Washington State University Legislative Bill Status

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Flag Key - (flags occur after the bill number) a Amended. $ Appropriation bill. f State fiscal note on file. d Department. e Governor. b Budget committee. o Other. # Local fiscal note on file.
Pink cells indicate either a change in status or that a new bill is being tracked.

2009 State Legislative Session

Final Outcomes of Selected Successful & Failed Bills
Tracked By Washington State University

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June 10, 2009

* Click on bill number to go to the Bill Summary Page on the Legislature’s web site.

Bill No*	Companion Bills*	Title	Status	Status Date	Original Sponsor	Recomnd. Position
1196HB 1196		Small works roster projects	C 74 L 09	4/13/2009	Haigh	Support
Small Works Roster Limit Bill has passed both houses and signed into law by the governor. The maximum dollar amount allowed for use of a small works roster process is raised from $200,000 to $300,000, and the dollar amount requiring notification of all contractors on the roster is changed from between $100,000 and $200,000 to between $150,000 and $300,000. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the Legislature (Chapter 74, Laws of 2009.) Votes in the House: yeas, 95; nays, 1. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 43; nays, 4.
1197HB 1197	SB 5397SB 5397	Alternative public works	C 75 L 09	4/13/2009	Haigh	Support
Design-Build Bill. Bill passed both houses and was signed by the Governor on April 13. The CPARB must develop guidelines to be used by the review committee for review and approval of design-build demonstration projects that include procurement of operations and maintenance services. In turn, the review committee may authorize two design-build demonstration projects that include operations and maintenance services for a period of longer than three years. The review committee may approve up to 10 demonstration projects using the design-build process for projects with a total project cost between $2 and $10 million. Public bodies certified to use design-build must seek approval from the review committee for these projects. The review committee must report to the CPARB on recommendations for continued use of the design-build procedure for projects estimated under $10 million. Changes are made to clarify that public bodies seeking certification for the design-build procedure must demonstrate successful management of at least one design-build project within the previous five years, and those seeking certification for the GCCM process must demonstrate successful management of at least one GCCM project within the previous five years. Honorarium payments for design-build projects are made to the finalists submitting responsive proposals rather than those submitting a "best and final" proposal. Sealed bids on final proposals for the GCCM projects must be opened and read in public and all previous scoring must be made available to the public. The GA, the UW, and WSU may issue job order contract work orders for the state regional universities and The Evergreen State College. Requested by the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARG); Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on January 23, 2009. Executive session in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 8:00 AM on February 5, 2009. Referred to Capital Budget on February 9, 2009. Public hearing and Executive Action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 19, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 23, 2009. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading on March 9, 2009. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 10, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections on March 12, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Govt. Operations & Elections at 3:30 PM on March 26, 2009. GO - Majority; do pass and passed to Rules for second reading on March 30, 2009. Placed on second reading consent calendar on April 2. Rules suspended and placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2 on April 7. IN THE HOUSE: Speaker signed. IN THE SENATE: President signed on April 8, 2009. OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Delivered to Governor. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the Legislature (Chapter 75, Laws of 2009.) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 47; nays, 0.
1199HB 1199	SB 5396SB 5396	Public works funds retainage	C 219 L 09	4/25/2009	Haigh
Public Works Retainage Bill has passed the Legislature and has been signed into law by the governor. Obsolete references relating to retainage of funds on public works contracts entered into prior to September 1, 1992, are removed. Statutes related to timely payment of interest on unpaid public contracts; public works retainage; excess over lien claims to contractor; and duties of the disbursing officer upon final acceptance of contract are each repealed. In most instances, the general contractor on a public works project is required to post a performance bond to faithfully perform all work under the contract and to pay laborers, material suppliers, and subcontractors. Also, in most instances, a retainage of up to 5 percent of the contract amount is required on public works contracts to be paid to the contractors 45 days after the completion of the project. The amount serves as a trust fund for payment of laborers, subcontractors, material suppliers, and excise taxes that are imposed on the contract. Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on January 23, 2009. Executive session in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 8:00 AM on February 5, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 9, 2009. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading for possible House floor action on March 10, 2009. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 11, 2009. ( yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Govt. Operations & Elections on March 13, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Govt. Operations & Elections at 3:30 PM on March 26, 2009. GO - Majority; do pass, Minority; without recommendation, and passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 30. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the Legislature (Chapter 219, Laws of 2009.) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 46; nays.
1216ESHB 1216	SB 5222SB 5222	Capital budget 2009-2011	C 497 L 09	5/15/2009	Dunshee	Support
House-Senate Compromise Capital Construction Budget Capital budget passed the Legislature and signed by the governor - Partial Veto - A biennial state capital budget authorizing $196.8 million in WSU construction has been signed into law by Gov. Gregorie. Funds construction later this year of the Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building at $36.7M (WSU’s highest priority - original request $38.7 million.) The bill also authorizes WSU to sell bonds to both design and construct the $96 million Veterinary Medical Research Building on the Pullman campus. That means construction on this building could begin as early as 2011. Provides state general bonding authority to pre-design and design for the Riverpoint Biomedical & Health Sciences at $4.34 million. Funds Minor Capital Preservation and Program for a total of $45.16 million.The budget also provides $6.2 million of the $10 million match required to construct the $35 million Global Animal Health Building, Phase I, on the Pullman campus. This budget uses an unusual amount of funding related to "Certificates of Participation" or institutional bonding authority to retire debt on buildings with student fee or trust land endowment income. This funding method was used for $10 million of the Vancouver Applied Technology building construction; 95.78 million for the Veterinary Medical Research Building (WSU’s 2nd highest priority) and $6.2 toward the Global Animal Health, Phase I. The bill provides authorization for $198.6 million to WSU in building construction and minor works projects. Of that, $54.2 million is bonded through the state general fund. The only major change Gregoire made to the Legislature-passed budget was a veto of requirements that the Washington State Arts Commission purchase artwork displayed in state agencies, schools and universities only from artists living in Washington state. Gregoire said the requirement could have a negative impact on Washington artists who sell to out-of-state customers. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message Heard in the House Committee on Capital at 1:30 PM on April 2, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget - CB Majority; 1st substitute bill be substitued, do pass; Minority; do not pass, on April 3, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on April 6, 2009. Compromise added in the House, passed the House on reconsideration 63-33, April 24. Votes in the House: yeas, 61; nays, 35. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 31; nays, 15. The new capital budget addresses the 2009-2011 biennium with its provisions effective May 15, 2009. Chapter 497, Laws of 2009. (Emergency Clause)
12352SHB 1235	SB 5734SB 5734	Higher educ tuition fees	H Rules R	3/2/2009	Wallace	Support
Graduate & Non-resident Tuition Flexibility SB 5734 was the vehicle for this legislation. Makes certain current higher education tuition-setting practices permanent.The governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the state board for community and technical colleges may reduce or increase full-time tuition fees for all students other than resident undergraduates, including summer school students and students in other self-supporting degree programs. Percentage increases in full-time tuition fees may exceed the fiscal growth factor. Reductions or increases may be made for all or portions of an institution's programs, campuses, courses, or students. Requested by the state Higher Education Coordinating Board Revenue impacts under this bill cannot be determined prior to the setting of annual tuition increases by the Washington State University Board of Regents. To provide a general idea of the yield of tuition increases, WSU has calculated the following: Each one percent increase in tuition (operating fee only) across all students except resident undergraduates generates a net increase of about $500k. This figure is an approximation. The above calculation is based upon the following assumptions: 1. Estimated FY09 enrollment and tuition levels 3. No change to undergraduate resident tuition 4. No change to existing waiver, exemption, and financial aid policies 5. The exclusion of self-supporting programs, which collect program and course fees but not tuition fees 6. The exclusion of summer program tuition because summer programs are self-supporting. Public hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education at 8:00 AM on February 6, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Higher Education at 8:00 AM on February 13, 2009. Referred to Ways & Means on February 18, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 27, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009.
1244ESHB 1244	SB 5600SB 5600	Operating budget 2009-2011	C 564 L 09	5/19/2009	Linville	Concerns
Legislative Operating Budget The House-Senate compromise operating budget has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. - Partial Veto - The partial veto did not change higher education sections. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message The budget cuts WSU funding 21.5 percent. With the addition of tuition increases and one-time federal stimulus funding, the overall budget reduction for WSU equates to 10.4 percent or $54.2 million over the next biennium. The budget presumes an increase in resident undergraduate tuition of 14 percent each year. The original House budget presumes 10 percent tuition increases and additional federal stimulus dollars than the Senate. Those revenues and stimulus dollars are intended to offset the $151 million cut. Yet, the net reductions to WSU programs in the House budget remain a whopping 17.5 percent or $91.2 million. Bill is not subject to the March 11 cut-off. Heard in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on March 31, 2009; executive session at 2:30 on April 6; and executive action taken by the committee on April 7, 2009. Amended to the compromise legislative budget and passed by the state House of Representatives April 24, 54-42. The compromise budget passed the state Senate April 25, 29-20. Votes in the House: yeas, 54; nays, 42. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 29; nays, 20. Signed by the governor May 19 The new law contains an emergency clause and is effective May 19, 2009 to fund the biennium beginning July 1, 2009. Chapter 564, Laws of 2009.
