WSU Tracking
Short List
April 30, 2007
Governor's Actions(Click on the bill number to view
complete text and other
documents) |
| SHB 1091 |
SB 5090 |
Innovation partnership zones |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Van De Wege |
Support |
| Innovation Partnership Zones The director of the Department of Community Trade, and Economic Development shall designate innovation partnership zones that will be eligible for special funding opportunities. Innovation partnership zones must have three types of institutions operating within their boundaries, or show evidence of planning and local partnerships that will lead to dense concentrations of these institutions:
1. Research capacity in the form of a university or community college fostering commercially valuable research, nonprofit institutions creating commercially applicable innovations, or a national laboratory;
2. Dense proximity of globally competitive firms in a research-based industry or industries or of individual firms with innovation strategies. A globally competitive
firm may be signified through international organization for standardization 9000 or 1400 certification, or other recognized evidence of international success; and
3. Training capacity either within the zone or readily accessible to the zone. The training capacity requirement may be met by the same institution as the research capacity requirement, to the extent both are associated with an educational institution in the proposed zone. Passed the state House of Representatives 96-0 on March 9. Passed the state Senate 45-0 on April 9. The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments on April 17. The House concurred unanimously with the Senate amendments on April 20. Signed by the governor on April 30. Takes effect July 22 (90 days after adjournment.) (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| ESHB 1092 |
SB 5156 |
Capital budget |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Fromhold |
Strongly Support |
| Conference Capital Construction Budget Bill Completion of the Pullman Life Sciences Building is the highlight of a record $180.6 million WSU construction budget released by Senate and House leaders after completing negotiations on the compromise capital budget. The $58 million appropriation to complete construction of the WSU Life Sciences Building, $29 million in new funding for the WSU Vancouver campus including construction of a new classroom building, and $59 million in critical dollars to improve and preserve existing facilities are in the conference committee version of the 2007-2009 construction budget. Passed the state House of Representatives 93-4 on March 26. Passed the state Senate 47-0 on March 31. Conference report passed the state Senate 46-0 on April 21. Passed the House 96-1 on April 22. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| SHB 1128 |
SB 5140 |
Operating budget 2007-09 |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Sommers |
Support |
| Conference Biennial & Supplemental Operating Budget Bills The conference budget boosts Washington State University’s state funding 17.9 percent in the next two years. Student enrollments will increase at all campuses, agricultural research funding will be boosted by $5.3 million, and salaries will increase by an average of 3.2 percent Sept. 1 through the new $508.6 million compromise operating budget for WSU. The first state appropriations for medical education programs in Spokane, a WSU PhD program in nursing, a new Spokane Applied Sciences Laboratory, a new engineering program at WSU Vancouver, and WSU Small Business Development Centers are just some of the items contained in the final resolution of House-Senate budget differences. Passed the state House of Representatives 62-35 on March 26. Passed the state Senate 30-17 on March 31. Conference budget passed the Senate 31-17 on April 22. All Democrats except Sen. Sheldon voted for the bill. Conference budget passed the House 60-36 on April 22. Vote was along party lines except Campbell was the lone Republican yes vote, Simpson & Wilson voted no; Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| ESHB 1131 |
SB 5155 |
Passport to college program |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Dunshee |
|
| Assistance to Foster Youth Provides for outreach and information to youth age 15 years and over in foster care regarding opportunities for higher education, including financial aid that may be available. Provides scholarships covering tuition and living expenses to eligible former foster youth between ages 16 and 26 years to attend higher education for up to five consecutive years. Gives monetary incentives to higher education institutions that enroll and retain eligible former foster youth. Passed the state House of Representatives 81-16 on March 6. Passed the state Senate 47-2 on April 11. The House voted 78-16 on April 14 to concur with the Senate amendments. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| ESHB 1179 |
|
State need grant |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Hasegawa |
|
| Part-time Student Need Grant Reduces the minimum number of quarter credits for which a student must be
enrolled to receive a State Need Grant from six to three (or the semester
equivalent). Allows students enrolled on a less-than-half-time basis to be eligible for a State Need Grant for one year even if the student has not yet matriculated into a program leading to a degree or certificate. Allows institutions to give an eligible student a preliminary State Need Grant before the student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Changes the minimum number of quarter credits required to receive a loan or aid from an institution's institutional financial aid fund from six per term to three (or the semester equivalent). Passed the state House of Representatives 98-0 on March 12. Passed the state Senate 48-0 on April 19. House concurred with the Senate amendments. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| E2SHB 1303 |
SB 5586 |
Cleaner energy |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Dickerson |
Support |
| Clean Energy Bill In the latest Senate version, Washington State University is directed to analyze the availability of biofuels in the state and to make best estimates to indicate, by percentage, the types and geographic origins of biofuel feedstock sources that contribute to biofuel production and use in the state, and to recommend models for possible implementation by th legislature or the executive office for at least the following potential biofuels incentive programs: biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. Asisting farmers and businesses, leveraging private investment, assisting biofuel feedstocks are to be considered. An interim report from WSU is due Dec. 1, 2007. A final report is due Dec. 1, 2008. Passed the state House of Representatives 79-18 on March 10. Passed the state Senate 44-4 with floor amendments on April 13. The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments on April 17. The House agreed to the Senate amendments 79-19 on April 20. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SHB 1398 |
SB 5384 |
U of W and WSU |
C 24 L 07 |
4/10/2007 |
Fromhold |
Support |
| UW-WSU Bond Bill Expands the University of Washington's and Washington State University's local borrowing authority by allowing the universities to bond against all nonappropriated funds. The authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University to issue bonds is expanded to any university purpose. Any nonappropriated funds may be obligated for the repayment of such bonds. This debt will not count against the state's constitutional
debt limit and will not be backed by the full faith and credit of the state. The universities must report annually to the appropriate committees of the Legislature and the State Treasurer on the use of this bonding authority.
