WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Legislative Digest No. 6

SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE
Tuesday, January 16, 20079th Day - 2007 Regular Session

SENATE
SB 5224SB 5225SB 5226SB 5227SB 5228SB 5229SB 5230
SB 5231SB 5232SB 5233SB 5234SB 5235SB 5236SB 5237
SB 5238SB 5239SB 5240SB 5241SB 5242SB 5243SB 5244
SB 5245SB 5246SB 5247SB 5248SB 5249SB 5250SB 5251
SB 5252SB 5253SB 5254SB 5255SB 5256SB 5257SB 5258
SB 5259SB 5260SB 5261SB 5262SB 5263SB 5264SB 5265
SB 5266SB 5267SB 5268SB 5269SB 5270SB 5271SB 5272
SB 5273SB 5274SB 5275SB 5276SB 5277SB 5278SB 5279
SB 5280SJR 8212SCR 8402
HOUSE
HB 1024-SHB 1203HB 1204HB 1205HB 1206HB 1207HB 1208
HB 1209HB 1210HB 1211HB 1212HB 1213HB 1214HB 1215
HB 1216HB 1217HB 1218HB 1219HB 1220HB 1221HB 1222
HB 1223HB 1224HB 1225HB 1226HB 1227HB 1228HB 1229
HB 1230HB 1231HB 1232HB 1233HB 1234HB 1235HB 1236
HB 1237HB 1238HB 1239HB 1240HB 1241HB 1242HB 1243
HB 1244HB 1245HB 1246HB 1247HB 1248HB 1249HB 1250
HB 1251HB 1252HB 1253HB 1254HB 1255HB 1256HB 1257
HB 1258HB 1259HB 1260HB 1261HB 1262HB 1263HB 1264
HB 1265HB 1266

This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.

Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.


House Bills

HB 1024-S

by House Committee on Select Committee on Environmental Health (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunter, Priest, Kessler, B. Sullivan, Dickerson, Jarrett, Hasegawa, Campbell, Rodne, Rolfes, McDermott, McIntire, Chase, Green, Hudgins, Upthegrove, Quall, Conway, Clibborn, Sommers, Morrell, Sells, Kenney, Haigh, Cody, Hunt, Lantz, McCoy, Appleton, Pettigrew, Schual-Berke, Roberts, Fromhold, Takko, Simpson, P. Sullivan, Lovick, Flannigan, Moeller, Miloscia, Williams, Blake, O'Brien, Linville, Wood, Goodman, Seaquist, Springer, Ericks, Kagi, Darneille, Dunshee, Strow, Pedersen, Eickmeyer, McCune, and Ormsby; by request of Department of Ecology)


Phasing out the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used extensively as flame retardants in a large number of common household products for the past thirty years. Studies on animals show that PBDEs can impact the developing brain, affecting behavior and learning after birth and into adulthood, making exposure to fetuses and children a particular concern. Levels of PBDEs are increasing in people, and in the environment, particularly in North America. Because people can be exposed to these chemicals through house dust and indoor air as well as through food, it is important to phase out their use in common household products, provided that effective flame retardants that are safer and technically feasible are available at a reasonable cost.

Requires that, by December 15, 2008, the department and the department of health shall review risk assessments, scientific studies, and other relevant findings regarding alternatives to the use of commercial deca-bde in residential upholstered furniture, televisions, and computers.

Requires the department and the department of health to document their findings and the findings of the fire safety committee in a report to the legislature by December 15, 2008. The report must also include any additional evidence of the potential harm posed by deca-bde.

Provides that, if the department and the department of health jointly find, by December 15, 2008, that an effective flame retardant that is safer than commercial deca-bde and technically feasible for use in residential upholstered furniture, televisions, or computers is not available or if the fire safety committee finds that an alternative to commercial deca-bde does not meet applicable fire safety standards, the department shall by rule grant an exemption to allow for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of products prohibited from manufacture, sale, or distribution under this act.

Provides that a manufacturer of products containing PBDEs in violation of this act is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation in the case of a first offense. Manufacturers who are repeat violators are liable for a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars for each repeat offense. Penalties collected under this section must be deposited in the state toxics control account created in RCW 70.l05D.070.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 9Public hearing in committee.
Jan 11Executive session in committee.
ENVH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.

HB 1203

by Representatives Chase, Kirby, Green, Appleton, Conway, and Kagi


Limiting maximum capital and reserves accumulations by health care service contractors and health maintenance organizations.


Limits maximum capital and reserves accumulations by health care service contractors and health maintenance organizations.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1204

by Representatives Chase, Appleton, Haigh, Green, and Lantz


Providing property tax relief for qualifying owners of residential property.


Finds that persons who do not qualify for the exemption under RCW 84.36.381, but who earn less than fifty thousand dollars a year and own the same principal place of residence at least ten years, also deserve property tax relief.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 1205

by Representatives Chase, Conway, Kenney, Dickerson, Haigh, Moeller, and Schual-Berke


Restricting unsolicited direct mail marketing.


Requires the attorney general to establish and maintain a do not mail registry. The registry is a list of consumers who do not wish to receive unsolicited direct mail marketing. The attorney general may contract with a private vendor to establish and maintain the registry.

Provides that no direct mail marketer shall mail or cause to be mailed any unsolicited direct mail marketing to any consumer more than thirty days after the consumer's name and address appears on the then current quarterly do not mail registry made available by the attorney general.

Directs the attorney general to provide notice to consumers of the establishment of the do not mail registry. Any consumer who wishes to be included in the registry must notify the attorney general.

Declares that violations of this act are punishable by a fine of two thousand dollars for each violation.

Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to enforce compliance with this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1206

by Representatives Chase, Kirby, Green, Wallace, Dickerson, Haigh, Ormsby, Darneille, Moeller, Santos, and Wood


Assisting low-income persons to obtain affordable automobile liability insurance.


Finds that low-income persons have difficulty affording the mandatory liability insurance required under chapter 46.30 RCW. The legislature intends to enable and encourage these persons to obtain automobile insurance and develop a history of having automobile insurance. The legislature intends to accomplish this by equitably apportioning, among insurers required to participate in an assigned risk plan, coverage for low-income persons.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1207

by Representatives Chase, Kirby, and Green


Regulating health benefit plan rates.


Provides that rates, or any modification of rates, for individual health benefit plans may not be used until sixty days after they are filed with the commissioner.

Directs the commissioner to take into consideration the surplus of the carrier when reviewing a carrier's rate under title 48 RCW.

Requires that, by July 1, 2008, the commissioner must adopt rules setting standards for taking into consideration a carrier's surplus when reviewing rate filings.

Repeals RCW 48.20.025, 48.44.017, and 48.46.062.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1208

by Representatives Chase, Morris, Upthegrove, Ormsby, and Linville


Encouraging carbon dioxide mitigation.


Provides for minimizing the environmental cost of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging mitigation for carbon dioxide.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1209

by Representatives Chase, Morris, Dickerson, and Moeller


Phasing out the use of coal by electric plants.


Provides that, beginning August 1, 2007, every electricity generating plant in the state of Washington using coal shall begin reducing or permanently offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions by twenty-five percent per year.