1272ESHB 1272	SB 5223SB 5223	State gen obligation bonds	C 498 L 09	5/15/2009	Dunshee	Support
Capital Bonds Bill The bill passed the House and the Senate on the final day of session. Signed by the governor. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to support appropriations in the 2009 Supplemental and the 2009-11 Capital Budgets. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the State Route number 520 corridor projects. See House Bill 1216, capital budget, which used this bill as the funding source for much of the Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building and the Riverpoint Biomedical and Health Sciences Building. Bill is not subject to the March 11 cutoff. Heard in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on April 2. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget; executive action taken by committee - Majority; 1st substitute be substituted, do pass; Minority; do not pass at 8:00 AM on April 3. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on April 6, 2009. The bill passed the House April 26 on a 60-36 vote. It passed the Senate 30-15 the same day. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 30; nays, 15. The bonds bill addresses the 2009-2011 biennium with its provisions effective May 15, 2009 (Emergency Clause) Chapter 498, Laws of 2009.
1422HB 1422		Taxation of brokered gas	H Rules C	3/12/2009	Conway	Concerns
Natural Gas Taxing Jurisdictions Bill died in the 2009 regular session when it was moved from the House calendar to the House Rules Committee. Specifies that use taxes on natural and manufactured gas are triggered in the jurisdiction where the gas is burned or stored. It reverses this court decision: On May 20, 2008, Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals rendered a decision addressing the location where natural gas is first used for the purposes of imposing brokered natural gas use taxes. The appellant in the case, G-P Gypsum Corporation, consumed natural gas during the process of manufacturing wallboard in Tacoma. Gypsum purchased the natural gas near both Sumas and Sumner. The court held that, for purposes of the local use tax, the place of first use is where the taxpayer initially exercises dominion and control over the gas, and not the location where it is burned or stored by the taxpayer. This bill may have a $500,000 fiscal impact on Washington State University. It is supported by the Association of Washington Cities. This bill may not be subject to the March 12 cutoff. Returned to Rules Committee for second reading on March 12, 2009.
1452HB 1452	SB 5604SB 5604	Economic stimulus	H Cap Budget	1/21/2009	Dunshee	Support
Governor's Economic Stimulus Bill Bill died during the 2009 regular session in the House Capital Budget Committee. Contains funding for accelerated construction of the Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building. Declares it is the intent of the governor and the legislature to stimulate Washington's lagging economy and to reduce the state's unemployment rate by quickly putting people to work on infrastructure projects. Adopts the economic stimulus capital budget. Contains $38.6 million in accelerated construction funding for the Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 2, 2009.
1454SHB 1454	SB 5537SB 5537	Statutory debt limit	H Rules R	2/23/2009	Dunshee
Statutory debt limit Senate Bill 5537 was the vehicle for this legislation in the 2009 regular session. The bill repeals the 7 percent statutory debt limit. Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: References to the statutory debt limit and the statutory definition of general state revenue are removed. Language is added specifying that the state may issue bonds within the statutory debt limit, and the responsibilities of the State Finance Committee include calculating the outstanding debt and prioritizing issuance of bonds or other indebtedness. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 3, 2009. Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 9, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 19, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 23, 2009. Bill is not subject to the March 11 cut-off.
1466HB 1466	SB 5776SB 5776	Student fees and charges	H SGTribalAff	1/21/2009	Williams	Support
Student Lobbyist Student Fees Senate Bill 5776 was the vehicle for this legislation in the 2009 regular session. Provides that fee increases voted on by college and university students are not subject to the legislative approval provisions of RCW 43.135.055 and use of the fees is not subject to the restriction on legislative activities in RCW 42.17.190. Allows student fees to be used for lobbying purposes. Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on February 3, 2009.
1694ESHB 1694		Fiscal matters T.O.	C 4 L 09	2/18/2009	Linville	Support
2009 Supplemental Operating Budget Bill has passed both houses and was signed into law by the governor. This bill is relating to fiscal matters for the second year of the current 2007-2009 biennium. It implemented some budget cuts that the university must take before it moves into the next 2009-2011 biennium. When implementing reductions in fiscal year 2009, Washington State University is directed to minimize impacts on academic programs, maximize reductions in administration, and not reduce enrollments below enrollment levels referenced in the original budget. The supplemental budget bill reduced WSU's appropriation for the current biennium (2009-2011) from $503.6 million to $492.4 million. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on January 27, 2009. Executive action was taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on January 28, 2009. Placed on second reading on January 30, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted; Floor amendment adopted and placed on Third Reading on February 2, 2009. IN THE SENATE Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 3, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 10, 2009. Passed with amendment(s). Placed on second reading. Committee amendment adopted with no other amendments on February 13, 2009. IN THE HOUSE House concurred in Senate amendments and Speaker signed on February 18, 2009. IN THE SENATE President signed. OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION Delivered to Governor. Governor signed on February 18, 2009. The new law is effective Feb. 18, 2009. (Chapter 4, Laws of 2009) Votes in the House: 83; nays, 13. Votes in the Senate: 80; nays, 14.
1701E2SHB 1701		Dept of information systems	C 509 L 09	5/15/2009	Hudgins	No Position
Broadband Funding Bill The bill has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. Transfers the Community Technology Opportunity Program from Washington State University to the state Department of Information Services. Authorizes the Department of Information Services (DIS) to oversee broadband deployment and adoption programs for the state, especially in connection with federal stimulus dollars. $100,000 is provided to DIS in section 143 of ESHB 1244, the operating budget bill, for E2SB1701. IN THE HOUSE Apr 21 House refuses to concur in Senate amendments. Asks Senate to recede from amendments. IN THE SENATE Apr 24 Senate insists on its position and asks House to concur. IN THE HOUSE Apr 25 House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage; Votes in the Senate: yeas, 45; nays, 0. Votes in the House: yeas, 96; nays, 0. Signed by the governor May 15. The broadband bill takes effect July 1, 2009 (Emergency Clause) Chapter 509, Laws of 2009.
1841SHB 1841		College & university boards	H Rules 3C	4/26/2009	White	No Position
Faculty Regent Bill Measure passed the state House of Representatives but died in the Senate Higher Education Committee. The bill adds a full-time or emeritus member of the faculty to the board of regents or the board of trustees of each of the public four-year institutions. The Governor selects the faculty member from a list of five candidates supplied by the governing body of the university or college faculty or, in the case of The Evergreen State College, from a list of five candidates submitted by the college faculty. The faculty member of the board serves a three-year term or until he or she is no longer a member of the faculty. Faculty members must excuse themselves from participation or voting on matters (1) related to hiring, discipline, tenure, or compensation of faculty and personnel faculty compensation; (2) subject to collective bargaining agreement. WSU expected minimal cost to implement this bill. The university would anticipate travel costs for meetings, as well as release time if a current faculty member were appointed as opposed to an emeritus faculty. Public hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education at 10:00 AM on February 3, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Higher Education at 8:00 AM on February 13, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 17, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on February 19, 2009. Placed on Third Reading on March 3, 2009. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development on March 5, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on March 17, 2009. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading on April 26, 2009.
1847ESHB 1847		Bid limits	C 229 L 09	4/25/2009	Haigh	Support
CPARB Bid Limit Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and has been signed by the governor. This bill was recommended by the state Capital Projects Advisory Review Board or "CPARB." Bid limits for public works and purchases of materials, supplies, or equipment are increased. Public works bid limits for higher education, first class cities, and counties with a population over 400,000 are raised to $45,000 if only one trade or craft is involved, and $90,000 if two or more trades are involved. Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on February 20, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 23, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 2, 2009. 1st substitute bill. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 4, 2009. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections on March 6, 2009. The new law is effective 90 days from adjournment of the Legislature , July 25. (Chapter 229, Laws of 2009) Votes in the House: yeas, 89; nays, 6. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 39; nays, 7.
