additional liability insurance. However, an electric utility shall not be liable directly or indirectly for permitting or continuing to allow an attachment of a net metering system, or for the acts or omissions of the customer-generator that cause loss or injury, including death, to any third party."

Senator Poulsen spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Water, Energy & Environment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2352.

The motion by Senator Poulsen carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "metering;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 80.60.010, 80.60.020, 80.60.030, and 80.60.040."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Poulsen, the rules were suspended, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2352 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senator Morton spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Weinstein, Senator Doumit was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2352 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2352 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 46; Nays, 1; Absent, 1; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 46

Voting nay: Senator Delvin - 1

Absent: Senator Hargrove - 1

Excused: Senator Doumit - 1

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2352 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2446, by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Buri, Sump and Haler)

Permitting certain school district substitute employee contracts.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Weinstein, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2446 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Weinstein and Schoesler spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senator Fairley was excused.

POINT OF INQUIRY

Senator Benton: “Would Senator Schoesler yield to a question? Senator Schoesler, for a number of years, we’ve had some concerns in the legislature over the retire-rehire situation where people retire and their contracted back. Is this bill tight enough to where it only applies to very small rural districts and does the retire-rehire issue really present itself in this legislation?”

Senator Schoesler: “Thank you for your concern Senator Benton. This bill requires a district to declare a shortage of substitute teachers. It applies only to districts of under two-hundred total students and does not reference retire-rehire anywhere in any of the new language.”

Senator Benton spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2446.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2446 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 2.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Eide, Esser, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47

Excused: Senators Doumit and Fairley - 2

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2446, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1650, by House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Brien, Newhouse, Lovick and Rodne)

Addressing the failure to respond to citations and notices of infractions. Revised for 1st Substitute: Decriminalizing refusal to sign citations and notices of infractions issued electronically or by mail.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Brandland moved that the following striking amendment by Senators Kline and Johnson be adopted:

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 46.61.021 and 1997 1st sp.s. c 1 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person requested or signaled to stop by a law enforcement officer for a traffic infraction has a duty to stop.

(2) Whenever any person is stopped for a traffic infraction, the officer may detain that person for a reasonable period of time necessary to identify the person, check for outstanding warrants, check the status of the person's license, insurance identification card, and the vehicle's registration, and complete and issue a notice of traffic infraction.

(3) Any person requested to identify himself or herself to a law enforcement officer pursuant to an investigation of a traffic infraction has a duty to identify himself or herself((,)) and give his or her current address((, and sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the notice of infraction)).

Sec. 2. RCW 46.63.060 and 1993 c 501 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A notice of traffic infraction represents a determination that an infraction has been committed. The determination will be final unless contested as provided in this chapter.

(2) The form for the notice of traffic infraction shall be prescribed by rule of the supreme court and shall include the following:

(a) A statement that the notice represents a determination that a traffic infraction has been committed by the person named in the notice and that the determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(b) A statement that a traffic infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment may not be imposed as a sanction; that the penalty for a traffic infraction may include sanctions against the person's driver's license including suspension, revocation, or denial; that the penalty for a traffic infraction related to standing, stopping, or parking may include nonrenewal of the vehicle license;

(d) A statement of the monetary penalty established for the traffic infraction;

(e) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(f) A statement that at any hearing to contest the determination the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the infraction was committed; and that the person may subpoena witnesses including the officer who issued the notice of infraction;

(g) A statement that at any hearing requested for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances surrounding the commission of the infraction the person will be deemed to have committed the infraction and may not subpoena witnesses;

(h) A statement that the person must respond to the notice as provided in this chapter within fifteen days or the person's driver's license or driving privilege will be suspended by the department until any penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter have been satisfied; and

(i) A statement that failure to appear at a hearing requested for the purpose of contesting the determination or for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances will result in the suspension of the person's driver's license or driving privilege, or in the case of a standing, stopping, or parking violation, refusal of the department to renew the vehicle license, until any penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter have been satisfied((;

(j) A statement, which the person shall sign, that the person promises to respond to the notice of infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter)).

Sec. 3. RCW 46.64.015 and 2004 c 43 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever any person is arrested for any violation of the traffic laws or regulations which is punishable as a misdemeanor or by imposition of a fine, the arresting officer may serve upon him or her a traffic citation and notice to appear in court. Such citation and notice shall conform to the requirements of RCW 46.64.010, and in addition, shall include spaces for the name and address of the person arrested, the license number of the vehicle involved, the driver's license number of such person, if any, the offense or violation charged, and the time and place where such person shall appear in court((, and a place where the person arrested may sign)). Such spaces shall be filled with the appropriate information by the arresting officer. ((The arrested person, in order to secure release, and when permitted by the arresting officer, must give his or her written promise to appear in court as required by the citation and notice by signing in the appropriate place the written or electronic citation and notice served by the arresting officer, and if the arrested person is a nonresident of the state, shall also post a bond, cash security, or bail as required under RCW 46.64.035.)) An officer may not serve or issue any traffic citation or notice for any offense or violation except either when the offense or violation is committed in his or her presence or when a person may be arrested pursuant to RCW 10.31.100, as now or hereafter amended. The detention arising from an arrest under this section may not be for a period of time longer than is reasonably necessary to issue and serve a citation and notice, except that the time limitation does not apply under any of the following circumstances:

(1) ((Where the arrested person refuses to sign a written promise to appear in court as required by the citation and notice provisions of this section;

(2))) Where the arresting officer has probable cause to believe that the arrested person has committed any of the offenses enumerated in RCW 10.31.100(3)((, as now or hereafter amended));

(((3))) (2) When the arrested person is a nonresident and is being detained for a hearing under RCW 46.64.035.

Sec. 4. RCW 46.64.025 and 1999 c 86 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever any person ((violates his or her written promise to appear in court, or)) served with a traffic citation willfully fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing, the court in which the defendant failed to appear shall promptly give notice of such fact to the department of licensing. Whenever thereafter the case in which the defendant failed to appear is adjudicated, the court hearing the case shall promptly file with the department a certificate showing that the case has been adjudicated.

Sec. 5. RCW 7.80.070 and 1987 c 456 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A notice of civil infraction represents a determination that a civil infraction has been committed. The determination is final unless contested as provided in this chapter.

(2) The form for the notice of civil infraction shall be prescribed by rule of the supreme court and shall include the following:

(a) A statement that the notice represents a determination that a civil infraction has been committed by the person named in the notice and that the determination is final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(b) A statement that a civil infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment may not be imposed as a sanction;

(d) A statement of the monetary penalty established for the civil infraction;

(e) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(f) A statement that at any hearing to contest the determination the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the civil infraction was committed and that the person may subpoena witnesses including the enforcement officer who issued the notice of civil infraction;

(g) A statement that at any hearing requested for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances surrounding the commission of the civil infraction, the person will be deemed to have committed the civil infraction and may not subpoena witnesses;

(h) A statement that the person must respond to the notice as provided in this chapter within fifteen days;

(i) A statement that failure to respond to the notice or a failure to appear at a hearing requested for the purpose of contesting the determination or for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances will result in a default judgment against the person in the amount of the penalty and that this failure may be referred to the prosecuting attorney for criminal prosecution for failure to respond or appear;

(j) ((A statement, which the person shall sign, that the person promises to respond to the notice of civil infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter;

(k))) A statement that failure to respond to a notice of civil infraction ((as promised)) or to appear at a requested hearing is a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine or imprisonment in jail.

Sec. 6. RCW 7.80.160 and 2002 c 175 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((A person who fails to sign a notice of civil infraction is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(2))) Any person ((willfully violating his or her written and signed promise to appear in court or his or her written and signed promise to respond to a notice of civil infraction)) who, after receiving a statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice of civil infraction and the procedures necessary to exercise these options, fails to exercise one of the options in a timely manner is guilty of a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the notice of civil infraction. A ((written promise to appear in court or a written promise to respond to a)) notice of civil infraction may be complied with by an appearance by counsel.

(((3))) (2) A person who willfully fails to pay a monetary penalty or to perform community restitution as required by a court under this chapter may be found in contempt of court as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW.

Sec. 7. RCW 7.84.050 and 1987 c 380 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A notice of infraction represents a determination that an infraction has been committed. The determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this chapter.

(2) The form for the notice of infraction shall be prescribed by rule of the supreme court and shall include the following:

(a) A statement that the notice represents a determination that an infraction has been committed by the person named in the notice and that the determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(b) A statement that an infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment will not be imposed as a sanction;

(d) A statement of the monetary penalty established for the infraction;

(e) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(f) A statement that at any hearing to contest the determination, the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the infraction was committed; and that the person may subpoena witnesses including the officer who issued the notice of infraction;

(g) A statement that at any hearing requested for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances surrounding the commission of the infraction the person shall be deemed to have committed the infraction and shall not subpoena witnesses;

(h) A statement that failure to respond to a notice of infraction within fifteen days is a misdemeanor and may be punished by fine or imprisonment; and

(i) A statement that failure to appear at a hearing requested for the purpose of contesting the determination or for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances is a misdemeanor and may be punished by fine or imprisonment((; and

(j) A statement, which the person shall sign, that the person promises to respond to the notice of infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter)).