Provides that, by January 1, 2008, every electricity generating plant in the state of Washington using coal shall permanently offset its greenhouse gas emissions by one hundred percent, or completely phase out the use of coal for electricity.

Provides that no electric utility in the state of Washington shall enter into new long-term contracts to purchase electricity using coal from within or from outside of the state of Washington.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications.

HB 1210

by Representatives Chase, Morris, Kagi, Ormsby, and Moeller


Reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions.


Requires the department to, by January 1, 2009, adopt a rule that identifies an estimate as to what the statewide greenhouse gas emissions level was in the year 1990.

Provides that, by January 1, 2020, the annual statewide greenhouse gas emissions level shall be no more than the 1990 estimated level identified by the department under this act.

Requires that, by January 1, 2009, the department shall adopt rules that require the reporting and verification of statewide greenhouse gas emissions.

Provides that the rules adopted under this act must: (1) Require the monitoring and annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from greenhouse gas emission sources, beginning with the sources or categories of sources that contribute the most to statewide greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) Account for greenhouse gas emissions from all electricity consumed in the state, as reported by the retail sellers of electricity;

(3) Ensure consistent accounting of emissions, and provide reporting tools and formats to ensure collection of necessary data; and

(4) Ensure that greenhouse gas emission sources maintain comprehensive records of all reported greenhouse gas emissions.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1211

by Representatives Chase, Morris, Upthegrove, Wallace, Kagi, McCune, Moeller, Dunn, Linville, and Morrell


Providing sales and use tax exemptions for solar hot water components.


Provides sales and use tax exemptions for solar hot water components.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications.

HB 1212

by Representatives McDonald, McCune, Pearson, and Bailey


Tolling the statute of limitations for certain crimes committed against vulnerable adults.


Provides that, in any prosecution for a violation of RCW 9.35.010, 9.35.020, 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, 9A.56.050, 9A.60.020, 9A.60.030, 9A.60.040, 9A.60.045, 9A.60.050, 9A.60.070, 18.27.020, or 21.20.400, if the victim of the offense was a vulnerable adult as defined in RCW 9A.44.010, the periods of limitation prescribed in RCW 9A.04.080 run from the date upon which the offense was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, whichever is earlier.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness.

HB 1213

by Representatives McDonald and Bailey


Providing sales tax relief to certain qualifying individuals.


Provides sales tax relief to certain qualifying individuals.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 1214

by Representatives McDonald and Morrell


Regarding the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle.


Provides that a person operating a moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless communications device is guilty of a traffic infraction.

Does not apply to a person operating: (1) An authorized emergency vehicle; or

(2) A moving motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to: (a) report illegal activity; (b) summon medical or other emergency help; or (c) prevent injury to a person or property.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

HB 1215

by Representative McDonald


Prohibiting the sale, purchase, or use of alcohol vaporizing devices.


Declares that a person may not sell, offer for sale, purchase, use, or offer for use an alcohol vaporizing device.

Provides that, in addition to any other penalties that may apply by rule, a violation of this act is punishable under RCW 66.44.180.

Does not apply to vaporizing devices used for medical or scientific research purposes.

Declares that an "alcohol vaporizing device" means any device that mixes liquor or other alcohol product with oxygen or other gas to produce a vapor or mist for the purpose of inhaling.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1216

by Representatives Hinkle, O'Brien, Pearson, Fromhold, Ericks, McCune, Lovick, Hurst, Roberts, Ormsby, Schual-Berke, and Morrell


Addressing a vehicle's required lane of travel.


Revises provisions pertaining to a vehicle's required lane of travel.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

HB 1217

by Representatives Hinkle, Darneille, Bailey, Cody, Pettigrew, Green, Kenney, Dickerson, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Campbell, Linville, Seaquist, and Morrell


Establishing standards for clubhouse rehabilitation services.


Declares that minimum standards for clubhouses shall include certification by the international center for clubhouse development.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1218

by Representatives Conway, Wood, Condotta, Kenney, and Moeller; by request of Gambling Commission


Modifying gambling commission powers and duties to temporarily issue, suspend, and renew licenses.


Amends RCW 9.46.070 relating to the temporary issuance, summary suspension, and renewal of licenses by the gambling commission.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1219

by Representatives Campbell, Lovick, McCune, Green, Ericks, Barlow, Lantz, and Kelley


Creating an office of investigative assistance within the Washington state patrol.


Declares that the office of investigative assistance shall investigate cyber crimes, identity theft, drug trafficking law violations, organized crime activity, gang-related criminal activity, and missing and exploited children. The office of investigative assistance shall direct the use of computer forensics, laboratory forensics, drug control, and special weapons and tactics by the Washington state patrol.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness.

HB 1220

by Representatives Hurst, Kelley, Sells, Dunshee, Kenney, Lovick, McCoy, O'Brien, and Simpson; by request of Indeterminate Sentence Review Board


Modifying provisions affecting the appointment of indeterminate sentence review board members.


Revises provisions affecting the appointment of indeterminate sentence review board members.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services.

HB 1221

by Representatives Hurst, Kelley, Sells, Dunshee, Kenney, Lovick, McCoy, O'Brien, Simpson, and Pearson; by request of Indeterminate Sentence Review Board


Revising provisions relating to the release of offenders.


Declares that the board retains the jurisdiction to issue a certificate of discharge after the expiration of the offender's or parolee's maximum statutory sentence. If not earlier granted and any and all legal financial obligations have been paid, the board shall issue a final order of discharge three years from the date of parole unless the parolee is on suspended or revoked status at the expiration of the three years.

Provides that the discharge, regardless of when issued, shall have the effect of restoring all civil rights lost by operation of law upon conviction, and the certification of discharge shall so state.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services.

HB 1222

by Representatives Kenney, Haler, Sells, Walsh, Hasegawa, McDonald, Morrell, Hunter, Dunshee, McDermott, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Pettigrew, Grant, Schual-Berke, Upthegrove, Wallace, Roberts, Ormsby, and Wood


Regarding state need grant award calculations.


Revises provisions regarding state need grant award calculations.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Higher Education.

HB 1223

by Representatives Simpson, Curtis, O'Brien, Appleton, Moeller, B. Sullivan, Schual-Berke, and Lantz


Establishing the statewide CBRNE response program.


Finds that the threat of an incident caused by a chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive agent occurring in the state poses a severe threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington. In order to mitigate any damage that may be caused by CBRNE incidents, it is necessary that the state have a coordinated and comprehensive plan to respond to these dangerous and deadly incidents.

Requires the director to establish and maintain a statewide CBRNE response program. This program must include, without limitation: (1) The division of the state into CBRNE response regions;

(2) A network of regional teams to respond to CBRNE incidents within their respective regions and to operate outside their respective regions to assist other regional teams;

(3) Standards for training, equipment, and procedures for regional teams and other responders concerning responses to CBRNE incidents;

(4) Procedures for reimbursing regional teams for costs incurred by approved responses; and

(5) Procedures for recovering response costs from parties responsible for causing a CBRNE incident.