1898SHB 1898		Higher ed capital projects	H Rules 3C	4/26/2009	Dunshee	Amendments Requested
Higher Education Construction Ranking Bill Bill passed the House and but failed to get out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee during the regular session. Requires the office of financial management to convene a board by August 15th of each even-numbered year to rank higher education capital projects in priority order in a single list to be submitted to the legislature for the ensuing biennium. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 9, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on February 19, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 23, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 2, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted on March 4, 2009. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Ways & Means on March 6, 2009. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading on April 26, 2009.
1914SHB 1914		Higher ed institutions	H Rules 3C	4/26/2009	Sullivan	Concerns
Community College M&O Financing Bill Bill has passed the House but failed to pass out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee. Expressly authorizes maintenance and operations funding for projects funded through certificates of participation. The bill was amended to apply only to the community colleges, so the bill no longer impacts WSU. The Legislature does have the discretion of funding m&u for similar WSU projects. Public hearing in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 6:00 PM on February 11, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 9:00 AM on February 26, 2009. Public hearing and executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 10, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 67; nays, 29; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Ways & Means on March 12, 2009.
1916SHB 1916	SB 5760SB 5760	UW & WSU public works contr	H Rules R	3/2/2009	Hunt	Support
UW-WSU Public Works Bill This bill died in the House Rules Committee. Senate Bill 5760, which was also unsuccessful, was the vehicle for this legislation. This bill grants UW and WSU the authority to use a small work roster for projects up to $1 million (instead of $200,000) for non-appropriated funds. It also allows WSU and UW general contractor-construction manager authority for projects of more than $1 million (typically its used for projects of more than $10 million on complex buildings.) Non-appropriated funds could include bonded projects against the WSU Building Account which is funded by student building fees and trust land revenues. The bill offers increased flexibility in dealing with non-state funded projects which would result in increased efficiencies and time savings. WSU estimates the savings in administrative time could be up to 2% of a particular project cost which when applied to projects of the size and scope indicated in the bill could easily exceed $50,000 per project. Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on February 10, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM on February 20, 2009. Referred to Capital Budget on February 23, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive session in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009.
19462SHB 1946		Higher ed online technology	C 407 L 09	5/7/2009	Carlyle	Support
Carlyle Technology Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and has been signed by the governor. The original bill had more mandatory requirements, however this version encourages all institutions of higher education to use common online learning technologies. Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Board to convene a workgroup to improve the use of technology in education. Requires that the workgroup report preliminary findings and recommendations, based on its comprehensive analysis, by December 1, 2009, with a final report to follow by December 1, 2010. Nullifies and voids the act if specific mention or funding is not provided in the operating budget. Washington State University is supportive of the study outlined in the bill as well as the overall vision expressed in the bill. At this time we estimate the following fiscal impacts related to participation in the study: Task force meetings and travel: $5000; Investigate similar programs already in use in other states, private institutions or global consortia: $5000; Conduct a comprehensive audit of current resources : $70,000 Public hearing and executive session in the House Committee on Higher Education at 10:00 AM on February 17, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Higher Education at 1:30 PM on February 18, 2009. Referred to Education Appropriations on February 20, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 8:00 AM on February 25, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 9:00 AM on February 26, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading on March 5, 2009. 2nd substitute bill substituted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 6, 2009. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development on March 10, 2009. Passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee March 25. Referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the session (July 25). However, the bill is null and void if it is not referenced in the budget. Section 612 of the budget (ESHB 1244) provides $238,000 through the HEC Board to implement the bill. Chapter 407, Laws of 2009. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 46; nays, 0. Votes in the house: yeas, 98; nays. Signed by the governor May 7.
2021E2SHB 2021		Student financial aid	C 215 L 09	4/25/2009	Kenney	Concerns
Student Financial Aid/Opportunity Grants Bill has passed the Legislature and the bill has been signed into law by the governor. The governor has vetoed part of the bill. The governor vetoed Section 11 of the bill because she said it duplicates changes to the State Work Study program made in another bill, SB 5044. The governor agreed with the policy, but as it had already been amended, there is no need for this section. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message E2SHB Requires institutions and the Higher Education Coordinating Board to label all forms of student financial assistance as an Opportunity Grant. Phases out the Educational Opportunity Grant over a two-year period. Creates a new grant, within the State Need Grant program, which provides grants for place-bound students who have earned an associate degree. Allows institutions to use institutional aid monies for students enrolled in dual credit programs. Caps eligibility for the State Work Study program for nonresident students at 15 percent. Creates a competitive grant process within the State Work Study program to encourage more placements in high demand fields. Creates the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. Creates the HELP Account in the custody of the State Treasurer and provides criteria under which loans may be made. WSU estimates the cost to implement this bill at approximately $18,000 for training/staff development ($500), reprogramming existing systems ($2500), redesign of billing statements / award letters ($10,000), portal and web development to describe and clarify 'opportunity grants' ($1000), incorporating 'opportunity grant' language into promotional material ($3000), coordination with HECB to develop outreach tools ($1000). These costs assume training will primarily occur via webinar or email dissemination of information. Off site training is assumed to be in Spokane. Reprogramming costs relate primarily to consolidating the EOG program with SNG, and include developing policies and procedures for dually enrolled students who may qualify for aid under this bill. Coordination with HECB assumes 2 airfares for one trip to Olympia. If more frequent meetings are required the cost would increase. Public hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education at 1:30 PM on February 11, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Higher Education at 8:00 AM on February 13, 2009. Referred to Education Appropriations on February 18, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 8:00 AM on February 25, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 9:00 AM on February 26, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 4, 2009. 2nd substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 9 2009. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development on March 11, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 3:30 PM on March 18, 2009. The new law is effective August 1, 2009. (Chapter 215, Laws of 2009) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 38; nays, 9. Votes in the House: yeas, 64; nays, 34.
2227E2SHB 2227		Evergreen jobs act	C 536 L 09	5/18/2009	Probst
Evergreen Jobs Act Bill has passed both houses of the Legislature and signed by the governor. - Partial Veto - The partial veto largely pertained to administrative task force, procedures and reporting requirements of the bill in Sections 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 16. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message Establishes the Evergreen Jobs Initiative to create 15,000 new green economy jobs by 2020 and target 30 percent of the jobs to veterans, National Guard members, and low-income and disadvantaged populations. Tasks a "Leadership Team" with accelerating and coordinating efforts to identify, secure, and deploy funding, particularly through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for green economy projects at the state and local levels. Requires the identification of skills and qualifications needed to perform energy audits and efficiency services, and the development of curriculum and targeting of resources to establish relevant workforce education and training programs. Authorizes statewide workforce training agencies to give funding and outreach priority to workforce training programs that lead to a credential, certificate, degree or apprenticeship program in green economy jobs. $10.5 million in federal stimulus funding is provided in the budget bill (ESHB 1244) for training and technical assistance associated with low income weatherization programs. This bill is also referenced in E2SSB 5649. Signed by the governor May 18 The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the session (July 26). Chapter 536, Laws of 2009.
2245ESHB 2245	SB 5869SB 5869	PEBB eligibility	C 537 L 09	5/18/2009	Cody	Support
HCA Eligibility Bill Bill has passed both houses of the Legislature and was signed by the governor. Last year, the Health Care Authority asked WSU to change the rules on eligibility for benefits from working half-time or more per month for six consecutive months to an average of 80 hours per month for six consecutive months. WSU made that change and that eligibility requirement will now be codified in law as part of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2245. Early drafts of the bill would have lowered eligibility to an average of 70 hours per month for six consecutive months which would have a considerable negative fiscal impact for higher education institutions. Given the budget situation, the legislature decided not to lower the eligibility requirement in this final bill, so everything is generally left unchanged from WSU’s current practice. The 80-hour standard was adopted in a House amendment requested by the public four-year baccalaureate institutions for eligible employees. Previous drafts used 70 hours or left the issue up to the Public Employees Benefits Board. The Houswe amdnement will avoid a cost to WSU of $2.2 million next biennium. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 11, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Ways & Means on March 13, 2009. Votes in the House: 97; nays, 0. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 43; nays, 0. To be considered by the governor on May 18. The bill, as amended, has no additional fiscal impact on WSU. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 11, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Ways & Means on March 13, 2009. Votes in the House: 97; nays, 0. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 43; nays, 0. The governor signed the bill on May 18. The new law is effective on January 1, 2010. Chapter 537, Laws of 2009.