Language was removed that required bonds to be rated no lower than the lowest subcategory of the single "A" rating category by at least one nationally recognized credit rating agency. The scope of the annual reporting requirement was expanded to include additional summary level information.WSU testified for the legislation in the House Capital Budget Committee Bill passed the state House of
Representatives 93-1; Passed the state Senate 45-0 on April 2.Governor signed into law April 10. Bill would take effect 90 days after adjournment. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| 2SHB 1506 |
SB 5489 |
Alternative public works |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Haigh |
Support |
| Alternative Public Works The use of alternative public works contracting procedures is extended to 2014. The authorization to use alternative public works procedures expires June 30, 2007. Expands the use of the design-build and general contractor/construction manager contracting (GC/CM) procedures. Establishes a project review committee to approve the use of design-build and GC/CM contracting procedures. Requires data collection for evaluation of alternative contracting procedures. Passed the state House of Representatives 98-0 on March 12. Passed the state Senate 47-1 on April 6. The House concurred with the Senate amendments 98-0 on April 17 Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| E2SHB 1705 |
SB 5616 |
Health sciences and services |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Barlow |
Support |
| Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM) Bill This is legislation that is envisioned to be a funding source for the Institute for Systems Medicine in Spokane. The bill provides that health sciences and services authorities can be created by sponsoring local governments to promote bioscience-based economic development and advance new therapies and procedures to combat disease and promote public health. Sponsoring local governments can be a city, town, or county. The authority must be established by an ordinance or resolution. The ordinance must at minimum establish an administrative board for the authority, and specify the powers and duties and boundaries of the authority.
In the latest Senate version of the bill: The credit against the state sales tax is increased from .0075 percent to .015 percent. (Approximately $2.2 million per biennium.) The creation of a health sciences and
services authority is limited to one location, probably Spokane. (King County is not eligible.) It is overseen by a 14-member board, three appointed by the governor, three by the county commissioners, three by the Mayor, and five others. The Higher Education Coordinating Board is responsible for approval of an application to create a Health Sciences and Services Authority instead of CTED. The manner in which the board members are appointed are changed. The provision requiring the HEC board to report to the legislature is replaced by a JLARC study and the authority shall apply for a Washington Quality Award. Passed the state House of Representatives 68-29 on March 12. Passed the state Senate 48-0 on April 12 without the Ways & Means Amendments and with floor amendments. The House concurred with the Senate amendments on April 20. Bill has passed both houses. It was signed by the governor May 1. The bill is effective July 22. |
|
| E2SHB 1779 |
SB 5555 |
GET ready for math & science |
Gov signed |
4/27/2007 |
Wallace |
|
| Get Ready for Math & Science The GET Ready for Math and Science
Scholarship Program (Scholarship Program) is created. The Scholarship Program provides college scholarships for students who: (1)score a 4 on the 10th grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in either math or science or score in the 95th percentile on mathematics on the SAT or ACT; (2) have a family income no greater than 125 percent of the median family income in Washington at the time they apply for the scholarship and for up to the two previous years; (3)agree to major in a math, science, or related field; and (4) make a commitment to work for at least three years in Washington in a mathematics, science,or related field. Students must enroll in an institution of higher education within one year of high school graduation, take at least one mathematics or science course each term, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and enter a qualified program no later than their junior year. The scholarships can be used at any public or private accredited college or university in Washington. The maximum annual scholarship amount cannot be more than the annual cost of undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Washington. The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) buys tuition units from the state's Guaranteed Education Tuition Program to be used for the GET Ready for Math and Science scholarships. Senate amendments contained in the final bill: The HECB and the private non-profit administrator are to jointly establish criteria for selecting among eligible applicants. Priority