Sec. 8. RCW 18.27.240 and 1986 c 197 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The form of the notice of infraction issued under this chapter shall include the following:

(1) A statement that the notice represents a determination that the infraction has been committed by the contractor named in the notice and that the determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(2) A statement that the infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment shall not be imposed as a sanction;

(3) A statement of the specific violation which necessitated issuance of the infraction;

(4) A statement of penalty involved if the infraction is established;

(5) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(6) A statement that at any hearing to contest the notice of infraction the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the infraction was committed; and that the contractor may subpoena witnesses, including the compliance inspector of the department who issued and served the notice of infraction;

(7) A statement((, which the person who has been served with the notice of infraction shall sign,)) that the contractor ((promises to)) must respond to the notice of infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter; and

(8) ((A statement that refusal to sign the infraction as directed in subsection (7) of this section is a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine or imprisonment in jail; and

(9))) A statement that a contractor's failure to ((respond to a notice of infraction as promised)) timely select one of the options for responding to the notice of infraction after receiving a statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice of infraction and the procedures necessary to exercise these options isguilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine or imprisonment in jail.

Sec. 9. RCW 18.106.190 and 1994 c 174 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The form of the notice of infraction issued under this chapter shall include the following:

(1) A statement that the notice represents a determination that the infraction has been committed by the person named in the notice and that the determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(2) A statement that the infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment shall not be imposed as a sanction;

(3) A statement of the specific infraction for which the notice was issued;

(4) A statement of the monetary penalty that has been established for the infraction;

(5) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(6) A statement that at any hearing to contest the determination the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the infraction was committed; and that the person may subpoena witnesses, including the authorized representative of the department who issued and served the notice of infraction; and

(7) A statement((, which the person shall sign,)) that the person ((promises to)) must respond to the notice of infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter((;)).

(((8) A statement that refusal to sign the infraction as directed in subsection (7) of this section is a misdemeanor; and

(9))) A statement that failure to ((respond to a notice of infraction as promised)) timely select one of the options for responding to the notice of civil infraction after receiving a statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice of infraction and the procedures necessary to exercise these options is a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine or imprisonment in jail.

Sec. 10. RCW 20.01.482 and 2004 c 43 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director shall have the authority to issue a notice of civil infraction if an infraction is committed in his or her presence or, if after investigation, the director has reasonable cause to believe an infraction has been committed.

(2) It is a misdemeanor for any person to refuse to properly identify himself or herself for the purpose of issuance of a notice of infraction ((or to refuse to sign the written or electronic promise to appear or respond to a notice of infraction)).

(3) Any person willfully ((violating a written or electronic and signed promise)) failing to respond to a notice of infraction is guilty of a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the notice of infraction.

Sec. 11. RCW 43.63B.140 and 1994 c 284 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department shall prescribe the form of the notice of infraction issued under this chapter.

(2) The notice of infraction shall include the following:

(a) A statement that the notice represents a determination that the infraction has been committed by the person named in the notice and that the determination is final unless contested as provided in this chapter;

(b) A statement that the infraction is a noncriminal offense for which imprisonment may not be imposed as a sanction;

(d) A statement of a monetary penalty that has been established for the infraction;

(e) A statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice and the procedures necessary to exercise these options;

(f) A statement that, at a hearing to contest the determination, the state has the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the infraction was committed, and that the person may subpoena witnesses including the authorized representative who issued and served the notice of the infraction; and

(g) ((A statement, that the person shall sign, that the person promises to respond to the notice of infraction in one of the ways provided in this chapter;

(h) A statement that refusal to sign the infraction as directed in (g) of this subsection is a misdemeanor; and

(i))) A statement that failure to respond to a notice of infraction ((as promised)) is a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine or imprisonment in jail.

Sec. 12. RCW 81.112.230 and 1999 c 20 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Nothing in RCW 81.112.020 and 81.112.210 through 81.112.230 shall be deemed to prevent law enforcement authorities from prosecuting for theft, trespass, or other charges by any individual who:

(1) Fails to pay the required fare on more than one occasion within a twelve-month period;

(2) Fails to ((sign a notice of civil infraction)) timely select one of the options for responding to the notice of civil infraction after receiving a statement of the options provided in this chapter for responding to the notice of infraction and the procedures necessary to exercise these options; or

(3) Fails to depart the train, including but not limited to commuter trains and light rail trains, when requested to do so by a person designated to monitor fare payment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. RCW 18.27.280 (Notice--Penalty for person refusing to promise to respond) and 1983 1st ex.s. c 2 s 10 are each repealed."

Senator Kline spoke in favor of adoption of the striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the striking amendment by Senators Kline and Johnson to Substitute House Bill No. 1650.

The motion by Senator Brandland carried and the striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "infractions;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 46.61.021, 46.63.060, 46.64.015, 46.64.025, 7.80.070, 7.80.160, 7.84.050, 18.27.240, 18.106.190, 20.01.482, 43.63B.140, and 81.112.230; repealing RCW 18.27.280; and prescribing penalties."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Brandland, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 1650 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Brandland and Kline spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1650 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1650 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Excused: Senator Doumit - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1650 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2812, by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunter, Rodne, Quall, Nixon, P. Sullivan, Jarrett, Clibborn, Tom, Morrell, Fromhold, Roberts, Schual-Berke, Simpson, Anderson and Kagi)

Modifying school district levy provisions. Revised for 1st Substitute: Increasing the levy base for school districts.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Schoesler moved that the following amendment by Senators Schoesler and Morton be adopted.

On page 1, after line 3, insert the following:"Sec. 14. RCW 28A.500.030 and 2005 c 518 s 914 are each amended to read as follows:

Allocation of state matching funds to eligible districts for local effort assistance shall be determined as follows:

(1) Funds raised by the district through maintenance and operation levies shall be matched with state funds using the following ratio of state funds to levy funds:

(a) The difference between the district's twelve percent levy rate and the statewide average twelve percent levy rate; to

(b) The statewide average twelve percent levy rate.

(2) The maximum amount of state matching funds for districts eligible for local effort assistance shall be the district's twelve percent levy amount, multiplied by the following percentage:

(a) The difference between the district's twelve percent levy rate and the statewide average twelve percent levy rate; divided by

(b) The district's twelve percent levy rate.

(3) Calendar year 2003 allocations and maximum eligibility under this chapter shall be multiplied by 0.99.

(4) From January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2005, allocations and maximum eligibility under this chapter shall be multiplied by 0.937.

(5) From January 1, 2006, to ((June 30, 2007)) December 31, 2006, allocations and maximum eligibility under this chapter shall be multiplied by 0.9563. Beginning with calendar year 2007, allocations and maximum elgibility under this chapter shall be fully funded at one hundred percent and shall not be reduced."

Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

Senators Schoesler and Weinstein spoke in favor of adoption of the amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the amendment by Senators Schoesler and Morton on page 1, line 3 to Substitute House Bill No. 2812.

The motion by Senator Schoesler carried and the amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "RCW" insert "28A.500.030 and"

MOTION

On motion of Senator Weinstein, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2812 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Weinstein, Esser, Rockefeller and Schmidt spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2812 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2812 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Excused: Senator Doumit - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2812 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Schoesler, Senator Parlette was excused.

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2848, by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Ericks, Santos, Williams, Rodne, Priest, Hudgins, Darneille, Morrell, Kessler, McDonald, Roberts, McCoy, Kenney, Campbell, P. Sullivan, Wallace, Hasegawa, Kilmer, Green, Simpson, Wood, Ormsby and Springer)

Protecting confidentiality of domestic violence information.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Kline, the rules were suspended, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2848 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Kline and Johnson spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2848.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2848 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 1; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47

Absent: Senator Deccio - 1

Excused: Senator Parlette - 1

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2848, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2974, by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Morrell and Moeller)

Modifying provisions with respect to disciplining health professions.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Keiser moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 18.130.060 and 2001 c 101 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

In addition to the authority specified in RCW 18.130.050, the secretary has the following additional authority:

(1) To employ such investigative, administrative, and clerical staff as necessary for the enforcement of this chapter;

(2) Upon the request of a board, to appoint pro tem members to participate as members of a panel of the board in connection with proceedings specifically identified in the request. Individuals so appointed must meet the same minimum qualifications as regular members of the board. Pro tem members appointed for matters under this chapter are appointed for a term of no more than one year. No pro tem member may serve more than four one-year terms. While serving as board members pro tem, persons so appointed have all the powers, duties, and immunities, and are entitled to the emoluments, including travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, of regular members of the board. The chairperson of a panel shall be a regular member of the board appointed by the board chairperson. Panels have authority to act as directed by the board with respect to all matters concerning the review, investigation, and adjudication of all complaints, allegations, charges, and matters subject to the jurisdiction of the board. The authority to act through panels does not restrict the authority of the board to act as a single body at any phase of proceedings within the board's jurisdiction. Board panels may make interim orders and issue final decisions with respect to matters and cases delegated to the panel by the board. Final decisions may be appealed as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act;

(3) To establish fees to be paid for witnesses, expert witnesses, and consultants used in any investigation and to establish fees to witnesses in any agency adjudicative proceeding as authorized by RCW 34.05.446;

(4) To conduct investigations and practice reviews at the direction of the disciplining authority and to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and take depositions in the course of conducting those investigations and practice reviews at the direction of the disciplining authority;

(5) To have the health professions regulatory program establish a system to recruit potential public members, to review the qualifications of such potential members, and to provide orientation to those public members appointed pursuant to law by the governor or the secretary to the boards and commissions specified in RCW 18.130.040(2)(b), and to the advisory committees and councils for professions specified in RCW 18.130.040(2)(a); and

(6) To adopt rules, in consultation with the disciplining authorities, requiring every license holder to report information identified in RCW 18.130.070.