Declares that the requirement of the program under this act is subject to appropriation by the legislature.

Appropriates the sum of twenty-three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the director of fire protection for the purposes of this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness.

HB 1224

by Representatives Kelley, Sells, Pedersen, Fromhold, Ormsby, Hasegawa, Upthegrove, Skinner, Appleton, Wallace, Roberts, Kagi, Kenney, P. Sullivan, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Morrell, Green, Barlow, and Lantz


Regarding cost savings on course materials for community and technical college students.


Amends RCW 28B.10.950 regarding cost savings on course materials for students at community and technical colleges.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Higher Education.

HB 1225

by Representatives Kelley, Dunshee, Takko, Goodman, Hasegawa, Morrell, McDermott, Green, Appleton, Miloscia, Kagi, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Eddy, Linville, and Rolfes


Revising how a partisan primary consolidated ballot is counted if the voter fails to select a major political party affiliation.


Revises how a partisan primary consolidated ballot is counted if the voter fails to select a major political party affiliation.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs.

HB 1226

by Representatives Sells, Barlow, Santos, Appleton, Lovick, Strow, Hasegawa, Quall, Dunshee, Hunt, McCoy, Priest, Ormsby, Wood, Wallace, Conway, Kenney, VanDeWege, Dickerson, Haigh, and Simpson


Establishing the first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program.


Establishes the first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs.

HB 1227

by Representatives Ericks, Orcutt, Santos, Roach, Kirby, Rodne, Strow, Simpson, P. Sullivan, Priest, Kelley, Wallace, Kenney, McDonald, and Moeller


Modifying provisions relating to the business and occupation taxation of mortgage brokers.


Provides that upon every person engaging within this state as a mortgage broker licensed under chapter 19.146 RCW; as to such persons, the amount of the tax with respect to such licensed activities shall be equal to the gross income of the business multiplied by the rate of 0.484 percent.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 1228

by Representatives O'Brien, Warnick, McCune, B. Sullivan, McDonald, and Morrell


Restricting the rate charged mobile home parks for storm or surface water sewer system service.


Restricts the rate charged mobile home parks for storm or surface water sewer system service.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Housing.

HB 1229

by Representative B. Sullivan


Correcting references to the state wildlife account.


Revises references to the state wildlife account.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1230

by Representatives Hurst, Roach, P. Sullivan, and Simpson


Designating state route number 164 as a highway of statewide significance.


Designates state route number 164 as a highway of statewide significance.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

HB 1231

by Representatives Kirby, Roach, Simpson, Strow, and Santos


Modifying provisions concerning pawnbrokers.


Revises provisions concerning pawnbrokers.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.
Jan 18Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

HB 1232

by Representatives Hunt, Alexander, Curtis, Simpson, Chandler, Armstrong, and Appleton


Clarifying that certain local government real estate excise tax proceeds may be used for the acquisition of equipment and software related to business applications.


Declares that the intent in defining the permitted uses of the proceeds of the tax authorized in RCW 82.46.010(2) has always been to authorize the use of tax proceeds for the acquisition of equipment such as computer hardware, telecommunications equipment, and software used by a county, city, or town in the regular course of business in connection with associated capital improvements. All such expenditures made by counties, cities, and towns on, before, or after the effective date of this act are declared to be authorized and valid.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Local Government.

HB 1233

by Representatives Ericks, Kirby, Roach, Williams, Jarrett, and Simpson


Addressing specified disease, hospital confinement, or other fixed payment insurance.


Amends RCW 48.43.005 relating to specified disease, hospital confinement, or other fixed payment insurance.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1234

by Representatives Schual-Berke, Cody, Campbell, Seaquist, Morrell, Appleton, Wallace, B. Sullivan, Kagi, Kenney, Dickerson, Ormsby, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Granting the insurance commissioner the authority to review individual health benefit plan rates.


Grants the insurance commissioner the authority to review individual health benefit plan rates.

Repeals RCW 48.20.025, 48.44.017, and 48.46.062.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1235

by Representatives Kirby and Roach; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Providing confidentiality to certain insurance commissioner examinations.


Provides confidentiality to certain insurance commissioner examinations.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1236

by Representatives Roach, Kirby, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Establishing certain capital and surplus requirements necessary to transact insurance.


Establishes certain capital and surplus requirements necessary to transact insurance.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1237

by Representatives Kirby and Roach; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Modifying medical malpractice closed claim reporting requirements.


Declares that instances in which a claim is not reported by an insuring entity include, but are not limited to, situations in which the insuring entity contends that it cannot be regulated, such as: (1) A risk retention group that refuses to report closed claims and asserts that the federal liability risk retention act (95 Stat. 949; 15 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) preempts state law; or

(2) An unauthorized insurer refuses to report closed claims and asserts a federal exemption or other jurisdictional preemption.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1238

by Representatives Takko, Curtis, Simpson, and Moeller


Revising provisions relating to water-sewer districts.


Revises provisions relating to water-sewer districts.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Local Government.

HB 1239

by Representatives Simpson, Curtis, and Moeller


Modifying provisions affecting water supply comprehensive plans.


Provides that a county, city, and town in which the district is located shall review a general comprehensive plan of a water supply system, or the water supply system portion of a combined general comprehensive plan, for consistency with its comprehensive plan and development regulations in accordance with the procedures and criteria of RCW 43.20.260 and any applicable rules adopted by the department of health. A general comprehensive plan for all other systems, or the nonwater supply system portion of a combined general comprehensive plan, shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Local Government.

HB 1240

by Representatives Morrell, Bailey, McDonald, Dunn, Linville, and Santos


Providing excise tax exemptions for water services provided by small water systems.


Provides excise tax exemptions for water services provided by small water systems.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 1241

by Representatives B. Sullivan, Upthegrove, Kessler, and Kretz


Exempting normal maintenance from the definition of substantial development under chapter 90.58 RCW.


Exempts normal maintenance from the definition of substantial development under chapter 90.58 RCW.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1242

by Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Takko, Curtis, Blake, Campbell, Green, Alexander, Moeller, Wallace, Roberts, Conway, Kenney, Ormsby, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald, and Schual-Berke


Creating a voluntary adult family home certification program.


Requires the department of social and health services to establish a voluntary adult family home certification program through the University of Washington geriatric education center. In addition to the minimum qualifications required under RCW 70.128.120, individuals participating in the voluntary adult family home certification program shall complete fifty-two hours of class requirements as established by the department.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1243

by Representatives Strow, Kirby, Upthegrove, B. Sullivan, Simpson, and Appleton


Providing an affirmative defense to unlawful internet gambling if the defendant committed the offense in his or her primary residence.


Provides that, in a prosecution for a violation of RCW 9.46.240, it is an affirmative defense, which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant transmitted or received the gambling information over the internet, or that the defendant installed or maintained equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information over the internet, in his or her primary residence for recreational purposes. For purposes of this provision, "recreational purposes" means for the defendant's own enjoyment and not as part of an enterprise that derives income from operating an internet web site that transmits or receives gambling information.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1244

by Representatives Conway, Hankins, Clibborn, Wood, Hunt, Haler, Morrell, Kirby, Hasegawa, Moeller, Sells, Strow, McCoy, O'Brien, Ericks, Simpson, Green, Campbell, Williams, Kenney, and Ormsby


Defining wages for industrial insurance purposes.