is to be given to those applicants who, without the scholarship, would be least likely to major in math or science at a Washington college or university. The striking amendment clarifies that scholarships are only awarded to the extent that state and private matching funds are available for that purpose in the account created by the bill. Passed the state House of Representatives 76-22 on March 12. Passed the state Senate 47-1 April 5. The House concurred with Senate amendments 72-21 on April 14. The bill was signed by the governor April 27. Bill becomes law 90 days after adjournment. |
|
| SHB 1784 |
SB 5766 |
Investment of certain moneys |
Gov signed |
4/27/2007 |
Kenney |
Support |
| By Request of Washington State University Sponsored by state Rep. Phyllis Kenney. This is a proposed statutory change to implement the intent of a proposed state constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 4215. The bill was heard by the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 8. State Treasurer Mike Murphy has proposed amendments. If HJR 4215 is adopted, this bill makes technical changes to state law that would allow the State Investment Board to invest in equities with money in the higher education trust permanent funds.The bill was amended in the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 22 and passed out with amendments supported by WSU and the state Treasurer. Bill passed the state House of
Representatives on March 7 by a vote of 92-2. Voting Nay were Hasegawa and Anderson. Passed the state Senate 47-0 on April 11. Bill was signed by the governor on April 27. The act takes effect if voters approve Substitute House Joint Resolution 4215 in the November election.. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| ESHB 1883 |
|
Higher edu coordinating brd |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Wallace |
Neutral |
| Higher Ed Board Reorganization Originally proposed to make the director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board appointed by the governor. The new bill gives the board authority to hire the executive director . The bill is necessary for implementation of the budget and not likely to be subject to legislative cut-off. Hearing in the Senate Higher Education Committee is scheduled for March 21. Bill passed the state House of
Representatives on March 14 by a vote of 95-1. Passed the state Senate 46-1 on April 6. The House concurred with the Senate amendments 93-1 on April 14. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| 2SHB 1906 |
SB 5813 |
Math and science education |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Hunter |
Neutral |
| Math Placement Test Creates an after school mathematics support program with community based organizations. Creates a mathematics and science instructional coach demonstration project. Directs an independent review of the mathematics and science learning standards. Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to identify three mathematics and science curricula for each grade span and directs the State Board of Education to identify conditions under which school districts will be required to use the curricula. Creates two new alternative routes to teacher certification for mathematics and science teachers. By September 1, 2008, the University of Washington, in collaboration with representatives of the four-year institutions of higher education, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the transition math project, shall revise the Washington
mathematics placement test to serve as a common college readiness test
for all two and four-year institutions of higher education. Passed the state House of Representatives 90-7 on March 28. Passed the state Senate 37-12 on April 11. House voted to concur with the Senate amendments 96-2 on April 17. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SHB 2010 |
SB 5856 |
Bidder responsibility |
C 133 L 07 |
4/19/2007 |
Haigh |
|
| Responsible bidder is defined for purposes of public works contracts. In order to be considered a responsible bidder, the bidder must have a certificate of registration at the time of bid submission; a current state unified business identifier number; and, if applicable, worker's compensation coverage for the bidder's employees working in Washington, an Employment Security Department number, and a state excise tax registration number.. Passed the state House 76-21 on March 9. Passed the state Senate 43-3 on April 5. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. Governor signed on April 19. Effective July 22, 2007. (WSU fiscal note prepared. No fiscal impact. ) |
|
| ESHB 2164 |
|
Multiple-unit housing |
C 185 L 07 |
4/21/2007 |
Dunshee |
Neutral |
| Requires a multi-unit housing development sited within the area of a campus facility
master plan to obtain prior approval from the university or college in order to participate in the property tax exemption for urban multi-family housing. Passed the state House of Representatives 74-22 on March 13. Passed the state Senate 42-3 on April 10. Signed into law by the governor on April 21. |
|
| HB 2281 |
|
Shared leave |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Appleton |
|
| Emergency Shared Leave An agency head may permit an employee to receive leave under the Program if a state of emergency has been declared anywhere within the United States by the federal or any state government and the employee has needed skills to assist in responding to the emergency or its aftermath. Passed the state House 96-0 on March 6. Passed the state Senate 44-0 on April 12. House concurred with the Senate amendments. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. Bill would be effective 90 days after adjournment. (WSU fiscal note prepared, impact likely under $50,000.) |