Sec. 2. RCW 18.130.070 and 2005 c 470 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) The ((disciplining authority may)) secretary shall adopt rules requiring ((any person, including, but not limited to, licensees, corporations, organizations, health care facilities, impaired practitioner programs, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring programs approved by the disciplining authority and state or local governmental agencies,)) every license holder to report to the appropriate disciplining authority any conviction, determination, or finding that ((a)) another license holder has committed an act which constitutes unprofessional conduct, or to report information to the disciplining authority, an impaired practitioner program, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring program approved by the disciplining authority, which indicates that the other license holder may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety to consumers as a result of a mental or physical condition.

(b) The secretary may adopt rules to require other persons, including corporations, organizations, health care facilities, impaired practitioner programs, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring programs approved by a disciplining authority, and state or local government agencies to report:

(i) Any conviction, determination, or finding that a license holder has committed an act which constitutes unprofessional conduct; or

(ii) Information to the disciplining authority, an impaired practitioner program, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring program approved by the disciplining authority, which indicates that the license holder may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety to consumers as a result of a mental or physical condition.

(c) If a report has been made by a hospital to the department pursuant to RCW 70.41.210, a report to the disciplining authority is not required. To facilitate meeting the intent of this section, the cooperation of agencies of the federal government is requested by reporting any conviction, determination, or finding that a federal employee or contractor regulated by the disciplining authorities enumerated in this chapter has committed an act which constituted unprofessional conduct and reporting any information which indicates that a federal employee or contractor regulated by the disciplining authorities enumerated in this chapter may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety as a result of a mental or physical condition.

(d) Reporting under this section is not required by:

(i) Any entity with a peer review committee, quality improvement committee or other similarly designated professional review committee, or by a license holder who is a member of such committee, during the investigative phase of the respective committee's operations if the investigation is completed in a timely manner; or

(ii) An impaired practitioner program or voluntary substance abuse monitoring program approved by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.175 if the license holder is currently enrolled in the treatment program, so long as the license holder actively participates in the treatment program and the license holder's impairment does not constitute a clear and present danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(2) If a person fails to furnish a required report, the disciplining authority may petition the superior court of the county in which the person resides or is found, and the court shall issue to the person an order to furnish the required report. A failure to obey the order is a contempt of court as provided in chapter 7.21 RCW.

(3) A person is immune from civil liability, whether direct or derivative, for providing information to the disciplining authority pursuant to the rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section.

(4)(a) The holder of a license subject to the jurisdiction of this chapter shall report to the disciplining authority:

(i) Any conviction, determination, or finding that ((the licensee)) he or she has committed unprofessional conduct or is unable to practice with reasonable skill or safety; and

(ii) Any disqualification from participation in the federal medicare program, under Title XVIII of the federal social security act or the federal medicaid program, under Title XIX of the federal social security act.

(b) Failure to report within thirty days of notice of the conviction, determination, ((or)) finding, or disqualification constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 18.130 RCW to read as follows:

Any individual who applies for a license or temporary practice permit or holds a license or temporary practice permit and is prohibited from practicing a health care profession in another state because of an act of unprofessional conduct that is substantially equivalent to an act of unprofessional conduct prohibited by this chapter or any of the chapters specified in RCW 18.130.040 is prohibited from practicing a health care profession in this state until proceedings of the appropriate disciplining authority have been completed under RCW 18.130.050.

Sec. 4. RCW 18.130.050 and 1995 c 336 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The disciplining authority has the following authority:

(1) To adopt, amend, and rescind such rules as are deemed necessary to carry out this chapter;

(2) To investigate all complaints or reports of unprofessional conduct as defined in this chapter and to hold hearings as provided in this chapter;

(3) To issue subpoenas and administer oaths in connection with any investigation, hearing, or proceeding held under this chapter;

(4) To take or cause depositions to be taken and use other discovery procedures as needed in any investigation, hearing, or proceeding held under this chapter;

(5) To compel attendance of witnesses at hearings;

(6) In the course of investigating a complaint or report of unprofessional conduct, to conduct practice reviews;

(7) To take emergency action ordering summary suspension of a license, or restriction or limitation of the ((licensee's)) license holder's practice pending proceedings by the disciplining authority. Consistent with section 3 of this act, a disciplining authority shall issue a summary suspension of the license or temporary practice permit of a license holder prohibited from practicing a health care profession in another state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction because of an act of unprofessional conduct that is substantially equivalent to an act of unprofessional conduct prohibited by this chapter or any of the chapters specified in RCW 18.130.040. The summary suspension remains in effect until proceedings by the Washington disciplining authority have been completed;

(8) To use a presiding officer as authorized in RCW 18.130.095(3) or the office of administrative hearings as authorized in chapter 34.12 RCW to conduct hearings. The disciplining authority shall make the final decision regarding disposition of the license unless the disciplining authority elects to delegate in writing the final decision to the presiding officer;

(9) To use individual members of the boards to direct investigations. However, the member of the board shall not subsequently participate in the hearing of the case;

(10) To enter into contracts for professional services determined to be necessary for adequate enforcement of this chapter;

(11) To contract with licensees or other persons or organizations to provide services necessary for the monitoring and supervision of licensees who are placed on probation, whose professional activities are restricted, or who are for any authorized purpose subject to monitoring by the disciplining authority;

(12) To adopt standards of professional conduct or practice;

(13) To grant or deny license applications, and in the event of a finding of unprofessional conduct by an applicant or license holder, to impose any sanction against a license applicant or license holder provided by this chapter;

(14) To designate individuals authorized to sign subpoenas and statements of charges;

(15) To establish panels consisting of three or more members of the board to perform any duty or authority within the board's jurisdiction under this chapter;

(16) To review and audit the records of licensed health facilities' or services' quality assurance committee decisions in which a licensee's practice privilege or employment is terminated or restricted. Each health facility or service shall produce and make accessible to the disciplining authority the appropriate records and otherwise facilitate the review and audit. Information so gained shall not be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any civil action pursuant to RCW 70.41.200(3).

Sec. 5. RCW 18.130.080 and 1998 c 132 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person, including but not limited to consumers, licensees, corporations, organizations, health care facilities, impaired practitioner programs, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring programs approved by disciplining authorities, and state and local governmental agencies, may submit a written complaint to the disciplining authority charging a license holder or applicant with unprofessional conduct and specifying the grounds therefor or to report information to the disciplining authority, or voluntary substance abuse monitoring program, or an impaired practitioner program approved by the disciplining authority, which indicates that the license holder may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety to consumers as a result of a mental or physical condition. If the disciplining authority determines that the complaint merits investigation, or if the disciplining authority has reason to believe, without a formal complaint, that a license holder or applicant may have engaged in unprofessional conduct, the disciplining authority shall investigate to determine whether there has been unprofessional conduct. In determining whether or not to investigate, the disciplining authority shall consider any prior complaints received by the disciplining authority, any prior findings of fact under RCW 18.130.110, any stipulations to informal disposition under RCW 18.130.172, and any comparable action taken by other state disciplining authorities.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the disciplining authority shall initiate an investigation in every instance where the disciplining authority receives information that a health care provider has been disqualified from participating in the federal medicare program, under Title XVIII of the federal social security act, or the federal medicaid program, under Title XIX of the federal social security act.

(3) A person who files a complaint or reports information under this section in good faith is immune from suit in any civil action related to the filing or contents of the complaint.

Sec. 6. RCW 18.130.160 and 2001 c 195 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Upon a finding, after hearing, that a license holder or applicant has committed unprofessional conduct or is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to a physical or mental condition, the disciplining authority may issue an order providing for one or any combination of the following:

(1) Revocation of the license;

(2) Suspension of the license for a fixed or indefinite term;

(3) Restriction or limitation of the practice;

(4) Requiring the satisfactory completion of a specific program of remedial education or treatment;

(5) The monitoring of the practice by a supervisor approved by the disciplining authority;

(6) Censure or reprimand;

(7) Compliance with conditions of probation for a designated period of time;

(8) Payment of a fine for each violation of this chapter, not to exceed five thousand dollars per violation. Funds received shall be placed in the health professions account;

(9) Denial of the license request;

(10) Corrective action;

(11) Refund of fees billed to and collected from the consumer;

(12) A surrender of the practitioner's license in lieu of other sanctions, which must be reported to the federal data bank.