Defines wages for industrial insurance purposes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1245

by Representatives Chase, Kirby, Eickmeyer, Campbell, Williams, Haigh, Lovick, Green, Darneille, and Morrell


Addressing credit card applications and rates.


Finds that the number of unrequested solicitations to residents for credit cards is a cause for concern and consider them to be a violation of the consumer protection laws of Washington state.

Finds that rising interest rates on credit cards regularly far exceed the state usury limit. The legislature finds many of the credit card industry's practices and interest rates to be unethical. The legislature intends to tax the amounts raised by interest rates that exceed the usury rate at a higher tax rate. The additional tax revenues shall be deposited into the vocational education enhancement account.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1246

by Representatives McCoy, Darneille, Dickerson, Ahern, Kenney, and Moeller; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Concerning residential services and support enforcement standards.


Declares that it is the intent of the legislature for enforcement standards to apply to all residential services and support providers.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services.

HB 1247

by Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Wallace, and Moeller; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Concerning eligibility for long-term care services.


Provides that, for purposes of RCW 74.04.005(10)(a), an applicant or recipient is not eligible for long-term care services if the applicant or recipient's equity interest in the home exceeds an amount established by the department in rule, which shall not be less than five hundred thousand dollars. This requirement does not apply if any of the following persons related to the applicant or recipient are legally residing in the home: (1) A spouse; or

(2) A dependent child under age twenty-one; or

(3) A dependent child with a disability; or

(4) A dependent child who is blind; and

(5) The dependent child meets the federal supplemental security income program criteria for disabled and blind.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1248

by Representatives Linville, B. Sullivan, Blake, VanDeWege, and Ericksen


Redirecting certain moneys for the benefit of department of fish and wildlife programs.


Directs the department to deposit the following into the regional fisheries enhancement group account: (1) All revenue from a surcharge of one hundred dollars, which shall be collected on each commercial salmon fishery license, salmon delivery license, and salmon charter license sold in the state;

(2) All revenue from the department's sale of salmon carcasses and eggs that return to group facilities; and

(3)(a) Two dollars for each recreational fishing license sold to an individual intending to fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon. (b) To determine the number of individuals intending to fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon, the department shall conduct an annual survey of a portion of the individuals who purchased a recreational fishing license in that year. The survey must be designed to determine the percentage of licensees surveyed who intended to, or actually did, fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon.

Repeals RCW 77.32.510.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1249

by Representatives Blake, Kretz, Orcutt, Takko, and Haigh


Authorizing a one-year deferral of hunter education training.


Provides that the director may authorize a once in a lifetime, one license year deferral of hunter education training for individuals who are accompanied by a nondeferred Washington-licensed hunter over eighteen years of age. The commission may adopt rules for the administration of this provision.

Provides that if a person who has a deferral of hunter education training or the accompanying hunter is convicted of a violation of Title 77 RCW while hunting under the authority of RCW 77.32.155(2), the department shall revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of the convicted person's hunting privileges for two years.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1250

by Representatives Orcutt, B. Sullivan, Kretz, Alexander, and Pearson


Conducting a pilot project to provide the fish and wildlife commission with independent biological information.


Provides for a pilot project to provide the fish and wildlife commission with independent biological information.

Requires the results of the assessments and plans developed under this act by the contract wildlife biologists to be reported directly to the fish and wildlife commission by October 31, 2008.

Requires that, upon the completion of the pilot project, the chair of the fish and wildlife commission shall present a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the differences between the management recommendations made by the independent biologists as compared to recommendations made by employees of the department of fish and wildlife.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1251

by Representatives Morrell, Haler, O'Brien, Skinner, Lantz, Hinkle, Upthegrove, Takko, Moeller, Wallace, Crouse, Campbell, Kristiansen, Wood, Pearson, Ross, Fromhold, McCoy, Williams, Kretz, Hurst, Green, Kenney, VanDeWege, Haigh, McCune, Grant, Darneille, Simpson, Dunn, and Rolfes


Addressing the issue of stolen metal property.


Declares that: (1) Because the current exemption of transactions involving "metal junk" from the requirements of chapter 19.60 RCW has enabled the theft of stolen metal property, that exemption must be removed;

(2) Uniform interpretation and enforcement of the laws governing pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers can be facilitated through precise clarification of the current law, and such changes in the law should discourage those who steal metal properties from seeking the most lenient jurisdiction in which to sell their stolen property; and

(3) Provisions must be made to ensure the appropriate documentation of transactions to assist law enforcement agencies to identify, recover, and return stolen property to its owner and to ensure, as reasonably as possible, that pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers are less likely to be used as conduits for the liquidation and disposal of stolen metal property.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection.

HB 1252

by Representatives Hunter, Buri, McIntire, Springer, Rodne, Kagi, Fromhold, Kirby, Hinkle, Jarrett, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Appleton, Takko, Newhouse, Miloscia, Blake, Kenney, Dickerson, Haigh, P. Sullivan, Darneille, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Eddy, Santos, and Rolfes


Establishing restrictions on prerecorded telephone calls.


Provides that a caller may not use or connect to a telecommunications line an automatic dialing and announcing device unless: (1) The subscriber has knowingly or voluntarily requested, consented to, permitted, or authorized receipt of the message; or

(2) The message is immediately preceded by a live operator who discloses who is paying for the message at the beginning of the call and obtains the subscriber's consent before the message is delivered.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications.

HB 1253

by Representatives Dickerson, Schual-Berke, Campbell, Santos, Kenney, and Moeller


Requiring written authorization to display human remains for a commercial purpose.


Declares that it is unlawful to display human remains to the public for commercial purposes without valid written authorization from the deceased. The valid written authorization may be given in the last will of the deceased or in a document created under RCW 68.50.160 or 68.50.540, or by a person who has the right to control the disposition of the remains under RCW 68.50.160. The secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee must, prior to the display, determine the adequacy of the documentation offered to establish authorization for display.

Does not apply to the display of human remains: (1) More than one hundred years old;

(2) Consisting solely of human teeth or hair;

(3) As part of the ordinary display or viewing of the deceased at a funeral establishment licensed under chapter 18.39 RCW, or as part of a similar funeral or memorial service; or

(4) As objects of religious veneration.

Provides that a violation of this act is a misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 1254

by Representatives Bailey, B. Sullivan, Haler, Skinner, McDonald, Wallace, Condotta, Sump, Kristiansen, Strow, Pettigrew, McCune, P. Sullivan, Dunn, and Morrell


Concerning the use of lodging tax revenues for tourism promotion.


Provides that municipalities may contract with a nonprofit organization described under section 501 (c)(3) or 501 (c)(6) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, for tourism promotion activities.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade.

HB 1255

by Representatives Simpson, Curtis, Sells, Walsh, Buri, B. Sullivan, Ericks, Ormsby, and Moeller


Prohibiting municipal officers from being beneficially interested in any personal services contract that is made by, through, or under the supervision of that officer.