|
| SHB 2300 |
SB 6077 |
College textbooks |
C 186 L 07 |
4/21/2007 |
Hasegawa |
|
| Each publisher of college textbooks shall make immediately
available to a prospective purchaser of their products the price at which the publisher would make the products available to a campus bookstore and any revisions to the product. Passed the state House of Representatives 93-4 on March 12. Passed the state Senate 45-0 on April 10. Signed into law by the Governor on April 21 |
|
| SHB 2361 |
HB 1399 |
Collective bargaining |
C 136 L 07 |
4/19/2007 |
Conway |
Neutral/Amendments |
| Staff Collective Bargaining HB 1399 Extends collective bargaining rights to managers and administrators who were previously exempt. WSU testified in the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Feb. 6. WSU expressed concerns that the bill adds high level managers to the collective bargaining process, something that is not allowed elsewhere in state government. This is a new bill with changes that address WSU's greatest concerns. Passed the state House of Representatives 75-22 on March 10. Passed the state Senate 38-10 on April 6. Bill has been signed into law by the governor April 19. Effective 90 days after adjournment. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SHB 2366 |
|
State facility planning |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Dunshee |
Concerns |
| Oversight & Financial Analysis of State Agency Capital Decisions OFM must design and implement a modified predesign process for space requests to lease, purchase, or build facilities for new state programs, expanded programs, or the relocation of programs including the consolidation of multiple state agency tenants into one facility. This legislation is supported by the state Office of Financial Management Passed the state House of Representatives 95-0 on March 14.Passed the state Senate 46-0 on April 13. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| SHJR 4215 |
SJR 8220 |
Prohibition on investment |
H Filed Sec/St |
4/18/2007 |
Kenney |
Support |
| By request of Washington State University. This is a proposed constitutional amendment that will permit the state investment board to buy stocks or equities for investment of funds derived from university trust land revenues. Currently, the State Investment Board is limited to government bonds. This legislation is intended to benefit the state's six baccalaureate institutions. It extend the authority to them that has been granted to K-12, the state pension funds, Labor and Industries funds, and university permanent funds in many other states. The proposal was heard Feb. 8 in the House Capital Budget Committee. State Treasurer Mike Murphy supported the concept. The bill was amended in the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 22 and passed out with amendments supported by WSU and the state Treasurer. Bill passed the state House of Representatives 92-2 on March 8. The Senate passed the bill 45-0 on April 11. The measure gained the necessary two-thirds positive vote of each house to be on the November ballot. It has been filed with the Secretary of State. |
|
| HR 4658 |
|
V. Lane Rawlins |
H Adopted |
4/12/2007 |
Hunt |
Strongly Support |
| Resolution honoring President V. Lane Rawlins. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the leadership of V. Lane Rawlins in promoting a "World Class Education, Face to Face" at Washington State University; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the outstanding statewide advances in higher education and student potential as a result of V. Lane Rawlins' term as president of Washington State University; Sponsored by Rep. Sam Hunt, D-Olympia. Other cosponsors were: Buri, Williams, Newhouse, Jarrett, Hailey, Wood, Wallace, Sells, Walsh, Kenney, Chase, Lovick, P. Sullivan, Takko, Ericks, Clibborn, Fromhold, VanDeWege, Linville, Haler, Moeller, Morrell, McIntire, Conway, Hasegawa, McCoy, Warnick, Darneille Resolution adoped on a voice vote by the state House of Representatives April 12. |
|
| HR 4661 |
|
WSU men's basketball team |
H Adopted |
4/14/2007 |
Hunt |
Strongly Support |
| Resolution Honoring WSU Coach Tony Bennett NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the outstanding success of the Washington State University men's basketball team for its success on the court and in the classroom during the 2007 season; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives congratulate Head CoachTony Bennett for his leadership in driving the Washington State University men's basketball team to success and for his numerous honors as National Coach of the Year. Sponsored by State Rep. Sam Hunt, D-Olympia. Other cosponsors were Reps. Newhouse, Williams, Buri, Ericks, VanDeWege, Wood, Moeller, Jarrett, Hailey, Warnick. Resolution adoped on a voice vote by the state House of Representatives April 14. |
|
| SSB 5002 |
HB 1454 |
Tuition waivers |
Del to Gov |
4/18/2007 |
Hewitt |
Concerns |
| Disabled Veterans Waiver Bill This is a mandatory waiver. Higher education institutions may continue to reduce all or a portion of tuition for