Any of the actions under this section may be totally or partly stayed by the disciplining authority. Safeguarding the public's health and safety is the paramount responsibility of every disciplining authority and in determining what action is appropriate, the disciplining authority must first consider what sanctions are necessary to protect or compensate the public. Only after such provisions have been made may the disciplining authority consider and include in the order requirements designed to rehabilitate the license holder or applicant. All costs associated with compliance with orders issued under this section are the obligation of the license holder or applicant.

The licensee or applicant may enter into a stipulated disposition of charges that includes one or more of the sanctions of this section, but only after a statement of charges has been issued and the licensee has been afforded the opportunity for a hearing and has elected on the record to forego such a hearing. The stipulation shall either contain one or more specific findings of unprofessional conduct or inability to practice, or a statement by the licensee acknowledging that evidence is sufficient to justify one or more specified findings of unprofessional conduct or inability to practice. The stipulation entered into pursuant to this subsection shall be considered formal disciplinary action for all purposes.

Sec. 7. RCW 18.130.175 and 2005 c 274 s 233 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In lieu of disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 and if the disciplining authority determines that the unprofessional conduct may be the result of substance abuse, the disciplining authority may refer the license holder to a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program approved by the disciplining authority.

The cost of the treatment shall be the responsibility of the license holder, but the responsibility does not preclude payment by an employer, existing insurance coverage, or other sources. Primary alcoholism or other drug addiction treatment shall be provided by approved treatment programs under RCW 70.96A.020 or by any other provider approved by the entity or the commission. However, nothing shall prohibit the disciplining authority from approving additional services and programs as an adjunct to primary alcoholism or other drug addiction treatment. The disciplining authority may also approve the use of out-of-state programs. Referral of the license holder to the program shall be done only with the consent of the license holder. Referral to the program may also include probationary conditions for a designated period of time. If the license holder does not consent to be referred to the program or does not successfully complete the program, the disciplining authority may take appropriate action under RCW 18.130.160 which includes suspension of the license unless or until the disciplining authority, in consultation with the director of the voluntary substance abuse monitoring program, determines the license holder is able to practice safely. The secretary shall adopt uniform rules for the evaluation by the disciplinary authority of a relapse or program violation on the part of a license holder in the substance abuse monitoring program. The evaluation shall encourage program participation with additional conditions, in lieu of disciplinary action, when the disciplinary authority determines that the license holder is able to continue to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

(2) In addition to approving substance abuse monitoring programs that may receive referrals from the disciplining authority, the disciplining authority may establish by rule requirements for participation of license holders who are not being investigated or monitored by the disciplining authority for substance abuse. License holders voluntarily participating in the approved programs without being referred by the disciplining authority shall not be subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.160 for their substance abuse, and shall not have their participation made known to the disciplining authority, if they meet the requirements of this section and the program in which they are participating.

(3) The license holder shall sign a waiver allowing the program to release information to the disciplining authority if the licensee does not comply with the requirements of this section or is unable to practice with reasonable skill or safety. The substance abuse program shall report to the disciplining authority any license holder who fails to comply with the requirements of this section or the program or who, in the opinion of the program, is unable to practice with reasonable skill or safety. License holders shall report to the disciplining authority if they fail to comply with this section or do not complete the program's requirements. License holders may, upon the agreement of the program and disciplining authority, reenter the program if they have previously failed to comply with this section.

(4) The treatment and pretreatment records of license holders referred to or voluntarily participating in approved programs shall be confidential, shall be exempt from chapter 42.56 RCW, and shall not be subject to discovery by subpoena or admissible as evidence except for monitoring records reported to the disciplining authority for cause as defined in subsection (3) of this section. Monitoring records relating to license holders referred to the program by the disciplining authority or relating to license holders reported to the disciplining authority by the program for cause, shall be released to the disciplining authority at the request of the disciplining authority. Records held by the disciplining authority under this section shall be exempt from chapter 42.56 RCW and shall not be subject to discovery by subpoena except by the license holder.

(5) "Substance abuse," as used in this section, means the impairment, as determined by the disciplining authority, of a license holder's professional services by an addiction to, a dependency on, or the use of alcohol, legend drugs, or controlled substances.

(6) This section does not affect an employer's right or ability to make employment-related decisions regarding a license holder. This section does not restrict the authority of the disciplining authority to take disciplinary action for any other unprofessional conduct.

(7) A person who, in good faith, reports information or takes action in connection with this section is immune from civil liability for reporting information or taking the action.

(a) The immunity from civil liability provided by this section shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes of this section and the persons entitled to immunity shall include:

(i) An approved monitoring treatment program;

(ii) The professional association operating the program;

(iii) Members, employees, or agents of the program or association;

(iv) Persons reporting a license holder as being possibly impaired or providing information about the license holder's impairment; and

(v) Professionals supervising or monitoring the course of the impaired license holder's treatment or rehabilitation.

(b) The courts are strongly encouraged to impose sanctions on clients and their attorneys whose allegations under this subsection are not made in good faith and are without either reasonable objective, substantive grounds, or both.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon a guilty plea or conviction of a person for any felony crime involving homicide under chapter 9A.32 RCW, assault under chapter 9A.36 RCW, kidnapping under chapter 9A.40 RCW, or sex offenses under chapter 9A.44 RCW, the prosecuting attorney shall notify the state patrol of such guilty pleas or convictions.

(2) When the state patrol receives information that a person has pled guilty to or been convicted of one of the felony crimes under subsection (1) of this section, the state patrol shall transmit that information to the department of health. It is the duty of the department of health to identify whether the person holds a credential issued by a disciplining authority listed under RCW 18.130.040, and provide this information to the disciplining authority that issued the credential to the person who pled guilty or was convicted of a crime listed in subsection (1) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 18.130 RCW to read as follows:

(1) When developing its biennial budget request for appropriation of the health professions account created in RCW 43.70.320, beginning in the 2007-2009 budget and continuing in subsequent biennia, the department shall specify the number of full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys and the costs associated with supporting their activities. The department shall also specify the additional full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys that are required to achieve a staffing level that is able to respond promptly, competently, and appropriately to the workload associated with health professions disciplinary activities and the costs associated with supporting disciplinary activities. In identifying the need for additional staff, the department shall develop a formula based on its prior experience with staff levels compared to the number of providers, complaints, investigations, and other criteria that the department determines is relevant to staffing level decisions. The department must request additional funds for activities that most critically impact public health and safety. The budget request must specify the methodology used for each biennium.

(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2010, with recommendations for formulas for determining appropriate staffing levels for investigators and attorneys at the department of health involved in the health professions disciplinary process to achieve prompt, competent, and appropriate responses to complaints of unprofessional conduct. The report must be based upon the department's prior experience with staff levels compared to the number of providers, complaints, investigations, and other criteria that the department finds are relevant to determining appropriate staffing levels.

(3) This section expires July 1, 2011.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 18.57.174 (Duty to report unprofessional conduct--Exceptions) and 2000 c 171 s 20 & 1986 c 300 s 9; and

(2) RCW 18.71.0193 (Duty to report unprofessional conduct--Exceptions) and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 327 & 1986 c 300 s 5.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. Section 7 of this act takes effect July 1, 2006."

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care to Substitute House Bill No. 2974.

The motion by Senator Keiser carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "discipline;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 18.130.060, 18.130.070, 18.130.050, 18.130.080, 18.130.160, and 18.130.175; adding new sections to chapter 18.130 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW; repealing RCW 18.57.174 and 18.71.0193; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Keiser, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2974 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2974 as amended by the Senate

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2974 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 45; Nays, 3; Absent, 1; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 45

Voting nay: Senators Honeyford, McCaslin and Morton - 3

Absent: Senator Hewitt - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2974 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 3310, by Representatives Bailey, Linville, Kessler, Morrell, Clibborn and Morris

Reviewing existing health care coverage statutory requirements.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Keiser moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 48.20 RCW to read as follows:

Any disability insurance contract that provides coverage for a subscriber's dependent must offer the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (1) Under the age of twenty-five; or (2) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 48.21 RCW to read as follows:

Any group disability insurance contract or blanket disability insurance contract that provides coverage for a participating member's dependent must offer each participating member the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (1) Under the age of twenty-five; or (2) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 48.44 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Any individual health care service plan contract that provides coverage for a subscriber's dependent must offer the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (a) Under the age of twenty-five; or (b) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

(2) Any group health care service plan contract that provides coverage for a participating member's dependent must offer each participating member the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (a) Under the age of twenty-five; or (b) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 48.46 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Any individual health maintenance agreement that provides coverage for a subscriber's dependent must offer the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (a) Under the age of twenty-five; or (b) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

(2) Any group health maintenance agreement that provides coverage for a participating member's dependent must offer each participating member the option of covering his or her unmarried dependent: (a) Under the age of twenty-five; or (b) under the age of thirty and a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, regardless of whether the dependent is enrolled in an educational institution.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. By December 1, 2006, the insurance commissioner, shall provide a report to the legislature to include:

(1) A listing of all coverage, service, administrative, and provider requirements of all health carriers doing business in the state of Washington. The requirements for both individual and group markets should be listed. Requirements should include both statutory and regulatory requirements;

(2) A listing of those coverage, service, administrative, and provider requirements in the individual and group market that are not requirements in at least twenty-six other states;

(3) An assessment of whether market demand has already resulted in inclusion of a majority of these mandates or requirements in a significant number of health benefit plans in states that do not have the same requirements; and

(4) A listing of all health carriers doing business in the small group market in Washington state and the number of plans available compared to the number of carriers and plans available in other states.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 4 of this act take effect January 1, 2007."