Prohibits municipal officers from being beneficially interested in any personal services contract that is made by, through, or under the supervision of that officer.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Local Government.

HB 1256

by Representatives Dickerson, Kagi, Hunter, O'Brien, and Ericks


Preventing serious injury and strangulation from window blind cords or other significant safety hazards in child care settings.


Provides that minimum requirements related to safety of the premises shall include a prohibition on the use of window blinds or other window coverings with pull cords or inner cords capable of forming a loop and posing a risk of strangulation to young children. When developing and periodically reviewing minimum requirements related to safety of the premises, the director also shall consult and give serious consideration to the consumer product safety commission's most wanted list of child safety recommendations
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services.

HB 1257

by Representatives Condotta, Chandler, Crouse, and Kristiansen


Requiring legislative approval of tribal-state gaming compacts.


Requires legislative approval of tribal-state gaming compacts.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.

HB 1258

by Representatives Alexander, Hunt, Curtis, and Simpson


Changing the disbursement of funds by air pollution control agencies.


Provides that the respective county shall be reimbursed by the board for services rendered by the treasurer of the respective county in connection with the receipt of funds under RCW 70.94.094.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Local Government.

HB 1259

by Representatives B. Sullivan, Kretz, Blake, and Moeller; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission


Allowing the parks and recreation commission to deny or revoke the issuance of a park pass in certain circumstances.


Provides that the commission may deny or revoke any Washington state park pass for cause, including but not limited to the following: (1) Residency outside the state of Washington;

(2) Violation of laws or state park rules resulting in eviction from a state park;

(3) Intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee or park volunteer who is engaged in the performance of official duties;

(4) Fraudulent use of a pass;

(5) Providing false information or documentation in the application for a state parks pass;

(6) Refusing to display or show the pass to park employees when requested; or

(7) Failing to provide current eligibility information upon request by the agency or when eligibility ceases or changes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

HB 1260

by Representatives Conway, Crouse, Fromhold, Kenney, Ericks, Ormsby, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy


Establishing contribution rates in the Washington state patrol retirement system.


Establishes contribution rates in the Washington state patrol retirement system.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1261

by Representatives Crouse, Fromhold, Conway, Kenney, Ericks, Simpson, McDonald, Moeller, Campbell, and Pearson; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy and LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board


Purchasing service credit for periods of temporary duty disability in the law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system plan 2, the teachers' retirement system, the school employees' retirement system, and the public safety employees' retirement system.


Purchases service credit for periods of temporary duty disability in the law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system plan 2, the teachers' retirement system, the school employees' retirement system, and the public safety employees' retirement system.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1262

by Representatives Bailey, Conway, Fromhold, Ericks, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy


Addressing the public employment of retirees from the teachers' retirement system plan 1 and the public employees' retirement system plan 1.


Addresses the public employment of retirees from the teachers' retirement system plan 1 and the public employees' retirement system plan 1.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1263

by Representatives Fromhold, Conway, Kenney, Ericks, Ormsby, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy


Providing annual increases in certain retirement allowances.


Provides annual increases in certain retirement allowances.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1264

by Representatives Fromhold, Conway, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Ericks, Haigh, Ormsby, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy and LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board


Addressing the portability of public retirement benefits.


Addresses the portability of public retirement benefits.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1265

by Representatives Fromhold, Conway, Bailey, Kenney, Ericks, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy


Making technical corrections in the public retirement systems.


Makes technical corrections in the public retirement systems.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.

HB 1266

by Representatives Conway, Fromhold, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Ericks, Simpson, and Moeller; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy and LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board


Determining death benefits for public employees.


Determines death benefits for public employees.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Appropriations.


Senate Bills

SB 5224

by Senators Jacobsen, Rockefeller, and Kilmer; by request of Office of Financial Management


Concerning the statewide salmon recovery office.


Provides that the department, the department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the state conservation commission, and the governor's monitoring forum shall provide to the statewide salmon recovery office information requested by the office necessary to prepare the state of the salmon report and other reports produced by the office.

Requires the statewide salmon recovery office to work with regional salmon recovery organizations including the southwest Washington salmon recovery region established in RCW 77.85.090 and the Puget Sound partnership, created by chapter . . ., ([House][Senate] Bill No. .... (Z-0369/07)), Laws of 2007 on salmon recovery issues in order to ensure a coordinated and consistent statewide approach to salmon recovery.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.
Jan 17Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5225

by Senators Oemig, Poulsen, Honeyford, and Spanel; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission


Modifying gas and hazardous liquid pipeline provisions.


Repeals RCW 80.28.205, 80.28.207, 80.28.210, 80.28.212, 80.28.215, and 81.88.150.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications.

SB 5226

by Senators Oemig, Fairley, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, and Kline; by request of Governor Gregoire


Providing for public funding of judicial campaigns.


Declares that this act, the judicial independence act, introduces a voluntary pilot campaign funding system for appellate judicial positions that is intended to reduce the impact of special interests in judicial campaigns.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5227

by Senators Tom, Kline, Carrell, Rasmussen, Stevens, Shin, Roach, McAuliffe, Weinstein, Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles, and Kilmer


Increasing the penalty for animal abandonment.


Provides that "abandons" means the knowing, reckless, or with criminal negligence desertion of an animal by its owner or the causing of the animal to be deserted by its owner, in any place, without making provisions for the animal's adequate care.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Judiciary.
Jan 17Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5228

by Senators Kline, McCaslin, and Weinstein; by request of Attorney General


Protecting indirect purchasers for injuries arising from state antitrust law violations.


Provides that, upon a violation of RCW 19.86.030, 19.86.040, 19.86.050, or 19.86.060, the court may also make such additional orders or judgments as may be necessary to restore to any person in interest any moneys or property, real or personal, which may have been acquired, regardless of whether such person purchased or transacted for goods or services directly with the defendant or indirectly through resellers.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Judiciary.

SB 5229

by Senators Kline, McCaslin, and Kastama; by request of Attorney General


Prohibiting the marketing of estate distribution documents by persons not authorized to practice law in this state.


Finds the marketing of estate distribution documents by persons who are not authorized to practice law or who are not acting directly under the supervision of a person authorized to practice law may endanger a consumer's financial security and frustrate his or her estate planning objectives. Therefore, the legislature intends to prohibit the marketing of services related to preparation of estate distribution documents by persons who are not authorized to practice law.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Judiciary.

SB 5230

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Prentice, Franklin, and Kline; by request of Employment Security Department


Funding the administration of Title 50 RCW, unemployment compensation.


Provides funding for the administration of Title 50 RCW, unemployment compensation.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)
First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5231

by Senators Berkey, Roach, Fairley, Pridemore, and Shin


Revising provisions relating to water-sewer districts.


Revises provisions relating to water-sewer districts.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5232

by Senators Haugen, Prentice, Kastama, Rasmussen, and Holmquist


Providing excise tax exemptions for water services provided by small water systems.


Provides excise tax exemptions for water services provided by small water systems.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 5233

by Senators Hatfield, McCaslin, Pridemore, Fairley, and Haugen


Concerning special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.