2252ESHB 2252	SB 6116SB 6116	County funding	H Rules 3C	4/26/2009	Hunter	No Position
King County Funding Bill passed the House but died in the Senate Ways & Means Committee during the 2009 regular session. After current obligations to Qwest & Safeco stadium debt are paid, revenue from the following King County taxes are directed into a dedicated account in King County: the 2 percent car rental tax, the 0.5 percent restaurant tax, the 2 percent state-shared hotel-motel tax, and 75 percent of the 1 percent car rental tax. Money in the account will be used for regional centers, art museums, cultural museums, heritage museums, heritage and preservation programs, the arts, performing arts, low income housing, community development, and human services.. In the House, passed Third reading, yeas, 54; nays, 42; absent, 0; excused, 1.; In the Senate, referred to Ways & Means Committee, hearing March 18, 1: 30 p.m. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading on April 26, 2009.
2254ESHB 2254	SB 5842SB 5842	Colleges & construction	C 499 L 09	5/15/2009	White	Support
Governor's COP Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and signed by the governor. Higher education building and capital project accounts may be used for COP debt service payments. The University of Washington and Washington State University building accounts may additionally be used for debt service on bonds issued for capital construction or acquisition projects authorized by the Legislature. Expenditures from the University of Washington and the Washington State University Bond Retirement Funds do not require an appropriation in order to pay debt service on such authorized projects. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on February 27, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 10, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 60; nays, 36; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Ways & Means on March 12, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: House concurred in Senate amendments on April 25. The vote on final passage was 64-32. Signed by the governor May 15. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the session (July 25). Chapter 499, Laws of 2009.
2261ESHB 2261	ESB 6048ESB 6048	State's education system	C 548 L 09	5/19/2009	Sullivan
Basic Education Bill The House concurred with the Senate amendments and the bill passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. - Partial Veto - Click here to Read Partial Veto Message In enacting this legislation, the Legislature intends to continue to review, evaluate, and revise the definition and funding of basic education in order to continue to fulfill the state's constitutional obligation and build capacity to anticipate and support potential future enhancements as the needs of our citizens continue to evolve. Effective September 1, 2011, the program of basic education that complies with the State Constitution is that which provides the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the state-established high school graduation requirements that are intended to allow students to have the opportunity to graduate with a meaningful diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship. Public hearing in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 8:00 AM on February 25, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 1:30 PM on February 25, 2009. Public hearing and executive action taken in the House Committee on Education Appropriations at 12:00 PM on March 2, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 12:00 PM on March 6, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 9:00 AM on March 9, 2009. Placed on second reading. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education on March 16, 2009. Final Passage Votes in the Senate: yeas, 26; nays, 23. Final Passage Votes in the House: yeas, 67; nays, 31. Signed by the governor May 19 with a partial veto. Most provisions of the bill take effect July 25 (90 days after session ended.) Sections 101 through 110, and 701 through 707, dealing with the implementation of the new Program of Basic Education and funding formulas, take effect September 1, 2011; sections 304 through 311, dealing with implementation of the pupil transportation funding formula which take effect September 1, 2013; and section 112, creating the Funding Working group, which contains an emergency clause and takes effect May 19, 2009. Chapter 548, Laws of 2009.
2287SHB 2287		State agency paper use	C 356 L 09	5/6/2009	Kessler
Recycled Paper Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. Requires each state agency, by July 1, 2010, to implement a paper conservation and recycling program. Requires that by December 31, 2009, state agencies must purchase 100 percent recycled content paper. Print projects that require the use of high volume production equipment are not required to meet the 100 percent recycled content standard, but must utilize the higher recycled content that can be utilized efficiently. Public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 27, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 10, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE SENATE: First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections on March 12, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on March 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 3:30 PM on March 26, 2009. Majority; do pass with amendment(s). Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 30, 2009. Made eligible to be placed on second reading on April 9, 2009. Apr 13 Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on April 13, 2009. Apr 16 Committee amendment adopted with no other amendments on April 16, 2009. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 1. IN THE HOUSE Apr 20 House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage; yeas, 98; nays, 0. Apr 21 Speaker signed. IN THE SENATE Apr 22 President signed. OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION Apr 23 Delivered to Governor. Signed by the governor May 6. The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session, July 25, 2009. (Chapter 356, Laws of 2009)
2289ESHB 2289		Energy freedom program	C 451 L 09	5/11/2009	McCoy	Support
Energy Freedom Program Bill has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. Expands the Energy Freedom Program to accelerate energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy improvements, and deployment innovative energy technology markets in Washington. Creates the Energy Recovery Act Account. Substitute House Bill 2289 gives the Clean Energy Council authority (SB 5921) to designate projects eligible for federal funding as part of the Energy Freedom Program. The biennial operating budget (HB 12244, Section 128(5)(d), appropriates $38.5 million in federal funds to Energy Freedom Program. Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM on February 27, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 4, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 6, 2009. IN THE SENATE First reading, referred to Environment, Water & Energy on March 10, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment and Water & Energy at 3:30 PM on March 18, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Environment and Water & Energy at 3:30 PM on March 25, 2009. Majority; do pass with amendment(s). Referred to Ways & Means on March 26, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on April 3, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on April 6, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on April 15, 2009. Committee amendment not adopted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on April 17, 2009. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 45; nays, 0. IN THE HOUSE House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage; yeas, 92; nays, 4. Speaker signed on April 21, 2009. IN THE SENATE President signed on April 22, 2009. OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION Delivered to Governor on April 23, 2009. Signed by the Governor, May 11. The bill contains an emergency clause and was effective May 11, 2009. Chapter 451, Laws of 2009
23082SHB 2308	SB 6117SB 6117	Aerospace T.O.	H Rules C	4/22/2009	Morris	Support
Aerospace Bill The bill died in the House Rules Committee. The bill was implemented by a gubernatorial executive order. Click Here for Executive Order 09-04. The bill creates the Washington Council on Aerospace, composed of 13 members including the President of WSU. The Council shall provide advice to the governor and legislature on public policies that will strengthen the aerospace industry and support its job growth in Washington; and take joint action to integrate training and education with research and development. The President of WSU is to coordinate with the President of the University of Washington regarding all aerospace-related research and development activities, and ensure that these activities are responsive to the industry's needs. The Council shall meet with the governor at least twice annually, and report annually to the governor and legislature beginning January 1, 2010. This bill is exempt from cut-off requirements.
2328HB 2328	SB 6148SB 6148	State government admin cost	C 294 L 09	4/30/2009	Linville	Support
Revisions to SB 5460 Bill has passed the Legislature and signed by the governor on April 30, 2009. Current restrictions on faculty retention wage increases are eased in this bill. This bill amends the new law enacted earlier this session by Senate Bill 5460 (Chapter 5, Laws of 2009.) Under this new House Bill, institutions of higher education may grant wage or salary increases to critical academic personnel as needed for retention purposes, or for additional academic responsibilities during the summer quarter. Additional exceptions are granted for certain personnel, personal service, equipment and travel expenditures For instance, business flights from Pullman to Vancouver via Portland are no longer prohibited. Equipment purchases necessary to complete a capital project area are no longer prohibited. Restrictions on personal services contracts for information technology are also relaxed. Hiring of student employees and employees related to student health are relaxed. The new bill passed each house without opposition and was supported by WSU. Since this bill deals with likely issues that are unpredictable, fiscal benefits are indeterminate. Passed the House Ways and Means Committee April 4. (Passed House yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4) Considered a matter to implement the budget, it is exempt from the April 6 cut-off. The new law is effective April 30, 2009, (Chapter 294, Laws of 2009. ) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 47; nays, 0. Votes in the House: yeas, 94; nays, 0.
2334SHB 2334		Jobs creation/construction	H Rules C	4/26/2009	Dunshee	Support
Public Works Referendum The bill has died on the House calendar. Contains $45.7 million for WSU. Appropriations are made to educational agencies and the GA for the safety, health, and energy efficiency of facilities. Section 309 (3) provides $200 million to colleges and university and public schools for energy efficiency. WSU Energy Programs consult with GA on energy efficiency services. Authorizes the State Finance Committee to issue $3 billion in general obligation bonds, to be known as Washington Works Bonds, for the purpose of creating jobs by constructing capital improvements for the safety, health, and energy efficiency of public facilities. Appropriates funds for public school districts, public higher education institutions, and the Department of General Administration. Directs the Secretary of State to submit the short title, intent and bond authorization sections of the act to the people for adoption and ratification or rejection. This legislation requires voter approval. Exempt from cut-off requirements. Hearing in House Capital Budget Committee April 7. Passed the House Capital Budget Committee on April 14.