military or naval veterans who did not serve on foreign soils or in international waters. State higher education institutions must waive all tuition and fees for the children and spouses of eligible veterans or National Guard members who died, are permanently and totally disabled, are missing in action, or are prisoners of war. To be eligible, a child must be a Washington domicilary between the age of 17 and 26. A surviving spouse, to be eligible, must be a Washington domiciliary, it must have been 10 years or less since the loss, and must not have remarried. Each recipient's continued eligibility is subject to the school's satisfactory progress policy. Bill passed the state Senate 48-0 on Feb. 2. Passed the state House of Representative 98-0 on April 5. The Senate voted 47-0 to concur with the Senate amendments on April 14. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SSB 5032 |
HB 1049 |
Vancouver historic reserve |
C 138 L 07 |
4/20/2007 |
Pridemore |
|
| Vancouver historic reserve The Legislature affirms that the state is a partner in the Reserve and will take an
active role in supporting the protection, preservation, interpretation, and rehabilitation of the
Reserve. The Washington State Historical Society is the state's designated partner
representative for the Reserve. The State Historical Society is directed to participate in coordination meetings and in the development of plans and policies associated with the Reserve, partner with Washington State University and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History, to develop and submit operating and capital budget requests, and to oversee the management of all funds appropriated by the state for the Reserve. Passed the state Senate 47-0 on Feb. 28. Passed the state House 94-0 on April 6. Bill was signed into law by the governor on April 20. Bill would be effective 90 days after adjournment. (WSU fiscal note prepared, No impact.) |
|
| 2SSB 5092 |
HB 1178 |
Associate development org |
Del to Gov |
4/19/2007 |
Marr |
|
| Associate Development Organizations The Department of Community and Trade and Economic Development's obligations to establish service delivery regions and contract for surveys and coordination of technical assistance are eliminated. ADO contracts will require the delivery of direct assistance to companies needing support to survive, expand, or relocate. The contracts will also require support for regional economic research and regional planning efforts to implement economic development strategies. Passed the state Senate 49-0 on March 7. Passed the state House 97-1 on April 9. Senate concurred with the House amendments. Bill has passed both houses and was signed by the governor on May 1. Effective July 22, 2007. (WSU fiscal note prepared, no fiscal impact.) |
|
| E2SSB 5098 |
|
Opportunities scholarship |
Del to Gov |
4/18/2007 |
Rockefeller |
|
| The Washington College Bound Scholarship is created.(Formerly the opportunities scholarship.) Eligible students are
students who are eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch. Eligible students are notified of their eligibility for the scholarship in 7th grade. Home schooled students are eligible for the scholarship program. To be awarded the scholarship an eligible student must pledge, during their 7th or 8th grade years, that they will: (1) graduate from high school; (2) graduate with a C average; and (3) not have any felony convictions. To receive the scholarship, the student must have kept the pledge, must have a family income at high school graduation below 65 percent of the state median, and must be a resident student.The scholarship is equal to the difference between the cost of the student's tuition and fees at a public college or university, plus $500 for books and materials minus the value of any other state financial aid received for those items. The maximum award is for four years. An eligible student's family income is assessed upon graduation and if the family income exceeds 50 percent of the median family income, but does not exceed 100 percent of the state median family income, the student receives a prorated scholarship. The first scholarships are awarded to students graduating in 2012. Bill passed the state Senate 46-0 on March 13. Passed the state House of Representatives 78-20 on April 10. Senate concurred with the House amendments. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| SSB 5101 |
|
Higher education waivers |
Del to Gov |
4/18/2007 |
Hobbs |
Concerns |
| Teacher high demand waivers Teachers and certificated instructional staff at public common schools and vocational schools are included within the definition of "state employees" for purposes of college tuition waivers for state employees. In order to be eligible for a tuition waiver, the teacher or staff must hold, or be
seeking, a valid endorsement and assignment in a state-identified shortage area. Bill passed the state Senate 43-0 on March 6. Passed the state House of Representative 97-0 on April 5. Senate concurred with the House amendments 45-0 on April 16. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SSB 5248 |
HB 1167 |
Agricultural lands |
Del to Gov |
4/19/2007 |
Hatfield |
Neutral |
| Agriculture & Critical Area Ordinances Subject to the availability of funds, the Ruckelshaus Center is directed to commence, by July 1, 2007, a two-phase examination of the conflicts between agricultural activities and CAOs.