MOTION

Senator Keiser moved that the following amendment by Senator Keiser to the committee striking amendment be adopted.

On page 1, line 14 after "contract" insert ", except those entered into under RCW 41.05.075,"

On page 2, line 1 after "contract" insert ", except those entered into under RCW 41.05.075,"

On page 2, line 15 after "agreement" insert ", except those entered into under RCW 41.05.075,"

Senator Keiser spoke in favor of adoption of the amendment to the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the amendment by Senator Keiser on page 1, line 14 to the committee striking amendment to Engrossed House Bill No. 3310.

The motion by Senator Keiser carried and the amendment to the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

Senator Deccio moved that the following amendment by Senator Deccio to the committee striking amendment be adopted.

On page 2, line 27, strike “;” and insert “. The report shall include an assessment of the cost of each listed requirement and the impact that covering the requirement has on the utilization of other health services, expressed as a net premium cost or savings per member per month.

(2) A listing of all statutory and regulatory requirements of all health carriers doing business in Washington that prohibit discrimination between health care provider groups who deliver services that are included in a health benefit plan. The report shall include an assessment of the cost of each listed requirement and the impact that covering the requirement has on the utilization of other health services, expressed as a net premium cost or savings per member per month.”

Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

Senator Deccio spoke in favor of adoption of the amendment to the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the amendment by Senator Deccio on page 2, line 27 to the committee striking amendment to Engrossed House Bill No. 3310.

The motion by Senator Deccio carried and the amendment to the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the striking committee amendment by the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care as amended to Engrossed House Bill No. 3310.

Senators Keiser and Deccio spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The motion by Senator Keiser carried and the committee striking amendment as amended was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "requirements;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 48.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.46 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Keiser, the rules were suspended, Engrossed House Bill No. 3310 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Keiser, Pflug and Parlette spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Engrossed House Bill No. 3310 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Engrossed House Bill No. 3310 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 49; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 49

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 3310, as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

The Senate resumed consideration of Substitute House Bill No. 2553 which had been deferred the previous day.

Senator Fairley spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee amendment by the Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection to Substitute House Bill No. 2553.

The motion by Senator Berkey carried and the committee amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "products;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 48.110.010, 48.110.015, 48.110.020, 48.110.030, 48.110.040, 48.110.050, 48.110.060, 48.110.070, 48.110.080, 48.110.090, 48.110.100, 48.110.110, 48.110.120, 48.110.130, 48.110.140, and 48.110.900; adding new sections to chapter 48.110 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 48.96.005, 48.96.010, 48.96.020, 48.96.025, 48.96.030, 48.96.040, 48.96.045, 48.96.047, 48.96.050, 48.96.060, 48.96.900, and 48.96.901; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Fairley, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2553 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Fairley, Benton and Delvin spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Morton, Senator McCaslin was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2553 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2553 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 48; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 48

Excused: Senator McCaslin - 1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2553 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 2465, by Representatives Lovick, Kessler, P. Sullivan, Haler and O'Brien

Modifying vehicle equipment standards related to original equipment installed.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Benson moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Transportation be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 46.37.010 and 2005 c 213 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) It is a traffic infraction for any person to drive or move, or for ((the)) a vehicle owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles ((which)) that:

(a) Is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person((, or which does not contain those parts or));

(b) Is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper working condition and adjustment as required ((in)) by this chapter or ((in regulations)) by rules issued by ((the chief of)) the Washington state patrol((, or which is equipped in any manner));

(c) Contains any parts in violation of this chapter or ((the state patrol's regulations, or)) rules issued by the Washington state patrol.

(2) It is a traffic infraction for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter or ((the state patrol's regulations)) rules issued by the Washington state patrol.

(((2))) (3) Nothing contained in this chapter or the state patrol's regulations shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or the state patrol's regulations.

(((3))) (4) The provisions of the chapter and the state patrol's regulations with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as herein made applicable.

(((4))) (5) No owner or operator of a farm tractor, self-propelled unit of farm equipment, or implement of husbandry shall be guilty of a crime or subject to penalty for violation of RCW 46.37.160 as now or hereafter amended unless such violation occurs on a public highway.

(((5))) (6) It is a traffic infraction for any person to sell or offer for sale vehicle equipment which is required to be approved by the state patrol as prescribed in RCW 46.37.005 unless it has been approved by the state patrol.

(((6))) (7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable.

(((7))) (8) This chapter does not apply to off-road vehicles used on nonhighway roads.

(((8))) (9) This chapter does not apply to vehicles used by the state parks and recreation commission exclusively for park maintenance and operations upon public highways within state parks.

(((9))) (10) Notices of traffic infraction issued to commercial drivers under the provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on commercial motor vehicles shall not be considered for driver improvement purposes under chapter 46.20 RCW.

(((10))) (11) Whenever a traffic infraction is chargeable to the owner or lessee of a vehicle under subsection (1) of this section, the driver shall not be arrested or issued a notice of traffic infraction unless the vehicle is registered in a jurisdiction other than Washington state, or unless the infraction is for an offense that is clearly within the responsibility of the driver.

(((11))) (12) Whenever the owner or lessee is issued a notice of traffic infraction under this section the court may, on the request of the owner or lessee, take appropriate steps to make the driver of the vehicle, or any other person who directs the loading, maintenance, or operation of the vehicle, a codefendant. If the codefendant is held solely responsible and is found to have committed the traffic infraction, the court may dismiss the notice against the owner or lessee.

Sec. 2. RCW 46.37.070 and 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) After January 1, 1964, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1964, shall be equipped with at least one such stop lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the stop lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in RCW 46.37.200(1).

(2) After January 1, 1960, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200(2), except that passenger cars, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, and trucks less than eighty inches in width, manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1953, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.

(3) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after September 1, 1985; and every passenger truck, passenger van, or passenger sports utility vehicle manufactured or assembled after September 1, 1993, must be equipped with a rear center high-mounted stop lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200(3).

Sec. 3. RCW 46.37.200 and 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred feet and on any vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, three hundred feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of a service brake, and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps.

(2) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under RCW 46.37.070(2) shall be equipped with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit amber light: PROVIDED, That on any vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1969, the lamps showing to the front may emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between white and amber. The lamp showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber. Turn signal lamps shall be visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.

(3) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with a center high-mounted stop lamp mounted on the center line of the rear of the vehicle. These stop lamps shall display a red light visible from a distance of not less than three hundred feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and shall be actuated upon application of a service brake, and may not be incorporated with any other rear lamps.

Sec. 4. RCW 46.37.390 and 2001 c 293 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway.

(2)(a) No motor vehicle first sold and registered as a new motor vehicle on or after January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevations of less than three thousand feet any air contaminant for a period of more than ten seconds which is:

(i) As dark as or darker than the shade designated as No. 1 on the Ringelmann chart, as published by the United States bureau of mines; or

(ii) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in subsection (a)(i) above.

(b) No motor vehicle first sold and registered prior to January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevations of less than three thousand feet any air contaminant for a period of more than ten seconds which is:

(i) As dark as or darker than the shade designated as No. 2 on the Ringelmann chart, as published by the United States bureau of mines; or

(ii) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in subsection (b)(i) above.

(i) "Opacity" means the degree to which an emission reduces the transmission of light and obscures the view of an object in the background;

(ii) "Ringelmann chart" means the Ringelmann smoke chart with instructions for use as published by the United States bureau of mines in May 1967 and as thereafter amended, information circular 7718.

(3) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the engine of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle not equipped as required by this subsection, or which has been amplified as prohibited by this subsection ((so that the vehicle's exhaust noise exceeds ninety-five decibels as measured by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J1169 (May, 1998). It is not a violation of this subsection unless proven by proper authorities that the exhaust system modification results in noise amplification in excess of ninety-five decibels under the prescribed SAE test standard)). A court may dismiss an infraction notice for a violation of this subsection if there is reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle was not operated in violation of this subsection.

This subsection (3) does not apply to vehicles twenty-five or more years old or to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by a recognized sanctioning body."