2344ESHB 2344		Resident undergrad tuition	C 540 L 09	5/18/2009	Haigh	Support
Resident Undergraduate Tuition Bill The bill has passed both houses and was signed by the governor. See also Substitute Senate Bill 5734 for more tuition legislation. This legislation removes the 7 percent cap on resident undergraduate tuition rates for the upcoming biennium, allowing the amount to be set at up to 14 percent per year in the 2009-2011 biennial operating budget bill. A house floor amendment by Rep. Wallace requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to complete a systemic performance audit of the state universities (including WSU), regional institutions, and The Evergreen State College. Requires institutions of higher education to notify students of the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Board to convene a group of stakeholders to examine tuition policy. . Passed the state House of Representatives 50-47 on April 22. IN THE SENATE: April 25, Third reading, passed; Votes in the House: yeas, 50; nays, 47. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 29; nays, 20. Signed by the governor May 18. The new law is effective July 26, 2009. Chapter 540, Laws of 2009.
51762SSB 5176	HB 2181HB 2181	Teachers of visually impaird	S Rules X	3/25/2009	Shin	Neutral
WSU Vancouver Vision Impairment Coordinator Bill has died in the Senate Rules Committee, House companion also dead. To the extent that funds are available, the position of vision impairments/orientation and mobility coordinator is established and housed at Washington State University in Vancouver. The purpose of the coordinator is to create a partnership between Portland State University and Washington State University to address Washington's need for teachers of students who are vision impaired. The coordinator's responsibilities include recruiting students, developing partnerships with Washington school districts that provide services to students who are vision impaired, supervising enrolled students, serving as a liaison between Portland State University and Washington State University, instructing in the orientation and mobility curriculum as an adjunct faculty, and seeking grants and funding sources for the program. WSU estimates the impact at $100,000 per year. Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 3:30 PM on February 18, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. Referred to Ways & Means on February 23, 2009. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on February 27, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 2, 2009.
5222SB 5222	HB 1216HB 1216	Capital budget 2009-2011	S Ways & Means	1/16/2009	Fraser	Support
Senate Capital Construction Budget House Bill 1216 was the successful vehicle for this legislation. Construction will be underway this summer on a $43.5 million Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building and a $35 million Pullman Global Animal Health Building if this capital construction budget becomes law. It provides a total of $115.7 million for WSU, just $5 million less than proposed in the original bill by Gov. Christine Gregoire. The Senate proposal also moves two critical buildings to design state, the Riverpoint Biomedical and Health Sciences Building and the Veterinary Medical Research Building. Projects not funded by the Senate, but funded by the governor, include the Pullman Wastewater facility and pre-design funding for Global Animal Health Building, Phase II. The Riverpoint building was not funded by the governor. This bill is not subject to the March 12 cut-off.
5407SSB 5407	HB 1243HB 1243	Operating sup budget 2009	S Rules 2	4/16/2009	Tom	Support w/Concerns
Senate Supplemental Operating Budget Bill died in Senate Rules Committee. House Bill 1243 and Substitute Senate Bill 5407 were not successful vehicles for supplemental budget legislation. For additional information, see the budget summary material published by the Senate Ways & Means Committee and available on the Internet. www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/ Passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee April 16 with no sections impacting WSU.
5460ESSB 5460		Administrative cost/st govt	C 5 L 09	2/18/2009	Tom	Concerns
Belt-tightening Bill Bill has passed both houses and signed into law by the governor. For the 12 months following the enactment of this legislation, state agencies are prohibited from granting salary or wage increases to any employees who are exempt from classification under the State Civil Service Act. Until July 1, 2009, state agencies are prohibited from establishing new employee positions or filling existing vacant employee positions. Exceptions are provided for specified functions directly related to public health and safety, law enforcement, and revenue collections. Until July 1, 2009, state agencies are prohibited from signing new contracts for personal services not related to an emergency. Until July 1, 2009, state agencies are prohibited from acquiring items of equipment exceeding $1,000. Until July 1, 2009, state agencies are prohibited from making expenditures for state employee travel or training not related to an emergency or direct client services. Exceptions to the prohibitions relating to hiring, contracts, equipment, travel, and training may be granted by the Director of Financial Management after ten days' notice to the legislative fiscal committees. To reflect the expenditure reductions in the act, the Office of Financial Management is directed to reduce allotments of appropriations from the state General Fund and related funds to state agencies for the remainder of 2007-09 fiscal biennium by $105,450,000. The allotment reduction for each agency is specified in a document compiled by the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee on January 22, 2009, which document is incorporated by reference in the act. The act applies to all agencies, offices, and institutions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on January 22, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on January 26, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted and passed to Rules Committee for second reading on January 27, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on January 28, 2009. The 1st substitute bill was substituted, floor amendment adopted, and placed on Third reading. IN THE HOUSE: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 3, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 11, 2009. Placed on second reading. Committee amendment adopted with no other amendments. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on February 13, 2009. Council of Presidents sought an amendment to this bill. IN THE SENATE Senate concurred in House amendments. President signed on February 18, 2009. IN THE HOUSE Speaker signed. OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION Delivered to and signed by the Governor on February 18, 2009. The new law is effective February 18, 2009 (Chapter 5, Laws of 2009) Votes in the House: yeas, 88; nays, 7. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 48; nays, 0.
5537SSB 5537	HB 1454HB 1454	Statutory debt limit	C 500 L 09	5/15/2009	Fraser
Statutory Debt Limit Bill has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. The bill repeals the existing statutory debt limit. The bill adds a new section that establishes a new statutory debt limit that is the same as the constitutional debt limit, thus creating a single debt limit for the state. Depending on the assumptions made about future bond budgets, the repeal of the existing statutory debt limit might or might not affect the potential level of borrowing and the capital construction budget. Public hearing and executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on March 19, 2009 - Executive action taken by the committee - Majority; do pass. Minority; do not pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 24, 2009. Apr 25 Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; Votes in the House: yeas, 50; nays, 44. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 29; nays, 16. Signed by the governor May 15. The new law is effective July 1, 2009. Chapter 500, Laws of 2009.
5588SSB 5588		Boards and commissions	S Rules 2	2/25/2009	Pridemore
Boards & Commissions This was not the successful vehicle for this legislation, See Engrossed Senate Bill 5995. Administers, suspends, and eliminates boards and commissions. Requires the governor, by July 1, 2010, to recommend to the legislature which of the boards and commissions, created either by statute or by action of the executive branch, shall receive state funding, those whose activities shall be suspended, and those which shall be terminated either by legislative or executive branch action. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on January 27, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009.
5600SSB 5600	HB 1244HB 1244	Operating budget 2009-2011	S Rules 2	4/16/2009	Prentice	Support w/Concerns
Senate 2009-11 Operating Appropriations Budget House Bill 1244 was the vehicle for the final House-Senate compromise budget. This budget contains a 20 percent reduction in the current state funding base for Washington State University. The proposed WSU cut by the Senate totals $104.3 million over the next two-year period. One-time stimulus dollars lower the biennial cut from 20 percent to 17.1 percent. But federal funds will go away in just one year and WSU would return to a deeper cut level. If WSU Board of Regents raised tuition 7 percent in each year of the biennium, the cut would be reduced to a net of 12 percent - still among the deepest cuts in university history. WSU's retirement incentive authority was only partially included, student financial aid was maintained. Maintenance funding was provided for Global Animal Health, Phase I. For additional information, see the budget summary material published by the Senate Ways & Means Committee and available on the Internet. www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/ This bill is not subject to the March 11 cut-off. Heard by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on March 30 and 31, 2009.
5604SB 5604	HB 1452HB 1452	Economic stimulus	S Ways & Means	1/27/2009	Fraser	Support
Gov. Gregoire's Economic Stimulus Bill This legislation died in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. This was legislation proposed by the governor that intended to get capital projects started early in 2009. It called for immediate construction of the WSU Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building construction. It was the intent of the governor to stimulate Washington's lagging economy and to reduce the state's unemployment rate by quickly putting people to work on infrastructure projects. These investments will include improving higher education campuses, cleaning up Puget Sound, replacing aging local infrastructure, and creating green jobs. Some of these issues were handled by the capital construction budget that passed later in the session. Contains $38.6 million in accelerated construction funding for the Vancouver Applied Technology Classroom Building.
5625SSB 5625		State college/Snohomish Co.	S Rules X	3/25/2009	Haugen	No Position
Snohomish County State College This bill died in the Senate Rules Committee This bill relates to the creation of a state college in Snohomish County. A college in Snohomish county is established. The college must provide baccalaureate and graduate level higher education programs primarily to the citizens of Snohomish, Island, and Skagit counties under rules or guidelines adopted by the higher education coordinating board. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on February 6, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 3, 2009. Senate Rules "X" file on March 25, 2009.