Revises provisions for special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5234

by Senators Kastama, Shin, Swecker, Berkey, Haugen, Sheldon, Pridemore, Franklin, Keiser, and Carrell


Encouraging shared parental responsibility in child custody arrangements.


Provides that, for any child, residential provisions may contain any reasonable terms or conditions that facilitate the orderly and meaningful exercise of residential time by a parent, including one or more of the following: (1) Requirements that residential times be specified;

(2) Requirements of reasonable notice when residential time will not occur; or

(3) Any other reasonable condition determined to be appropriate in the particular case including but not limited to a domestic violence assessment.

Requires that, in any parenting plan in which the court finds that the parties do not have a satisfactory history of cooperation or the limitations of RCW 26.09.191 are dispositive; to the extent necessary, the parenting plan shall include a safe, neutral, and public location for the exchange of the child such as a school, day care, place of worship, or any other appropriate public facility.

Directs the administrative office of the courts, pursuant to funding provided specifically for this purpose, to commission a study to commence by September 1, 2007. The study shall survey a statistically relevant number of geographically diverse final parenting plans in Washington to determine the allocation of residential time as between parents, including an analysis of gender disparities between parents, and the impact of legal counsel on outcomes of parenting plan disputes. The study shall be completed and a report provided to the legislature, the governor, and to the public within two years of the effective date of this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.

SB 5235

by Senators Prentice, Zarelli, Berkey, Hobbs, Kilmer, Benton, Brandland, Fairley, Schoesler, Hewitt, Rockefeller, Rasmussen, Franklin, Shin, Holmquist, and Roach


Modifying provisions relating to the business and occupation taxation of mortgage brokers.


Provides that upon every person engaging within this state as a mortgage broker licensed under chapter 19.146 RCW; as to such persons, the amount of the tax with respect to such licensed activities shall be equal to the gross income of the business multiplied by the rate of 0.484 percent.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance.
Jan 17Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5236

by Senators Parlette, Fraser, and Rockefeller


Concerning the management of public lands.


Creates the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group.

Provides that the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group must: (1) Develop language to amend agency land acquisition, management, and disposal plans and policies to help provide for statewide coordination of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals;

(2) Develop standards for producing an interagency, statewide biennial forecast of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals;

(3) Establish procedures for submitting the biennial acquisition and disposal plans;

(4) Develop and convene an annual forum for agencies to coordinate their near-term acquisition and disposal plans;

(5) Develop a recommended standard for interagency geographic information system-based documentation of habitat and recreation lands in cooperation with other state agencies using geographic information systems;

(6) Standardize acquisition and disposal recordkeeping;

(7) Identify a preferred process for centralizing acquisition data;

(8) Develop an approach for monitoring the success of acquisitions;

(9) Identify and commence a dialogue with key state and federal partners to develop an inventory of potential public lands for transfer into habitat and recreation land management status; and

(10) Review existing and proposed habitat conservation plans on a regular basis to achieve statewide coordination and save costs.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

SB 5237

by Senators Poulsen, Honeyford, Kohl-Welles, and Keiser


Regarding the purchase of carbon credits from methane-producing entities.


Finds that methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that is twenty times more effective than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Reducing methane emissions, therefore, is an effective means to reduce climate warming. The legislature also finds that about sixty percent of global methane emissions are human-influenced sources, such as dairy farms. While the legislature cannot control all sources of human-influenced methane, it can encourage the use of innovative mechanisms to control methane from dairy farms located in the state.

Declares that the state should be authorized to purchase carbon credits from dairy farmers in the state as an incentive for them to pursue appropriate measures to control dairy nutrients and their concomitant methane emissions from the environment. By offering this financial incentive, the state may enable dairy farmers to finance the development of anaerobic digesters and to produce electricity at a price that may meet the avoided cost of local utilities, thus benefiting dairy operations, the environment, and the need for cost-effective electricity.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications.

SB 5238

by Senators Poulsen, Honeyford, Kohl-Welles, and Keiser


Creating a public utility tax credit for eligible light and power businesses to encourage the reduction of methane emissions.


Creates a public utility tax credit for eligible light and power businesses to encourage the reduction of methane emissions.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications.

SB 5239

by Senators Tom, McAuliffe, Marr, Shin, and Keiser


Requiring implementation of a segmented mathematics alternative assessment.


Directs the superintendent of public instruction to implement an alternative assessment option for mathematics that: Presents the mathematics essential academic learnings in segments for assessment; is comparable in content and rigor to the tenth grade mathematics assessment when all segments are considered together; is reliable and valid; and can be used to determine a student's academic performance level.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
Jan 17Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5240

by Senators Hatfield, Swecker, Rasmussen, Schoesler, Morton, and Keiser


Revising powers and authority of port districts.


Revises powers and authority of port districts.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5241

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Rasmussen, Shin, Keiser, Prentice, Hobbs, Poulsen, and Fairley


Defining wages for industrial insurance purposes.


Declares that "wages" means the gross remuneration paid in cash by the employer to the worker for services performed with respect to a pay period, before any deductions. "Paid in cash" means payment in cash, by check, by electronic transfer, or by other means made directly to the worker.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5242

by Senators Hobbs, Hewitt, Haugen, Kastama, Fairley, Shin, Kline, Clements, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Tom, Brandland, Murray, Roach, Spanel, Kauffman, Rockefeller, Regala, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Berkey, Carrell, Sheldon, Kilmer, Rasmussen, Holmquist, and Honeyford


Establishing an internship program for wounded combat veterans.


Directs the department to establish an internship program for returning wounded combat veterans. The purpose of the program is to assist returning wounded combat veterans by matching them with jobs within the department that require their military skill sets and would be of benefit to the department, or that would teach them new skills.

Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the multimodal transportation account to the department of transportation for the purposes of this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5243

by Senators Brandland, Hargrove, McAuliffe, Stevens, Rasmussen, Shin, and Roach; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Increasing the length of confinement for a parole violation committed by certain juvenile sex offenders.


Increases the length of confinement for a parole violation committed by certain juvenile sex offenders.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.
Jan 16Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5244

by Senators Hargrove, Stevens, and Brandland; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Implementing the deficit reduction act.


Implements the deficit reduction act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.
Jan 16Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5245

by Senators Hargrove, Brandland, McAuliffe, Stevens, Rockefeller, and Shin; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Modifying foster children placement provisions.


Requires the supervising agency to provide the child's foster parents, preadoptive parents, or relative caregivers with notice of their right to be heard prior to each proceeding held with respect to the child in juvenile court under chapter 13.34 RCW. The rights to notice and to be heard apply only to persons with whom a child has been placed by the supervising agency and who are providing care to the child at the time of the proceeding. This act shall not be construed to grant party status to any person solely on the basis of such notice and right to be heard.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.
Jan 16Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5246

by Senators Hargrove, Brandland, McAuliffe, and Stevens; by request of Department of Social and Health Services


Changing provisions affecting the placement of children.


Revises provisions affecting the placement of children.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.
Jan 16Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5247

by Senators Spanel and Haugen; by request of Board For Judicial Administration


Modifying provisions relating to superior court judicial positions.