Senator Benson spoke in favor of adoption of the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Transportation to House Bill No. 2465.

The motion by Senator Benson carried and the committee striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "installed;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 46.37.010, 46.37.070, 46.37.200, and 46.37.390."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Benson, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 2465 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senator Benson spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Brandland, Senator Roach was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 2465 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 2465 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 46; Nays, 0; Absent, 1; Excused, 2.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 46

Absent: Senator Brown - 1

Excused: Senators McCaslin and Roach - 2

HOUSE BILL NO. 2465 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2867, by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Haler, Grant, Hankins, Cox, Sells, Roberts, Fromhold, Armstrong, Walsh, Skinner and Newhouse)

Regarding expansion of WSU Tri-Cities into a four-year institution.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Delvin moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means be not adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1 RCW 28B.45.030 and 2005 c 258 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Washington State University is responsible for providing baccalaureate and graduate level higher education programs to the citizens of the Tri-Cities area, under rules or guidelines adopted by the higher education coordinating board and in accordance with proportionality agreements emphasizing access for transfer students developed with the state board for community and technical colleges. Washington State University shall meet that responsibility through the operation of a branch campus in the Tri-Cities area. The branch campus shall replace and supersede the Tri-Cities university center. All land, facilities, equipment, and personnel of the Tri-Cities university center shall be transferred from the University of Washington to Washington State University.

(2) Washington State University Tri-Cities shall continue providing innovative coadmission and coenrollment options with Columbia Basin College, and expand its upper division capacity for transfer students and graduate capacity and programs. The campus shall also seek additional opportunities to collaborate with the Pacific Northwest national laboratory. ((Beginning in the fall of 2006, the campus may offer lower division courses linked to specific majors in fields not addressed at local community colleges. The campus may admit lower division students through coadmission or coenrollment agreements with a community college, or through direct transfer for students who have accumulated approximately one year of transferable college credits. In addition to offering lower division courses linked to specific majors as addressed above, the campus may also directly admit freshmen and sophomores for a bachelor's degree program in biotechnology subject to approval by the higher education coordinating board. The campus may not directly admit freshmen and sophomores for degree programs other than biotechnology, however this topic shall be the subject of further study and recommendations by the higher education coordinating board.))

(3) Beginning in the fall of 2006, the campus may admit lower division students directly, while continuing to work closely with Columbia Basin College providing innovative coadmission, coenrollment, and program options as articulated in the Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities Coordinated Bachelors agreement. By simultaneously admitting freshmen and sophomores, increasing transfer enrollment, coadmitting transfer students, and expanding graduate and professional programs, the campus shall develop into a four-year institution of higher education serving the Tri-Cities region."

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "Tri-Cities;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 28B.45.030."

Senator Delvin spoke in favor of not adopting the committee striking amendment.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to motion by Senator Delvin to not adopt the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Ways & Means to Substitute House Bill No. 2867.

The motion by Senator Delvin carried and the committee striking amendment was not adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Delvin, the rules were suspended, Substitute House Bill No. 2867 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Delvin, Pridemore and Hewitt spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Schoesler, Senators Schmidt, Honeyford and Stevens were excused.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senator Brown was excused.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2867.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 2867 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 44; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 5.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 44

Excused: Senators Brown, Honeyford, McCaslin, Schmidt and Stevens - 5

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2867, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Senator Delvin: “Thank you Madam President. I would just like to thank the Floor Leader and also the Majority Leader for their help on this one. Keeping me in line in order to get this bill down there and not erupt and say something I shouldn’t say on the floor. I really appreciate that. Thank you Madam President.”

MOTION

On motion of Senator Schoesler, Senators Mulliken and Hewitt were excused.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the eighth order of business.

MOTION

Senator Fraser moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION

8730

By Senator Fraser

WHEREAS, Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert is the only president South Puget Sound Community College has ever known; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert has been president since 1980, serving longer than any other higher education president in Washington; and

WHEREAS, After 30 years of service to the school, Dr. Minnaert is retiring at the end of the 2006 academic year; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert's leadership, hard work, and innovation has transformed South Puget Sound Community College into a well-respected institution of higher education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert began his service in 1975 as director of instruction when the school was a small institution known as Olympia Vocational Technical Institute; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert has guided the South Puget Sound Community College's transformation from a small vocational and technical school to a wide-reaching community college that provides a first class, comprehensive education; and

WHEREAS, Through Dr. Minnaert's dedicated stewardship, the college has grown in size and stature, growing from 56 acres when he started in 1975, to the current 101 acres, which includes the Hawk's Prairie Center satellite campus and the recently dedicated Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts; and

WHEREAS, With Dr. Minnaert's support, South Puget Sound Community College's technical programs have doubled, its enrollment has multiplied nearly twenty-fold, and its faculty has nearly tripled; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert has fostered relationships between South Puget Sound Community College and local hospitals and area schools, as well as sister colleges in New Zealand, Mexico, Ireland, and China; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minnaert is an accomplished leader who is respected for his unwavering dedication to the college and community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate offer its gratitude and commendation to Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert for his commitment to higher education and the community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert and his family, and South Puget Sound Community College.

Senators Fraser, Swecker and Rockefeller spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President Pro Tempore declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8730.

The motion by Senator Fraser carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President Pro Tempore welcomed and introduced Dr. Kenneth J. Minnaert and his wife who were seated in the gallery.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, Rule 15 was suspended for the remainder of the day for the purpose of allowing continued floor action.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Senate Rule 15 establishes the floor schedule and calls for a lunch and dinner break of 90 minutes each per day during regular daily sessions.

MOTION

At 12:36 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate was declared to be at ease subject to the call of the President.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Senate was called to order at 1:37 p.m. by President Owen.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate reverted to the fourth order of business.

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 3, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The House has passed the following bill{s}:

SENATE BILL NO. 6453,

and the same is herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 2, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The House has passed the following bill{s}:

SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6823,

and the same is herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 2, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The House has passed the following bill{s}:

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5236,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6246,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6320,

ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6459,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6613,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 1, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Speaker has signed:

THIRD SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1458,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2338,

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 2340,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2344,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2367,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2372,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2376,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2406,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2454,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2497,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2538,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2608,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2676,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2684,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 1, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Speaker has signed:

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2715,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2759,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2776,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2829,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2897,

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 2910,

HOUSE BILL NO. 3019,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3024,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3150,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3190,

HOUSE BILL NO. 3266,

HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 4038,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

March 1, 2006

MR. PRESIDENT:

The Speaker has signed:

SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2292,

and the same is herewith transmitted.

RICHARD NAFZIGER, Chief Clerk

SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

The President signed.

THIRD SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1458,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2338,

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 2340,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2344,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2367,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2372,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2376,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2406,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2454,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2497,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2538,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2608,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2676,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2684,

SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

The President signed.

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2715,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2759,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2776,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2829,

HOUSE BILL NO. 2897,

ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 2910,

HOUSE BILL NO. 3019,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3024,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3150,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 3190,

HOUSE BILL NO. 3266,

HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 4038,

SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

The President signed.

SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2292,

SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

The President signed:

SENATE BILL NO. 5439,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 6152,

SENATE BILL NO. 6159,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 6169,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6185,

SENATE BILL NO. 6208,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 6236,

SENATE BILL NO. 6338,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6359,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6406,

ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6480,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 6537,

SENATE BILL NO. 6549,

SENATE BILL NO. 6576,

SENATE BILL NO. 6596,

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the sixth order of business.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 2991, by Representatives Darneille, Walsh, Springer and Simpson

Concerning background checks of metropolitan park district employees.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Kastama moved that the following striking amendment by Senator Kastama be adopted:

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 35.61.130 and 1969 c 54 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A metropolitan park district has the right of eminent domain, and may purchase, acquire and condemn lands lying within or without the boundaries of said park district, for public parks, parkways, boulevards, aviation landings and playgrounds, and may condemn such lands to widen, alter and extend streets, avenues, boulevards, parkways, aviation landings and playgrounds, to enlarge and extend existing parks, and to acquire lands for the establishment of new parks, boulevards, parkways, aviation landings and playgrounds. The right of eminent domain shall be exercised and instituted pursuant to resolution of the board of park commissioners and conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as is or may be provided by law for the exercise of the power of eminent domain by incorporated cities and towns of the state of Washington in the acquisition of property rights: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, Funds to pay for condemnation allowed by this section shall be raised only as specified in this chapter.

(2) The board of park commissioners shall have power to employ counsel, and to regulate, manage and control the parks, parkways, boulevards, streets, avenues, aviation landings and playgrounds under its control, and to provide for park ((policemen)) police, for a secretary of the board of park commissioners and for all necessary employees, to fix their salaries and duties.