5649E2SSB 5649		Energy efficiency/buildings	C 379 L 09	5/7/2009	Rockefeller	Support
Federal Stimulus for Energy Efficiency/Buildings The bill has passed the state Legislature and has been signed into law by the governor Partial veto The governor vetoed language that duplicates a section in SB 5921. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message The new law deals with spending federal funds available for building energy efficiency, especially weatherization of an estimated 20,000 homes and businesses in the next five years. Among the provisions, WSU is authorized to implement grants for pilot programs that provide community-wide residential and commercial energy efficiency upgrades across the state. Sponsors such as businesses, organizations or even other government entities would provide matching funds required for the pilots. Section 128 5 ( C ) of the operating budget bill (ESHB 1244) provides $14.5 million in federal stimulus funds to WSU for the grants for pilot programs contained in the bill. WSU must coordinate and collaborate with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development in the design, administration, and implementation elements of the pilot programs. The budget also provides $500,000 to WSU for farm efficiency assessments required by the bill. WSU is directed to form an interdisciplinary team of agricultural and energy extension agencies to help agricultural producers assess opportunities to increase energy efficiency in all aspects of farm energy uses. SB 5649 passed the House 63-34 on April 16 and the Senate 30-17 on April 21. The bill gives a preference to hiring workers trained under the provisions of the Evergreen Jobs legislation, ESHB 2227. Passed the state Senate 30-17 on April 21. Passed the House 63-34. Signed by the governor on May 7. The bill is effective May 7, 2009 (Chapter 379, Laws of 2009.)
5720SB 5720		Tuition waivers/stepchildren	C 316 L 09	4/30/2009	Hewitt
Stepchildren Waivers Bill has passed each house of the Legislature and has been signed by the governor Clarifies that children of deceased or permanently disabled veterans eligible for special tuition waivers includes stepchildren. Currently, WSU incurs waiver cost of over $445,000 per year in support of dependents/spouse of deceased or permanently disabled veterans. The clarification of the definition of "child" in the bill would have minimal fiscal impact on WSU, as we currently do not distinguish between biological, adopted, or stepchildren in granting dependent waivers. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 3:30 PM on February 4, 2009. Majority; do pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 6, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on February 10, 2009. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 3, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: First reading, referred to Higher Education on March 4, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education at 9:00 AM on March 13, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Higher Education - Majority; do pass with amendments on March 20, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 24. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 27. Committee amendments adopted with no other amendments, Rules suspended and placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed. Passed the Senate 47-0 on April 20. Signed by the governor, April 30 The new law is effective 90 days after adjournment. (Chapter 316, Laws of 2009.) Votes in the House: yeas, 97; nays. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 47; nays, 0.
5723SSB 5723		Small business assistance	C 486 L 09	5/14/2009	Kastama	Support
Small Business Assistance Bill has passed the state Senate and the House in different forms. Senate concurred with the House amendments. The bill has been signed by the governor. The Business Assistance Account is created in the state treasury to be used for the expansion of business assistance services delivered by WSU Small Business Development Centers.The SBDC will work with other state organizations to integrate small business development centers with other state economic development and work force development programs. The SBDC will also encourage the development of interinstitutional entrepreneurial education, training, and assistance programs. For state chartered banks, sponsorship of SBDC offices and small business assistance services must be considered in assessing the bank's performance in meeting community credit needs. Votes in the House: yeas, 95; nays, 2. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 49; nays, 0. Signed by the governor May 14. The bill is effective 90 days from adjournment of the Legislature, July 26. Chapter 486, Laws of 2009.
5734SSB 5734	HB 1235HB 1235	Higher educ tuition fees	C 574 L 09	5/19/2009	Kilmer	Support
Graduate & Non-resident Student Tuition Bill passed both houses, Senate concurred with House amendments. Signed by the governor. - Partial Veto - The partial veto made no substantive changes in the bill; vetoed some language that duplicates another bill. Click here to Read Partial Veto Message This bill allows institutions to continue setting tuition for graduate students and non-resident students through the 2012-2013 academic year (defined by a House floor amendment.) Another House amendment by Rep. White requires any tuition increase over 7 percent to be used by four-year colleges and universities to fund the cost of instruction, library and student services, utilities and maintenance of b uildings, and other costs related to instruction as well aqs institutional financial aid. The White amendment also stipulated that budgetary reductions through 2010-2011 shall be proportionately less for instructional areas. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on February 10, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on February 13, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 17, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted on March 7, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: First reading, referred to Higher Education on March 10, 2009. Public hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education at 1:30 PM on March 18, 2009. Passed the House Higher Education Committee on March 24. Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee on March 27. Heard in the House Committee on Ways & Means on April 2. Passed the state House with amendments on April 22, 53-44. Senate concurred in House amendments 36-8 on April 24. Votes in the House: yeas, 53; nays, 44. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 36; nays, 8. Signed by the governor May 19. The bill is effective 90 days from adjournment of the Legislature or July 26, 2009. Chapter 574, Laws of 2009.
5760SSB 5760	HB 1916HB 1916	UW & WSU public works contr	S Rules 3	4/26/2009	Fraser	Support/Senate Version
UW-WSU Public Works Bill The bill died during the 2009 regular session in dispute between the two houses. Bill passed the state Senate and and the House in different forms. The Senate refused to concur with the House amendments. This Senate bill grants UW and WSU the authority to use a small work roster for projects up to $1 million (instead of $200,000) for non-appropriated funds. It also allows WSU and UW general contractor-construction manager authority for projects of more than $1 million (typically its used for projects of more than $10 million on complex buildings.) Amendments were added in the House Capital Budget Committee that were not supported by WSU. In the House, the fund source is changed to federal stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Authority to limit the number of contractors is removed, and boards must comply with RCW 39.10. The House adds expiration date of June 30, 2013. The bill offers increased flexibility in dealing with non-state funded projects which would result in increased efficiencies and time savings. WSU estimates the savings in administrative time could be up to 2% of a particular project cost which when applied to projects of the size and scope indicated in the bill could easily exceed $50,000 per project. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 17, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 23, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 7, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs on March 10, 2009. Committee reliesed of further consideration and referred to Capital Budget on March 23. Heard in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 3:30 PM on March 31. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) and Minority; do not pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on April 6, 2009.
5776SSB 5776	HB 1466HB 1466	Student fees and charges	C 179 L 09	4/22/2009	McDermott	Support
Student Lobbyist Fees Bill has been signed into law by the governor. The bill is supported by ASWSU and the Washington Student Lobby to clarify funding for student lobbying activities. Students are authorized to create or increase voluntary student fees for each academic year when passed by a majority vote of the student government or its equivalent, or referendum presented to the student body or such other process that has been adopted under this section. Notwithstanding RCW 42.17.190 (2) and (3), voluntary student fees imposed under this section and services and activities fees may be used for lobbying by a student government association or its equivalent and may also be used to support a statewide or national student organization or its equivalent that may engage in lobbying. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on February 20, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 12, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: Heard in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs on March 24. Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs on March 26 - Majority; pass - Minoirty; do not pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on March 27. Placed on second reading on April 8 . Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on April 9 - Third Reading, passed; yeas, 60; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 0. Governor signed on April 22. The new law is effective July 26, 2009 (Chapter 179, Laws of 2009) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 42; nays, 6. Votes in the House: yeas, 60; nays, 38.
5778SSB 5778		College course material info	S Rules X	3/25/2009	Oemig
Textbook Bill Bill died in the Senate Rules Committee. Affiliated college bookstores must disclose information on required course materials at least two weeks prior to the start of the class for which the materials are required. Course material information includes title, author(s), edition, price, and International Standard Book Number. The requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis if students can reliably expect that nearly all of the information will be available four weeks before the start of class. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on February 20, 2009. WSU expects minimal impact from this bill as we encourage faculty to report the required materials for courses in advance of the start of classes. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Senate Rules "X" file on March 25, 2009.
5844SB 5844	HB 1198HB 1198	Public works bid limits	S Rules 2	2/25/2009	Tom	Support
Public Works Bid Limits Bill died during the 2009 regular session in Senate Rules Committee, HB 1847 was the successful vehicle for this legislation. This bill changes public works bid limits. With respect to building, improvements, or repairs, the minimum project size for public bid is increased from $55,000 to $90,000. For one trade or craft area, the threhold is raised from $35,000 to $45,000. Any project regardless of dollar amount may be put to public bid. WSU anticipates no fiscal impact. Requested by the Council of Presidents. Public hearing and executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Senate Rules "X" files on March 25, 2009.
5869SSB 5869	HB 2245HB 2245	PEBB eligibility	S Rules 2	4/26/2009	Prentice
HCA Eligibility Bill See House Bill 2245, the successful vehicle for this legislation. Authorizes the public employees' benefits board to: (1) Determine eligibility criteria for benefits; and (2) Establish eligibility rules for half-time employees. Authorizes the health care authority to use different eligibility criteria when contracting to provide coverage for a school district, local government, or tribal government. Allows school districts and educational service districts that purchase employee benefits through the public employees' benefits board program to be charged on a school-year basis rather than a fiscal year basis. Makes eligibility determinations subject to periodic review. The cost for additional employees eligible on the 70-hour standard is $1.1 million. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 PM on February 10, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. Minority; without recommendation - Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on April 6, 2009.