The first phase is to conduct fact-finding and stakeholder discussions, and the second phase is to facilitate discussions to identify policy and financial options or opportunities to address issues and desired outcomes. The stakeholders must examine innovative solutions that include outcome-based approaches that incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, voluntary programs or approaches. Additionally, stakeholders must examine ways to modify statutory
provisions to ensure that regulatory constraints on agricultural activities are used as a last resort if the desired outcomes are not achieved through voluntary programs or approaches. The Center is to issue two reports of its fact-finding efforts and stakeholder discussions to the Governor and the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2007, and December 1, 2008. A report on the second phase including findings and legislative recommendations is to be issued to the Governor and to the Legislature by September, 1, 2009. The Center is to work to achieve agreement among participating stakeholders and to develop a coalition that can be used to support agreed upon changes or new approaches to protecting
critical areas during the 2010 Legislative Session. Bill passed the state Senate 32-17 on March 4. Passed the state House of Representative 82-15 on April 13. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. The budget provides $354,000 in one-time money to implement this bill (study money for the Ruckelshaus Center.) (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SSB 5340 |
|
Definition of disability |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Kline |
Concerns |
| Defining disability "Disability" is defined as a sensory, mental, or physical impairment that is medically cognizable or diagnosable, or exists as a record or history, or is perceived to exist, whether or not it actually exists. The "disability" exists whether it is temporary or permanent, mitigated or unmitigated, or whether it limits the ability to work or engage in any other activity. Bill passed the state Senate 42-6 on March 8. Passed the state House of Representatives 66-32 on April 10. The Senate refused to concur with the House amendments on April 16. Amended on the House floor and re-passed 62-35 on April 18. Senate concurred with the House amendments 46-2 on April 20. Bill has passed both houses and is headed to the governor. |
|
| ESSB 5372 |
HB 1374 |
Puget Sound partnership |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Rockefeller |
Neutral |
| Puget Sound Creates a new Puget Sound governance entity, the Puget Sound Partnership, as an
independent state agency with powers transferred from the Puget Sound Action Team, which is abolished. The Partnership, led by a Leadership Council and Executive Director appointed by the Governor, will adopt and implement an overall 2020 Plan, designed to attain a healthy Puget Sound by 2020, and a biennially-updated Action Agenda. The Partnership will be advised by a science advisory panel and groups compiling Sound-wide and regional plans. The legislature intends for all governmental entities to act in conformance with the 2020 Plan and Action Agenda. The Partnership will periodically issue reports regarding its progress. The Washington Academy of Sciences (UW-WSU) will screen nominations to the Puget Sound Science Panel and report its findings to the Council. Fiscal impact to WSU is expected to be about $60,000 per biennium. SECTION 9: Creates the Puget Sound Science Panel, whose membership is nominated by the Washington Academy of Sciences and could include representatives from Higher Education. SECTION 20: Directs the Washington Academy of Sciences to conduct an assessment of basin-wide restoration progress including, but not be limited to, a determination of the extent to which implementation of the action agenda is making progress toward the action agenda goals, and a determination of whether the environmental indicators and benchmarks included in the action agenda accurately measure and reflect progress toward the action agenda goals.
Bill passed the state Senate 41-5 on March 10. Passed the state House of Representatives 86-12 on April 10. Senate concurred with the House amendments 43-4 on April 20. Bill has passed both houses and is delivered to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| ESB 5385 |
EHB 1436 |
Student loan revenue bonds |
C 36 L 07 |
4/13/2007 |
Shin |
Neutral |
| State Student Loans The Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority is authorized to originate and purchase educational loans and to issue student loan revenue bonds. The intention is to replace the "Student Loan Finance Authority,": which was sold to Sallie Mae. The Authority has the power to form non-profit special purpose corporations or may contract with non-profit corporations to accomplish these purposes. State educational loans are not guaranteed by the state and the proceeds from loan repayment may be used to make required payments to bondholders. It still takes four of the seven members to constitute a quorum at meetings of the Authority. However, members who participate by a means of communication that allows all members to hear each other during a meeting are deemed to be present in person at the meeting for all purposes. Bill passed the state Senate 49-0 on March 7. Passed the House 97-0 on April 3. Signed into law by the governor on April 13. Effective July 22, 2007. |
|
| SSB 5503 |
HB 1585 |
Athletic trainers |
Del to Gov |
4/18/2007 |
Marr |
|
| Athletic Trainers Regulation Athletic trainers are created as a new health profession to be regulated by the Department of Health (DOH). Currently, athletic trainers are unregulated. An athletic trainer must hold a license issued by DOH in order to practice athletic training. Athletic trainers provide services relating to the prevention, immediate care, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, reconditioning, and management of athletic injuries. Athletic training services do not include spinal adjustment or manipulation; orthotic or prosthetic services; occupational therapy; medical diagnosis; acupuncture; or prescribing legend drugs or controlled substances; or surgery. If a patient's condition does not improve in 15 days, the athletic trainer must refer the patient to a licensed health care provider. If the patient's condition requires more than 45 days of care, the athletic trainer must either consult a licensed health care provider or refer the patient to such a provider.