Revises provisions relating to superior court judicial positions in San Juan and Island counties.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Judiciary.

SB 5248

by Senators Hatfield, Schoesler, Rasmussen, Morton, Honeyford, Haugen, Shin, and Holmquist


Preserving the viability of agricultural lands.


Provides that critical area ordinances and development regulations developed or amended by local governments under chapter 36.70A RCW may not prohibit legally existing agricultural activities occurring on agricultural land, as defined in RCW 90.58.065, and may not require removal of agricultural land from production. This act applies only to this chapter, and shall not affect any other authority of local governments.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

SB 5249

by Senators Jacobsen, Kline, Poulsen, Murray, and Kohl-Welles


Addressing the reimbursement of election costs on a certain transportation replacement project ballot measure.


Provides that if an advisory ballot measure is submitted to the city voters of the city in which the Alaskan Way viaduct and Seattle Seawall replacement project is to be constructed, soliciting voter preference of the alternatives applicable to the project, then the department shall reimburse the appropriate jurisdiction for the election costs related to submission of the ballot measure.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5250

by Senators Swecker, Haugen, Kilmer, Kline, Rockefeller, and Shin


Creating an alternative method to transfer motor vehicle ownership.


Requires that, by January 1, 2008, the department shall create a document that allows the seller of a vehicle to release his or her interest in a vehicle at the same time a bank, as defined in RCW 30.04.010, notifies the department that a lien against a vehicle has been released. The department shall incorporate both the seller's release of interest and the bank's notice of lien release into this document. The document must require the seller to acknowledge that the lien release has been accompanied by a subsequent sale of the vehicle to a third party and must include the seller's name, address, driver's license number, and signature as well as the transferee's name, address, driver's license number, and signature.

Provides that properly submitting this document transfers a vehicle's title, provided that the seller's release of interest becomes valid when the transferee applies for a certificate of ownership.

Does not affect the validity or legal effect of a seller's report of sale.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5251

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Hobbs, Parlette, Pridemore, and Hatfield


Establishing the term of existence of a collective bargaining agreement.


Provides that any agreement entered into between cities, counties, or municipal corporations, and their respective employees, may provide for a term of existence of up to six years.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5252

by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Franklin, and Kline


Making certain corporate and limited liability company persons personally liable for failing to pay unemployment taxes.


Makes certain corporate and limited liability company persons personally liable for failing to pay unemployment taxes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5253

by Senators Kilmer, Swecker, Hobbs, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Regala, Marr, Hatfield, Murray, Weinstein, Rockefeller, Keiser, Sheldon, McAuliffe, Clements, Kauffman, Franklin, Eide, Jacobsen, Rasmussen, and Honeyford


Creating a list of and decal for veteran-owned businesses.


Requires the department to: (1) Develop and maintain a current list of veteran-owned businesses; and

(2) Make the list available on the department's public web site.

Declares that, in order to qualify as a veteran-owned business, the business must be at least fifty-one percent owned and controlled by: (1) A veteran as defined in RCW 41.04.007; or

(2) An active or reserve member in any branch of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard, coast guard, and armed forces reserves.

Directs the department to create a logo for the purpose of identifying veteran-owned businesses to the public.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5254

by Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Fairley, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Marr, Hatfield, Weinstein, Keiser, Sheldon, McAuliffe, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Murray, Tom, Regala, Spanel, and Kline


Authorizing a grant program for industry skill panels.


Finds that a skilled work force is essential for employers and job seekers to compete in today's global economy. The engines of economic progress are fueled by education and training.

Finds that industry skill panels are a critical and proven form of public-private partnership that harness the expertise of leaders in business, labor, and education to identify work force development strategies for industries that drive Washington's regional economies. Industry skill panels foster innovation and enable industry leaders and public partners to be proactive, addressing changing needs for businesses quickly and strategically. Industry skill panels leverage small state investments with private sector investments to ensure that public resources are better aligned with industry needs.

Declares an intent to support the development and maintenance of industry skill panels in key sectors of the economy as an efficient and effective way to support regional economic development.

Appropriates the sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the work force training and education coordinating board for the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the work force training and education coordinating board for the purposes of this act. The board shall use up to fifty thousand dollars of the appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, for an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of industry skill panels.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Higher Education.

SB 5255

by Senators Pridemore, Roach, Prentice, Fairley, Eide, Hobbs, Kastama, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, Shin, Holmquist, Honeyford, and Keiser


Authorizing high school diplomas to be issued to persons who left high school before graduation to serve in the United States armed forces.


Authorizes high school diplomas to be issued to persons who left high school before graduation to serve in the United States armed forces.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 5256

by Senators Prentice, Roach, Fairley, Kastama, Eide, Hobbs, Fraser, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, Franklin, Kilmer, Honeyford, and Keiser


Providing for the exclusion of veterans benefits from the income calculation for the retired person property tax relief program.


Provides for the exclusion of veterans benefits from the income calculation for the retired person property tax relief program.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5257

by Senators Jacobsen, Swecker, Parlette, Rockefeller, and Fraser; by request of Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation


Changing the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to the recreation and conservation funding board.


Changes the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to the recreation and conservation funding board.

Makes technical, nonsubstantive changes in order to facilitate the name change.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

SB 5258

by Senators Regala, Stevens, and Shin


Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.


Increases the number of members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.

SB 5259

by Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission


Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.


Authorizes the commission to accept sealed bids, electronic bids, or oral bids at auction.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

SB 5260

by Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission


Allowing the parks and recreation commission to deny or revoke the issuance of a park pass in certain circumstances.


Provides that the commission may deny or revoke any Washington state park pass for cause, including but not limited to the following: (1) Residency outside the state of Washington;

(2) Violation of laws or state park rules resulting in eviction from a state park;

(3) Intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee or park volunteer who is engaged in the performance of official duties;

(4) Fraudulent use of a pass;

(5) Providing false information or documentation in the application for a state parks pass;

(6) Refusing to display or show the pass to park employees when requested; or

(7) Failing to provide current eligibility information upon request by the agency or when eligibility ceases or changes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

SB 5261

by Senators Keiser, Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, and Kline; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Granting the insurance commissioner the authority to review individual health benefit plan rates.


Grants the insurance commissioner the authority to review individual health benefit plan rates.

Repeals RCW 48.20.025, 48.44.017, and 48.46.062.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 5262

by Senators Franklin, Hobbs, Berkey, and Hatfield; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Establishing certain capital and surplus requirements necessary to transact insurance.


Establishes certain capital and surplus requirements necessary to transact insurance.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance.

SB 5263

by Senators Franklin, Hobbs, Berkey, and Hatfield; by request of Insurance Commissioner


Modifying medical malpractice closed claim reporting requirements.


Declares that instances in which a claim is not reported by an insuring entity include, but are not limited to, situations in which the insuring entity contends that it cannot be regulated, such as: (1) A risk retention group that refuses to report closed claims and asserts that the federal liability risk retention act (95 Stat. 949; 15 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) preempts state law; or

(2) An unauthorized insurer refuses to report closed claims and asserts a federal exemption or other jurisdictional preemption.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance.