5873ESSB 5873		Apprenticeship utilization	C 197 L 09	4/23/2009	Kline	Neutral
Apprenticeship Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and signed by the governor on April 23, 2009. Public works contracts awarded by state four-year institutions of higher education must include apprentice utilization provisions (requiring 15 percent of the work to be performed by apprentices on projects over $1 million.) The apprentice utilization requirements are phased in over a three-year period. A bidder on a public works project subject to apprenticeship utilization requirements will be disqualified if the bidder was found out of compliance in the one-year period preceding the date of the bid solicitation for working apprentices out of ratio, without appropriate supervision, or outside their approved work processes. WSU estimates additional construction costs of up to 2.5 percent on higher education projects. For the Vancouver Applied Technology building, that is an impact on this bill of $620,000. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce & Consumer Protection at 1:30 PM on February 17, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce & Consumer Protection at 6:00 PM on March 23, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Made eligible to be placed on second reading on March 5, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 6, 2009. 1st substitute bill substituted. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Placed on Third Reading on March 9, 2009. IN THE HOUSE: First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor on March 11, 2009. Heard in the House Committee on Commerce & Labor at 10:00 AM on March 17, 2009. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Commerce & Labor - Majority; do pass and Minority; do not pass on March 27. Referred to Capital Budget on March 30. Heard in the House Committee on Capital Budget and executive action on April 6, 2009 - Majority; do pass and Minority; do not pass. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. Placed on Second reading on April 8. Rules suspended and placed on Third Reading. Third reading on April 9: passed; yeas, 63; nays, 34; absent, 0; excused, 1. The new law is effective July 26, 2009 (Chapter 197, Laws of 2009) Votes in the Senate: yeas, 28; nays, 18. Votes in the House: yeas, 63; nays, 34.
5921SSB 5921		Clean energy initiative	C 318 L 09	5/4/2009	Rockefeller	Support
Clean Technology Leadership Bill Bill has passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. Directs the office of the Governor to establish a Clean Energy Leadership Initiative in collaboration with a public-private alliance of clean energy leaders that can be supported with public and private funds Directs the Alliance to establish a Clean Energy Leadership Council. Substitute House Bill 2289 gives the Clean Energy Council authority to designate projects eligible for federal funding as part of the Energy Freedom Program. The biennial operating budget appropriates $38.5 million in federal funds to Energy Freedom Program. The clean energy leadership initiative "is to be supported by public and private resources including, to the extent available, the resources of the state's energy office and Washington State University's Energy Program" according to the bill. The council will: - Conduct a strategic analysis (with consultants that understand energy markets and other states clean energy initiatives) to identify the clean energy segments where Washington can be one of the top ten states in that segment - Develop strategic recommendations for growing and positioning each of the segments where Washington is competitive - Review existing state investments to identify ways to leverage or increase the effectiveness of those funds - Provide recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by Dec, 2009 (and initial recommendations on how to leverage available funds as soon as feasible) - Convene a Clean Energy Summit to discuss implementation after the strategic analysis has been submitted. Senate Third reading, passed March 10; yeas, 46; nays, 1. The new law is effective immediately after signed by the governor. (May 4, Chapter 318, Laws of 2009) Votes in the House: yeas, 64; nays, 33. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 32; nays, 13.
5952SB 5952	HB 2219HB 2219	Sexual orientation/defining	C 180 L 09	4/22/2009	McDermott
Hate Crimes Bill Bill has been signed into law by the governor. Changes the definition of "sexual orientation" to mirror the definition under the Washington's Labor Regulations Act and subsequently, expands the definition to include gender expression or gender identity. Requested by ASWSU and supported by the Washington Student Lobby The new law (Chapter 180, Laws of 2009) is effective July 26, 2009 Votes in the Senate: yeas, 36; nays, 12. Votes in the House: yeas, 68; nays, 30.
5994SSB 5994	HB 2151HB 2151	Boards and commissions	S Rules 2G	3/5/2009	Pridemore
Advisory Boards Bill The bill died during the 2009 regular session in the Senate Rules Committee. This is not the vehicle for this legislation. See Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5995. Eliminates boards and commissions on June 30, 2010. Declares that while advisory boards, committees, and commissions be eliminated, agencies should identify new, less costly, and more effective opportunities to ensure a broad range of citizen participation is provided and that all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that channels are maintained for vital input from the citizens of Washington. Ample time is provided for the advisory groups to complete work in progress and for agencies to develop alternative communication strategies. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 6:00 PM on February 23, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted.Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Made eligible to be placed on second reading on March 5, 2009.
5995ESB 5995	HB 2087HB 2087	Eliminating boards and comms	C 560 L 09	5/19/2009	Pridemore	No Position
Boards & Commissions Eliminated The bill has passed the Legislature and been signed by the governor. This bill eliminates certain boards, committees, and commissions and transfers certain duties. The following boards, commissions, and committees are eliminated: The Acupuncture Ad Hoc Committee; Adult Family Home Advisory Committee; Boarding Home Advisory Committee; Citizens' Work Group on Health Care Reform; Displaced Homemaker Program Statewide Advisory Committee; Foster Care Endowed Scholarship Advisory Board; Higher Education Coordinating Board Work Study Advisory Committee; Model Toxics Control Act Science Advisory Board; Oil Heat Advisory Committee; Organized Crime Advisory Board; Oversight Committee on Character-Building Residential Services in Prisons; Parks Centennial Advisory Committee; Prescription Drug Purchasing Consortium Advisory Commission; Radiologic Technologists Ad Hoc Committee; Risk Management Advisory Committee; Securities Advisory Committee; Sexual Offender Treatment Providers Advisory Committee; and Vendor Rates Advisory Committee. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 6:00 PM on February 23, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections at 1:30 PM on February 24, 2009. 1st substitute bill be substituted. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 25, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee on March 11, 2009. Votes in the House: yeas, 95; nays, 0. Votes in the Senate: yeas, 46; nays, 2. Signed by the governor May 19. Legislation takes effect June 30, 2009. Chapter 560, Laws of 2009.
6034SB 6034		Archives & records mgmt	S Ways & Means	2/25/2009	Kilmer	Support
Higher Education State Archives Bill Bill died in the Senate Ways and Means Committee during the 2009 regular session. Provides that institutions of higher education that do not use the services of the division of archives and records management are not subject to its cost allocation procedure or formula and are not required to pay the fees or charges in RCW 40.14.025. WSU does not use the archive and records management service. We receive appropriations equal to the amount of archive and records management fees currently paid and we assume that appropriation would be reduced accordingly if we were no longer charged archive fees, therefonre we would expect no fiscal impact. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 10:00 AM on February 24, 2009. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 3:30 PM. Referred to Ways & Means on February 25, 2009.
6044SB 6044		Student financial aid	S HighEd&WorkDev	2/17/2009	Kilmer	Concerns
Redefining Financial Aid Bill died during the 2009 regular session in the Senate Higher Education Committee, See HB 2021 The legislature finds that a myriad of financial aid programs exist for students at the federal, state, local, community, and institutional levels. This bill is relating to revitalizing student financial aid. WSU estimates the cost to implement this bill at approximately $18,000 for training/staff development ($500), reprogramming existing systems ($2500), redesign of billing statements/ award letters ($10,000), portal and web development to describe and clarify 'opportunity passport' language into promotional material ($3000), a coordination with HECB to develop outreach tools ($1000).