(3) The board of park commissioners shall have power to improve, acquire, extend and maintain, open and lay out, parks, parkways, boulevards, avenues, aviation landings and playgrounds, within or without the park district, and to authorize, conduct and manage the letting of boats, or other amusement apparatus, the operation of bath houses, the purchase and sale of foodstuffs or other merchandise, the giving of vocal or instrumental concerts or other entertainments, the establishment and maintenance of aviation landings and playgrounds, and generally the management and conduct of such forms of recreation or business as it shall judge desirable or beneficial for the public, or for the production of revenue for expenditure for park purposes; and may pay out moneys for the maintenance and improvement of any such parks, parkways, boulevards, avenues, aviation landings and playgrounds as now exist, or may hereafter be acquired, within or without the limits of said city and for the purchase of lands within or without the limits of said city, whenever it deems the purchase to be for the benefit of the public and for the interest of the park district, and for the maintenance and improvement thereof and for all expenses incidental to its duties: PROVIDED, That all parks, boulevards, parkways, aviation landings and playgrounds shall be subject to the police regulations of the city within whose limits they lie.

(4) For all employees, volunteers, or independent contractors, who may, in the course of their work or volunteer activity with the park district, have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, or be responsible for collecting or disbursing cash or processing credit/debit card transactions, park districts shall establish by resolution the requirements for a record check through the Washington state patrol criminal identification system under RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.834, 10.97.030, and 10.97.050 and through the federal bureau of investigation, including a fingerprint check using a complete Washington state criminal identification fingerprint card. The park district shall provide a copy of the record report to the employee, volunteer, or independent contractor. When necessary, as determined by the park district, prospective employees, volunteers, or independent contractors may be employed on a conditional basis pending completion of the investigation. If the prospective employee, volunteer, or independent contractor has had a record check within the previous twelve months, the park district may waive the requirement upon receiving a copy of the record. The park district may in its discretion require that the prospective employee, volunteer, or independent contractor pay the costs associated with the record check."

Senators Kastama and Honeyford spoke in favor of adoption of the striking amendment.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of the striking amendment by Senator Kastama to House Bill No. 2991.

The motion by Senator Kastama carried and the striking amendment was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

There being no objection, the following title amendment was adopted:

On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "contractors;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and amending RCW 35.61.130."

MOTION

On motion of Senator Kastama, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 2991 as amended by the Senate was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senator Kastama spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 2991 as amended by the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 2991 as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 47; Nays, 0; Absent, 2; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 47

Absent: Senators Deccio and Kline - 2

HOUSE BILL NO. 2991 as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

HOUSE BILL NO. 2386, by Representatives B. Sullivan and Chase

Modifying provisions related to the commercial harvest of geoduck clams.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Jacobsen, the rules were suspended, House Bill No. 2386 was advanced to third reading, the second reading considered the third and the bill was placed on final passage.

Senators Jacobsen and Oke spoke in favor of passage of the bill.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Regala, Senator Kline was excused.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the final passage of House Bill No. 2386.

ROLL CALL

The Secretary called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 2386 and the bill passed the Senate by the following vote: Yeas, 49; Nays, 0; Absent, 0; Excused, 0.

Voting yea: Senators Benson, Benton, Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Carrell, Deccio, Delvin, Doumit, Eide, Esser, Fairley, Finkbeiner, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, Haugen, Hewitt, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, McCaslin, Morton, Mulliken, Oke, Parlette, Pflug, Poulsen, Prentice, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Spanel, Stevens, Swecker, Thibaudeau, Weinstein and Zarelli - 49

HOUSE BILL NO. 2386, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed. There being no objection, the title of the bill was ordered to stand as the title of the act.

SECOND READING

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2345, by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, Rodne, Appleton and Haler)

Addressing regional fire protection service authorities.

The measure was read the second time.

MOTION

Senator Kastama moved that the following committee striking amendment by the Committee on Government Operations & Elections not be adopted.

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1. RCW 52.26.020 and 2004 c 129 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Board" means the governing body of a regional fire protection service authority.

(2) "Regional fire protection service authority" or "authority" means a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority within the meaning of Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution, and a taxing district within the meaning of Article VII, section 2 of the state Constitution, whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions and that has been created by a vote of the people under this chapter to implement a regional fire protection service authority plan.

(3) "Regional fire protection service authority planning committee" or "planning committee" means the advisory committee created under RCW 52.26.030 to create and propose to fire protection jurisdictions a regional fire protection service authority plan to design, finance, and develop fire protection and emergency service projects.

(4) "Regional fire protection service authority plan" or "plan" means a plan to develop and finance a fire protection service authority project or projects, including, but not limited to, specific capital projects, fire operations and emergency service operations pursuant to RCW 52.26.040(3)(b), and preservation and maintenance of existing or future facilities.

(5) "Fire protection jurisdiction" means a fire district, city, town, port district, or Indian tribe.

(6) "Regular property taxes" has the same meaning as in RCW 84.04.140.

Sec. 2. RCW 52.26.040 and 2004 c 129 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A regional fire protection service authority planning committee shall adopt a regional fire protection service authority plan providing for the design, financing, and development of fire protection and emergency services. The planning committee may consider the following factors in formulating its plan:

(a) Land use planning criteria; and

(b) The input of cities and counties located within, or partially within, a participating fire protection jurisdiction.

(2) The planning committee may coordinate its activities with neighboring cities, towns, and other local governments that engage in fire protection planning.

(3) The planning committee shall:

(a) Create opportunities for public input in the development of the plan;

(c) In the plan, recommend sources of revenue authorized by RCW 52.26.050, identify the portions of the plan that may be amended by the board of the authority without voter approval, consistent with RCW 52.26.050, and recommend a financing plan to fund selected fire protection ((service)) and emergency services and projects.

(4) Once adopted, the plan must be forwarded to the participating fire protection jurisdictions' governing bodies to initiate the election process under RCW 52.26.060.

(5) If the ballot measure is not approved, the planning committee may redefine the selected regional fire protection service authority projects, financing plan, and the ballot measure. The fire protection jurisdictions' governing bodies may approve the new plan and ballot measure, and may then submit the revised proposition to the voters at a subsequent election or a special election. If a ballot measure is not approved by the voters by the third vote, the planning committee is dissolved.

Sec. 3. RCW 52.26.050 and 2004 c 129 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A regional fire protection service authority planning committee may, as part of a regional fire protection service authority plan, recommend the imposition of some or all of the following revenue sources, which a regional fire protection service authority may impose upon approval of the voters as provided in this chapter:

(a) Benefit charges under RCW 52.26.180 through 52.26.270;

(b) Property taxes under RCW 52.26.140 through 52.26.170 and 84.52.044 and RCW 84.09.030, 84.52.010, 84.52.052, and 84.52.069; or

(2) The authority may impose taxes and benefit charges ((may not be imposed unless they are identified)) as set forth in the regional fire protection service authority plan ((and the plan is)) upon creation of the authority, or as provided for in this chapter after creation of the authority. If the plan authorizes the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, the plan and creation of the authority must be approved by an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the voters within the boundaries of the authority voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 52.26.060. However, if the plan provides for alternative sources of revenue that become effective if the plan and creation of the authority is approved only by a majority vote, then the plan with alternative sources of revenue and creation of the authority may be approved by an affirmative vote of the majority of those voters. If the plan does not authorize the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, the plan and creation of the authority must be approved by an affirmative vote of the majority of the voters within the boundaries of the authority voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 52.26.060. ((The voter approval requirement)) Except as provided in this section ((is in addition to any)), all other voter approval requirements under law for the levying of property taxes or the imposition of benefit charges apply. Revenues from these taxes and benefit charges may be used only to implement the plan as set forth in this chapter.

Sec. 4. RCW 52.26.060 and 2004 c 129 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The governing bodies of two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions, upon receipt of the regional fire protection service authority plan under RCW 52.26.040, may certify the plan to the ballot, including identification of the ((tax)) revenue options ((necessary)) specified to fund the plan. The governing bodies of the fire protection jurisdictions may draft a ballot title, give notice as required by law for ballot measures, and perform other duties as required to put the plan before the voters of the proposed authority for their approval or rejection as a single ballot measure that both approves formation of the authority and approves the plan. Authorities may negotiate interlocal agreements necessary to implement the plan. The electorate is the voters voting within the boundaries of the proposed regional fire protection service authority. A simple majority of the total persons voting on the single ballot measure to approve the plan((,)) and establish the authority((, and approve the taxes)) is required for approval. However, if the plan authorizes the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, then the percentage of total persons voting on the single ballot measure to approve the plan and establish the authority is the same as in RCW 52.26.050. The authority must act in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The authority is liable for its proportionate share of the costs when the elections are held under RCW ((29A.04.320)) 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330.

Sec. 5. RCW 52.26.070 and 2004 c 129 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

If the voters approve the plan, including creation of a regional fire protection service authority and imposition of taxes and benefit charges, if any, the authority is formed on the next January 1st or July 1st, whichever occurs first. The appropriate county election officials shall, within fifteen days of the final certification of the election results, publish a notice in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the authority declaring the authority formed. A party challenging the procedure or the formation of a voter-approved authority must file the challenge in writing by serving the prosecuting attorney of each county within, or partially within, the regional fire protection service authority and the attorney general within thirty days after the final certification of the election. Failure to challenge within that time forever bars further challenge of the authority's valid formation.