DOH has the authority to develop rules and establish licensing, examination, and renewal fees. DOH may issue a license to an applicant who has met the education, training, and examination requirements. DOH may also determine which states have credentialing requirements substantially equivalent to this state and issue licenses to individuals credentialed in those states. An applicant for an athletic training license must have received a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution approved by DOH; pass an examination and pay a license fee as required
by DOH. Passed the state Senate 39-8 on March 12. Passed the state House of Representatives 91-6 on April 5. Senate concurred with the House amendments 41-4 on April 16. Bill has passed both houses and was signed by the governor on May 1. Effective July 1, 2008. |
|
| E2SSB 5659 |
|
Family & medical leave ins |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
Keiser |
|
| Family Leave Bill A new partial wage replacement program, the family and medical leave insurance program, is proposed.. Beginning on September 1, 2008, benefits of $250 per week for up to five weeks are paid to individuals on family and medical leave. The House version of the bill is substantially different. It does not tax worker's paychecks to pay for a program. It does not apply to caring for parents. It applies only to individuals who work full-time are on leave for the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. The House leaves funding options up to a 13-member task force that reports in January. Passed the state Senate 32-17 on March 14. Thirty of the 32 Senate supporters of the bill were Democrats. Sheldon and Haugen voted nay. Passed the state House of Representatives 61-36 on April 13. House floor amendment adoped 57-41 on April 20 after the Senate refused to recede a conference committee. The Senate voted 26-21 to concur with the House amendments on April 22. Six Democrats voted against the bill along with all Republicans. The bill has passed both houses and has been delivered to the governor. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| SSB 5731 |
|
Student in high demand field |
Del to Gov |
4/19/2007 |
Shin |
Support |
| High Demand Enrollment Committee A committee focused on the education of students in high demand fields is established to: develop a plan to increase the number of baccalaureate degrees granted by Washington
institutions of higher education by 10,000 per year and significantly increase the number of certificates and Associate Degrees granted by 2020 with a special emphasis directed towards high impact, high demand areas of study; develop a marketing project to inform students, parents, and educators of opportunities in
high demand fields; investigate ways to motivate high school and college students to take more math and science courses; and identify ways to enhance partnerships between the business community and institutions of higher education to produce graduates in high demand fields. The committee will be co-chaired by a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Senate, and consists of two members of the House of Representatives, two members of the Senate, and one representative of each of the following: the Higher Education Coordinating Board; the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; the Labor Council; the Council of Presidents; the Prosperity Partnership; the Council of Faculty Representatives; the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board; an employer of persons in high demand fields; and a graduate student member of the Washington Student Lobby. Staff and logistical support to the committee will be provided by the Senate Committee Services and the Office of Program Research. The committee will report its findings to the Legislature by December 1, 2007. Passed the state Senate 48-0 on March 12. Passed the state House of Representatives 97-0 on April 11. The Senate concurred with the House amendment on 46-1. The bill has passed both houses and is headed for the governor. |
|
| ESSB 5770 |
|
Higher edu public works |
Del to Gov |
4/19/2007 |
Shin |
Support |
| Bid threshold Increases the bid limit for an open competitive sealed bid process at higher education institutions from $35,000 to $55,000 if the work involves two or more trades, and from $15,000 to $35,000 if the work involves one trade. Passed the state Senate 48-1 on March 12. Passed the state House of Representatives 80-18 on April 9. The Senate voted 45-4 to concur with House amendments on April 16. The bill has passed both houses and is headed for the governor. |
|
| 2SSB 5806 |
HB 1882 |
Higher education costs |
C 151 L 07 |
4/20/2007 |
Schoesler |
Support |
| Implementing Washington Learns for Higher Ed Tuition increases for resident students are capped at 7 percent per year between the 2007-08 academic year and the 2016-17 academic year. A state goal is adopted that total per-student funding levels (from state appropriations plus tuition and fees) are at least the 60 percentile of total per-student funding at similar institutions in the Global Challenge States. In defining comparable per-student funding levels, the Office of Financial Management (OFM) shall adjust for regional cost of living differences, for differences in program offerings and the relative mix of lower division, upper division, and graduate students, and for accounting and reporting differences among the comparison institutions. Without reducing enrollment levels below Fiscal Year 2007 budgeted levels, the OFM will establish a funding trajectory to reach this goal for each four-year institution and the community and technical college system by Fiscal Year 2017.
The OFM will report to the Governor, the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Legislature on an annual basis, beginning September 2008, with updated estimates of total per student funding that represents the 60th percentile funding goal and progress that has been made towards that goal for each institution.