SB 5264

by Senators Haugen and Swecker; by request of Transportation Commission


Authorizing the transportation commission to name or rename state transportation facilities.


Provides that the commission may name or rename state transportation facilities including, but not limited to: State highways; state highway bridges, structures, and facilities; state rest areas; and state roadside facilities, such as viewpoints. The commission must consult with the department before taking final action to name or rename a state transportation facility.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5265

by Senators McAuliffe, Fairley, Eide, Kohl-Welles, and Kline


Creating the outdoor education and recreation grant program for schools and others.


Declares an intent to establish an outdoor education and recreation program to improve students' performance on the essential academic learning requirements for science through participation in outdoor educational and recreational opportunities. Further, it is the intent of the program to recognize the resulting benefit of improved student health through involvement in outdoor recreation.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 5266

by Senators McAuliffe, Hargrove, Stevens, Regala, Fairley, Franklin, and Shin


Concerning juveniles in the custody of law enforcement officers.


Declares that parents have a fundamental interest in knowing if their child has been taken into police custody for questioning and where their child is being held. Because a parent or guardian is most often in a position to provide a juvenile with guidance in matters of great importance to a juvenile, it is the intent to assist parents in their ability to aid and guide their children when making important legal decisions, including the decision to waive legal rights during custodial interrogations. It is also the intent to provide children in police custody the opportunity to seek and receive consultation with his or her parents.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.

SB 5267

by Senators McAuliffe, Eide, Brandland, Fairley, and Kohl-Welles


Providing for the use of the school district capital projects funds for technology.


Recognizes that technology has become an integral part of the facilities and educational delivery systems in our schools. In order to prepare our state's students to participate fully in our state's economy, school districts are making substantial capital investments in their technology systems, facilities, and projects. Districts are implementing, applying, and modernizing their technology systems.

Declares that school districts must be empowered to respond to the changing business models in the software industry and be given flexibility and authority to use capital projects funds to pay for licenses or online application fees.

Declares an intent that these investments be deemed major capital purpose and are also permitted uses of the district's two to six-year levies authorized by RCW 84.52.053.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 5268

by Senators McAuliffe, Prentice, Fairley, Oemig, Kline, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Tom, Regala, Brandland, Rockefeller, Rasmussen, and Keiser


Requiring reviews and revisions of the essential academic learning requirements.


Recognizes that as the world changes, expectations for students evolve to reflect current workforce and societal demands. To prepare students to be competitive in the global market, classrooms should meet the new, heightened expectations of higher education institutions and businesses. The educational system should reflect our increasingly diverse society and remain relevant and accessible to all students to keep them engaged as active participants in their own learning experience.

Declares an intent to require an ongoing and regular review of the essential academic learning requirements in order to refine and revise the standards as necessary to keep them modern and relevant.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 5269

by Senators McAuliffe, Delvin, Kauffman, Roach, Franklin, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Sheldon, Marr, Murray, Oemig, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, Shin, and Kilmer


Establishing the first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program.


Establishes the Washington state first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program. The professional educator standards board shall adopt rules to implement the program in collaboration with the sovereign tribal governments of Washington state, including the tribal leader congress on education and the first peoples' language and culture committee. The collaboration required under this act shall be defined by a protocol for cogovernance in education developed by the professional educator standards board and the sovereign tribal governments of Washington state.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 5270

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Hewitt, Prentice, Rasmussen, Keiser, Kauffman, and Honeyford; by request of Horse Racing Commission


Allowing advance deposit wagering to continue beyond October 1, 2007.


Authorizes advance deposit wagering to continue beyond October 1, 2007.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5271

by Senators Pridemore, Benton, Kline, Swecker, Roach, and Rasmussen


Modifying when a special election may be held.


Revises the dates on which a special election may be held.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5272

by Senators Haugen and Sheldon; by request of Department of Licensing


Modifying the administration of fuel taxes.


Revises the administration of fuel taxes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5273

by Senators Swecker, Murray, and Keiser; by request of Department of Licensing, Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and Washington State Patrol


Modifying motorcycle driver's license endorsement and education provisions.


Revises motorcycle driver's license endorsement and education provisions.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 5274

by Senators Kohl-Welles and Brandland


Applying the provisions of chapter 19.182 RCW, the fair credit reporting act, to background check reports.


Applies the provisions of chapter 19.182 RCW, the fair credit reporting act, to background check reports.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing.

SB 5275

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Brandland, and Hargrove


Establishing a work group to ensure seamless access to information for all background checks for noncriminal justice purposes.


Establishes a work group to ensure seamless access to information for all background checks for noncriminal justice purposes.

Creates a work group to research the current laws regarding background checks for prospective employees of public and private entities which work with vulnerable adults or children.

Finds that a comprehensive background check which includes both civil and criminal information is a valuable tool in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children from preventable risk.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.

SB 5276

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Poulsen, Rockefeller, Morton, Shin, Pridemore, Holmquist, and Rasmussen


Limiting the use of automatic dialing and announcing devices.


Declares that protecting the well-being, tranquility, and privacy of the home is of the highest order in a free and civilized society, and the efficient conduct of private businesses and government operations are of significant government interest.

Finds that automatic calling and announcing devices uniquely intrude into these interests.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing.

SB 5277

by Senator Franklin


Providing a procedure for court-ordered contact with a child for nonparents.


Affirms that parents have a paramount right to raise their minor children.

Recognizes that this paramount right must be considered in conjunction with a minor child's interest in maintaining the strong emotional bonds with others that the child has developed and relies upon.

Declares an intent to establish internally consistent and rigorous standards that must be met for a nonparent to obtain visitation with a minor child.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.

SB 5278

by Senators Franklin, Kastama, Kline, Spanel, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Regala, Pridemore, Poulsen, Fraser, Rasmussen, and Rockefeller


Concerning use of public funds to finance campaigns for local office.


Amends RCW 42.17.128 relating to use of public funds for political purposes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5279

by Senators Franklin, Fairley, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, Regala, Keiser, and Jacobsen


Creating the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.


Creates the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.

Provides that the advisory council shall: (1) Meet at least four times a year;

(2) Review and comment on existing laws, rules, regulations, and standards to ensure that they adequately protect the health of children from environmental hazards;

(3) Work collaboratively with state agencies and others without duplicating current work in this area; and

(4) Report to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2007, and December 1, 2008, with recommendations on changes in regulation that would reduce children's exposure to environmental hazards and recommendations for collaborative approaches to public education.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 5280

by Senators Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Shin, Kilmer, and Honeyford


Providing postsecondary education grants for national guard and military families.


Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the program administrator of the scholarship grant program for the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the program administrator of the scholarship grant program for the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, from the general fund to the program administrator of the scholarship grant program for the purposes of this act.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Higher Education.


Senate Joint Resolutions

SJR 8212

by Senators Hargrove, Carrell, Regala, and Stevens


Revising limitations on use of inmate labor.


Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to revise limitations on use of inmate labor.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections.


Senate Concurrent Resolutions

SCR 8402

by Senators Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Jacobsen, Fairley, Rockefeller, and Oemig


Resolving to create a commission on the evaluation of the legislature.


Resolves to create a commission on the evaluation of the legislature.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.