Sec. 6. RCW 52.26.090 and 2004 c 129 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The governing board of the authority is responsible for the execution of the voter-approved plan. Participating jurisdictions shall review the plan every ten years. The board ((shall)) may:

(a) Levy ((and impose)) taxes and impose benefit charges as authorized in the plan and approved by authority voters;

(b) Enter into agreements with federal, state, local, and regional entities and departments as necessary to accomplish authority purposes and protect the authority's investments;

(d) Monitor and audit the progress and execution of fire protection and emergency service projects to protect the investment of the public and annually make public its findings;

(e) Pay for services and enter into leases and contracts, including professional service contracts;

(f) Hire, manage, and terminate employees; and

(g) Exercise ((other)) powers and perform duties as ((may be reasonable)) the board determines necessary to carry out the purposes, functions, and projects of the authority in accordance with Title 52 RCW if one of the fire protection jurisdictions is a fire district, unless provided otherwise in the regional fire protection service authority plan, or in accordance with the statutes identified in the plan if none of the fire protection jurisdictions is a fire district.

(2) ((An authority may acquire, hold, or dispose of real property.

(3) An authority may exercise the powers of eminent domain.

(4))) An authority may enforce fire codes as provided under chapter 19.27 RCW.

Sec. 7. RCW 52.26.100 and 2004 c 129 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in the regional fire protection service authority plan, all powers, duties, and functions of a participating fire protection jurisdiction pertaining to ((providing)) fire protection and emergency services ((may)) shall be transferred((, by resolution,)) to the regional fire protection service authority on its creation date.

(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in the regional fire protection service authority plan, and on the creation date of the regional fire protection service authority, all reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the participating fire protection jurisdiction pertaining to ((the)) fire protection and emergency services powers, functions, and duties ((transferred)) shall be delivered to the ((custody of the)) regional fire protection service authority((.)); all real property and personal property including cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the participating fire protection jurisdiction in carrying out the fire protection and emergency services powers, functions, and duties ((transferred)) shall be ((made available)) transferred to the regional fire protection service authority((.)); and all funds, credits, or other assets held by the participating fire protection jurisdiction in connection with the fire protection and emergency services powers, functions, and duties ((transferred)) shall be ((assigned)) transferred and credited to the regional fire protection service authority.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in the regional fire protection service authority plan, any appropriations made to the participating fire protection jurisdiction for carrying out the fire protection and emergency services powers, functions, and duties ((transferred)) shall((, on the effective date of the resolution,)) be transferred and credited to the regional fire protection service authority.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in the regional fire protection service authority plan, whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the governing body of the participating fire protection jurisdiction shall make a determination as to the proper allocation.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in the regional fire protection service authority plan, all rules and all pending business before the participating fire protection jurisdiction pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the regional fire protection service authority((.)), and all existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the regional fire protection service authority.

(4) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the participating fire protection jurisdiction shall not affect the validity of any act performed before ((the effective date of the resolution)) creation of the regional fire protection service authority.

(5) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers ((directed by the resolution)), the treasurer ((under RCW 52.26.170)) for the authority shall certify the apportionments.

(6) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified as provided by law. RCW ((35.13.215 through 35.13.235)) 52.06.110 through 52.06.130 apply to the transfer of employees under this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 52.26 RCW to read as follows:

Territory that is annexed to a participating jurisdiction is annexed to the authority as of the effective date of the annexation. The statutes regarding transfer of assets and employees do not apply to the participating jurisdictions in the annexation.

Sec. 9. RCW 52.26.130 and 2004 c 129 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

((Unless contrary to this section, chapter 39.42 RCW applies to debt and bonding under this section. The authority may borrow money, but may not issue any debt of its own for more than ten years' duration.)) An authority may incur general indebtedness for authority purposes, issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness ((with a maturity of not more than twenty years. An authority may, when authorized by the plan, enter into agreements with the state to pledge taxes or other revenues of the authority for the purpose of paying in part or whole principal and interest on bonds issued by the authority)) not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding nonvoter approved general obligation debt, equal to three-fourths of one percent of the value of the taxable property within the authority. The maximum term of the obligations may not exceed twenty years. The obligations may pledge benefit charges and may pledge payments to an authority from the state, the federal government, or any fire protection jurisdiction under an interlocal contract. The interlocal contracts pledging revenues and taxes are binding for ((the)) a term ((of the agreement, but)) not to exceed twenty-five years, and ((no tax)) taxes or other revenue pledged by an ((agreement)) interlocal contract may not be eliminated or modified if it would impair the pledge of the ((agreement)) contract. An authority may also issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding general obligation debt, equal to one and one-half percent of the value of the taxable property within the authority, and to provide for the retirement thereof by excess property tax levies, when the voters of the authority have approved a proposition authorizing indebtedness and levies by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of those voting on the proposition at an election, at which election the total number of persons voting constitutes not less than forty percent of the voters in the authority who voted at the last preceding general state election. The maximum term of the bonds may not exceed twenty-five years. Elections shall be held as provided in RCW 39.36.050. Obligations of an authority shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapters 39.46 and 39.50 RCW, as applicable.

Sec. 10. RCW 52.26.140 and 2004 c 129 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) To carry out the purposes for which a regional fire protection service authority is created, as authorized in the plan and approved by the voters, the governing board of an authority may annually levy the following taxes:

(a) An ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within the authority not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value;

(b) An ad valorem tax on all property located within the authority not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value and which will not cause the combined levies to exceed the constitutional or statutory limitations. This levy, or any portion of this levy, may also be made when dollar rates of other taxing units are released by agreement with the other taxing units from their authorized levies; and

(c) An ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within the authority not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value if the authority has at least one full-time, paid employee, or contracts with another municipal corporation for the services of at least one full-time, paid employee. This levy may be made only if it will not affect dollar rates which other taxing districts may lawfully claim nor cause the combined levies to exceed the constitutional or statutory limitations or both.

(2) Levies in excess of the amounts provided in subsection (1) of this section or in excess of the aggregate dollar rate limitations or both may be made for any authority purpose when so authorized at a special election under RCW 84.52.052. Any such tax when levied must be certified to the proper county officials for the collection of the tax as for other general taxes. The taxes when collected shall be placed in the appropriate authority fund or funds as provided by law, and must be paid out on warrants of the auditor of the county in which all, or the largest portion of, the authority is located, upon authorization of the governing board of the authority.

(3) ((Authorities are additionally authorized to incur general indebtedness and to issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes as provided in RCW 52.26.130.)) Authorities may provide for the retirement of general indebtedness by excess property tax levies((, when the voters of the authority have approved a proposition authorizing such indebtedness and levies by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of those voting on the proposition at such an election, at which election the total number of persons voting shall constitute not less than forty percent of the voters in the authority who voted at the last preceding state general election. Elections must be held as provided in RCW 39.36.050. The maximum term of any bonds issued under the authority of this section may not exceed ten years and must be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW)) as set forth in RCW 52.26.130.

(4) For purposes of this ((section)) chapter, the term "value of the taxable property" has the same meaning as in RCW 39.36.015.

Sec. 11. RCW 52.26.220 and 2004 c 129 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, any benefit charge authorized by this chapter is not effective unless a proposition to impose the benefit charge is approved by a sixty percent majority of the voters of the regional fire protection service authority voting at a general election or at a special election called by the authority for that purpose, held within the authority. A ballot measure that contains an authorization to impose benefit charges and that is approved by the voters pursuant to RCW 52.26.060 meets the proposition approval requirement of this section. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months prior to the date on which the first charge is to be assessed. A benefit charge approved at an election expires in six years or fewer as authorized by the voters, unless subsequently reapproved by the voters.

(2) The ballot must be submitted so as to enable the voters favoring the authorization of a regional fire protection service authority benefit charge to vote "Yes" and those opposed to vote "No." The ballot question is as follows:

"Shall . . . . . . the regional fire protection service authority composed of (insert the participating fire protection jurisdictions) . . . . . be authorized to impose benefit charges each year for . . . . (insert number of years not to exceed six) years, not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.26.140(1)(c)?

YES NO

□ □"

(3) Authorities renewing the benefit charge may elect to use the following alternative ballot:

"Shall . . . . . the regional fire protection service authority composed of (insert the participating fire protection jurisdictions) . . . . . . be authorized to continue voter-authorized benefit charges each year for . . . . (insert number of years not to exceed six) years, not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.26.140(1)(c)?

YES NO

□ □""

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "authorities;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 52.26.020, 52.26.040, 52.26.050, 52.26.060, 52.26.070, 52.26.090, 52.26.100, 52.26.130, 52.26.140, and 52.26.220; and adding a new section to chapter 52.26 RCW."

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the motion by Senator Kastama to not adopt the committee striking amendment by the Committee on Government Operations & Elections to Substitute House Bill No. 2345.

The motion by Senator Kastama carried and the committee striking amendment was not adopted by voice vote.