The Global Challenge States are defined as the top performing states in the new economy index published by the progressive policy institute. At least once every five years, the OFM must determine whether there should be changes to the list of states. On billing statements to students, each institution must report the full cost of instruction, the amount collected from student tuition and fees, and the difference between the amounts for the full cost of instruction and student tuition and fees. Bill was amended by the Senate Ways and Means Committee: In defining comparable per-student funding levels, the office of financial management shall adjust for regional cost-of-living differences; for differences in program offerings and in the relative mix of lower division, upper division, and graduate students; and for accounting and reporting differences among the comparison institutions.” Passed the state Senate 48-0 on March 13. Passed the state House of Representatives 96-1 on April 6. Effective 90 days after adjournment of the Legislature. Passed both houses and signed into law by the governor (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| E2SSB 5843 |
HB 1541 |
Educational data |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Oemig |
|
| Educational Data The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is directed to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a longitudinal student-teacher data system. The stated intent of the data system is to establish better linking of data on students, teachers, and student achievement aimed at providing better information regarding effective programs and interventions. Passed the state Senate 46-1 with a floor amendment on March 9. Passed the state House 98-0 with a floor amendment on April 9. Senate concurred with the House amendments 30-18 on April 17. Bill has passed both houses and was delivered to the governor. (WSU fiscal note prepared, No significant fiscal impact.) |
|
| SB 5879 |
HB 2033 |
Payroll deductions |
C 99 L 07 |
4/18/2007 |
Fairley |
|
| Payroll Deductions Payroll deductions are permitted for retiree organization dues under the same circumstances as deductions to labor and employee organizations. Passed the state Senate 47-0. Passed the state House 97-0. Bill has passed both houses and has been signed by the governor April 18. Effective July 22, 2007. (WSU fiscal note prepared, impact minimal.) |
|
| 2SSB 5995 |
|
Economic development comm |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Kastama |
|
| Creates Economic Development Commission The Legislature formally creates an economic development commission to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis and development for the state economic development system as a whole. The Washington State Economic Development Commission is to consist of 11 voting members and as ex officio non-voting members: the Director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development; the Director of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board; the Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security; and the chairs and ranking minority members of the House and Senate economic
development committees. It also includes, among voting members, a representative of the four-year state public higher education institutions and a representative of the community colleges. The Executive Director of the commission is to serve as chief executive officer and is to employ such personnel as are necessary and use staff of existing operating agencies. The executive director is appointed by the governor. Bill passed the state Senate 49-0 on March 8. Passed the state House of Representatives 95-0 on April 12. The Senate voted 48-0 to concur with a House striking amendment by Rep. Kenney on April 16. Bill has passed both houses and has been signed by the governor on April 30. (WSU fiscal note provided) |
|
| ESSB 6001 |
|
Climate change |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Pridemore |
|
| Climate Change Establishes state goals to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Establishes a greenhouse gases emissions performance standard for electric utilities operating in the state. Passed the state Senate 35-13 on March 10. Passed the state House 84-14 on April 12. Senate concurred with the House amendments on April 17, 37-10. Bill has passed both houses and delivered to the governor. Effective July 22, 2007. (WSU fiscal note prepared, but not applicable to the final bill. |
|
| ESSB 6023 |
|
Alternative assessments |
Del to Gov |
4/22/2007 |
McAuliffe |
|
| An alternative assessment option to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) is created. Students in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 graduating classes, who do not meet the state standard on the WASL in reading, writing, or mathematics, may earn a CAA by completing at least two semesters of additional coursework in the relevant content area and retaking the WASL once after the tenth grade. Students in the 2010, 2011, and 2012 graduating classes, who do not meet the state standard in science on the WASL, may also earn two CAAs by completing at least two semesters of additional coursework in science and retaking the WASL once after the tenth grade. If the student meets the standard on the retake, the student does not have to complete the additional coursework. Passed the state Senate 43-4 on March 12. Passed the state House of Representatives 81-17 with floor amendments. Senate concurred with House amendments and sent the measure to the governor on April 22. |
|
| E2SSB 6117 |
|
Reclaimed water |
Del to Gov |
4/20/2007 |
Fraser |
|
| Reclaimed Water Bill Requires the state to expand both direct financial support and financial incentives for capital investments in water reuse and reclaimed water. Creates one taskforce and two sub-taskforces to evaluate and make recommendations on various issues relating to the use of reclaimed water. Concludes that a reclaimed water project that reduces the quantity of sewage
effluent that is discharged directly into marine waters does not impair any existing
water rights. Requires state agencies and state facilities to use reclaimed water for nonpotable water uses, where feasible. Requires the Department of General Administration to develop a proposal for a comprehensive, campus-wide plan for the use of nonpotable water for irrigation and related outdoor uses.
Passed the state Senate 31-14 on March 10. Passed the state House of Representatives 65-32 on April 11. The Senate concurred with the House amendments 32-15 on April 17. Bill has passed both houses and is headed for the governor. |
|
| SGA 9115 |
|
FRANCOIS FORGETTE |
S Confirmed |
4/4/2007 |
|
Support |
| FRANCOIS FORGETTE, appointed May 11, 2005, for a term ending September 30, 2007, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Recommended Feb. 20 by the Senate Higher Education Committee for confirmation as an appointee to the WSU Board of Regents. Confirmed by the state Senate 49-0 on April 4. |
|
| SGA 9179 |
|
KYLE SMITH |
S Confirmed |
4/4/2007 |
|
Support |
| KYLE SMITH, appointed July 01, 2006, for a term ending June 30, 2007, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Recommended Feb. 22 by the Senate Higher Education Committee for confirmation as an appointee to the WSU Board of Regents. Confirmed by the state Senate 49-0 on April 4. |
|
| SGA 9196 |
|
MICHAEL WORTHY |
S Rules |
3/22/2007 |
|
Support |
| MICHAEL WORTHY, appointed October 12, 2006, for a term ending September 30, 2012, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. A confirmation hearing has been scheduled for the coming week in front of the Senate Higher Education Committee.. Recommended by the Senate Higher Education Committee March 22 for confirmation as an appointee to the WSU Board of Regents. |
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