6048ESB 6048	HB 2261HB 2261	State's education system	S Rules 3	4/26/2009	Oemig	No Position
Basic Education Redefined House Bill 2261 was the successful vehicle for this legislation. Seeks to redefine basic education programs that are funded by the state and delivered by school districts. WSU is particularly monitoring two issues that were removed from the legislation, then re-inserted before Senate passage. (1) It directs the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to make the initial move toward making less incentives for teachers to obtain a master's degree. (2) Designates the PESB as the lead agency to coordinate initiatives to support preparation and recruitment of math and science teachers. Requires each public four-year institution of higher education to submit a preliminary plan to the PESB for a Washington Teach initiative, including shifting enrollment from elementary education to math and science education. Requires each institution to begin exploring partnerships with school districts to provide alternative route teacher preparation programs in math and science. Public hearing and executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 1:30 PM on February 23, 2009. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading on February 24, 2009. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading on March 9, 2009. Third reading, passed; yeas, 28; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 1. IN THE HOUSE: Passed the Education Appropriations on March 24, 2009. Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
6116SSB 6116		Excise taxes/county	S Rules 2	4/26/2009	Murray	No Position
UW Stadium Legislation Bill passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee but died in the 2009 regular session awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. A special purpose account is created within King County to be used for the following purposes at the discretion of King County: funding tourism promotion; funding youth or amateur sports activities or facilities; funding regional center or performing arts centers, (with the exception of in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kent); maintaining or improving publicly-owned stadiums or arenas; funding community development; and funding low-income housing. Deposited into the account are the following revenue sources: county hotel-motel taxes; state sales tax when the Safeco Field bonds are retired; rental car taxes that supported the Kingdome bonds, state sales tax that supports Qwest Field bonds; food and beverage tax when the Safeco Field bonds are retired through 2015; rental car tax imposed in King County when the Safeco Field bonds are retired; 2008 expirations for arts & heritage funding are removed. Public hearing in the Senate Committee held in Ways & Means at 1:30 PM on March 18, 2009.
6117SB 6117	HB 2308HB 2308	Aerospace T.O.	S Ways & Means	3/5/2009	Brown	Support
Aerospace Competitiveness Act See HB 2308, provisions were implemented by a gubernatorial executive order. Click Here for Executive Order 09-04. This is a "title only bill" of which the effective contents have not been written.
6148SB 6148	HB 2328HB 2328	State government admin cost	S Ways & Means	4/3/2009	Prentice	Support
SB 5460 Exemptions House Bill 2328 was the successful vehicle for this legislation. The restrictions on salary and wage increases of chapter 5, Laws of 2009 do not apply to higher education institutions granting salary and wage increases to retain critical academic personnel, critical personnel not funded from state funds or tuition, or additional academic responsibilities during summer quarter. The hiring restrictions of chapter 5, Laws of 2009 do not apply to student workers, campus police and security, emergency management, and student health care and counseling positions.
6156SB 6156		Higher ed funding & access	S Ways & Means	4/10/2009	Zarelli	Opposed
Higher Ed Economically Responsible Solutions The bill died during the 2009 regular session in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Assesses a tuition surcharge for WSU students equivalent to the the full cost of instruction for students who take more than 125 percent of the courses necessary to graduate. The state may contract with private colleges and universities to provide courses or degrees in the fields of engineering, technology, biotechnology, sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics, for Washington resident students. Section 2 lowers the percent of operating fees that may be waived by WSU from 20% to 14%. WSU estimates that in FY09 6800 students will qualify to have $37 million of tuition waived. Nearly 57% of these waivers are for graduate teaching and research assistants. WSU must retain the current level of waivers for graduate students, even under the waiver cap reduction in this bill, because of the vital and cost effective service they provide in instructing undergraduate students and conducting research activities. At a 14% waiver cap, nearly 80% of waivers must be used to support graduate students, many of which are focusing on STEM disciplines. Thus the waiver cap reduction proposed in this bill leaves only 20% of the waivers to support other critical waiver programs. The result would be complete elimination or significant reduction to the remaining waivers programs, many of which have been previously legislated. Reductions will likely impact waiver programs supporting the following resident students: () 350 receiving waivers as veterans, spouses and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans, firefighters, and police officers () 700 waivers based on financial need to resident students who come from low to middle income families in the state, making college attendance more attainable () 600 resident undergraduate students received waivers based on meritorious achievement; a majority of such students choose to major in the highly competitive health care and STEM disciplines. Referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on April 10.
9016SGA 9016		SCOTT CARSON	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
SCOTT CARSON, appointed October 01, 2007, for a term ending September 30, 2013, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. Regent Carson is executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
9022SGA 9022		HAROLD COCHRAN	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
HAROLD COCHRAN, appointed February 15, 2007, for a term ending September 30, 2009, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. He and his wife Valerie along with their son Eric and his wife Melissa farm 5500 acres near Walla Walla. He was a founding stockholder in Bank of the West, Walla Walla. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
9023SGA 9023		ELIZABETH A. COWLES	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
Elizabeth A. Cowles, appointed April of 2000, for a term ending September 30, 2011, as a member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. She is chairman of Cowles Publishing Company, a diversified family owned media, forest products, insurance, and real estate company headquartered in Spokane. In addition to working on long-term corporate strategy, she directly oversees several divisions of the company, including broadcasting, a national insurance agency, and real estate. The real estate holdings include River Park Square, a retail and entertainment center in downtown Spokane, the cornerstone of a community-wide effort to revitalize Spokane's downtown. Regent Cowles is active in the community, serving on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, The Fox Theater Board, and the Spokane Symphony Society, where she recently finished her term as president. She received a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a law degree from George Washington University, where she is also a trustee. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
9034SGA 9034		DERICK C. EN'WEZOH	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
Derick C. En'Wezoh, appointed July 2008, for a term ending June 30, 2009, as a member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. Derick En'Wezoh was appointed to the Board of Regents in July of 2008 as the eleventh Student Regent. A student in the Honors College, Derick is a junior majoring in neuroscience with a pre-med emphasis. A graduate of Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, he was named as a WSU Future Cougars of Color Scholarship recipient in 2006. He has played an active role in the university's multicultural community and was elected an Associated Students of WSU Senator in his sophomore year. He has served as president of a major WSU resident hall and as a Cougar Quest summer camp counselor. Derick has also been active in a number of community service efforts while at WSU, including benefits staged to raise money to assist children in Malawi and Uganda, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and American Red Cross-sponsored blood drives. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
9055SGA 9055		LAURA JENNINGS	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
Laura Jennings, appointed July of 2005, for a term ending September 30, 2009, as a member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. She currently consults for start-up companies in the Seattle area. Regent Jennings spent 12 years as an executive at Microsoft Corporation, serving as Vice President of Worldwide Strategic Planning, Vice President of MSN and in various other capacities. After leaving Microsoft, she spent 3 years as a Senior Partner with leading international venture capital firm Atlas Venture, where she supervised investments in software start-up companies across their Seattle and Palo Alto offices. Regent Jennings currently serves on the boards of Laird Norton Tyee, SimplyFun LLC, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and the YWCA of Seattle King County and Snohomish County. She received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Illinois in 1983 and a master's degree in management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University in 1988. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
9116SGA 9116		RAFAEL STONE	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
Rafael Stone, appointed April of 2000 and reappointed September 30, 2005, for a term ending September 30, 2011, as a member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. He is a partner in the law firm of Foster Pepper PLLC, and chairs the firm's Investment Management Practice Group. He has more than 25 years' experience representing institutional investors, advisors, consultants, and U.S. corporations in a wide variety of national and international real estate and private equity investments. Regent Stone is a member of the National Association of Public Pension Attorneys, the Pension Real Estate Association, the American Bar Association, and the Washington State Bar Association. He serves as a member of the Sea-Tac Airport Policy Advisory Committee, the Experience Music Project Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the Seattle Times and Blethen Corporations, as well as on a number of other public and private boards in a variety of capacities. Regent Stone was the first chair of the African American Heritage Foundation and is a recipient of the Washington State Bar Association's Affirmative Action Award. He received his bachelor's degree, as well as his law degree, from the University of Washington. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM on January 30, 2009. Confirmed and passed to Rules Committee on February 3, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on February 10, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1 .
9140SGA 9140		CONNIE NIVA	S Confirmed	3/5/2009		Support
CONNIE NIVA, appointed June of 2003, reappointed January 16, 2009, for a term ending September 30, 2014, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate March 5, No Further Action Necessary. Regent Niva just completed two terms on the Washington State Transportation Commission and served on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation. She currently serves as a Port Commissioner for the Port of Everett and is a founding member of the board of the Center for Women and Democracy. She served as a member of the Everett City Council from 1986-1990 and was the congressional liaison for the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority from 1990-93. She currently co-chairs the Snohomish County Executive's Citizen Cabinet. Regent Niva worked many years in a variety of capacities as a microbiologist at the University of Washington Medical School and the University of Maryland, and taught microbiology to Arab staff at St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. She also taught "Issues in Local Government" as a visiting professor for Seattle University's public administration program. Regent Niva graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor's degree in bacteriology in 1962 and received a master's degree in public administration from Seattle University in 1992. She was awarded the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year Award in 2003 and the United Way of Snohomish County Women Leading the Way Leadership Award in 2002. Regent Niva has four children, ages 28 to 41, and is married to Jud Marquardt of LMN Architects. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 3:30 PM on February 18, 2009. Passed to Rules on February 19, 2009. Placed on confirmation calendar on March 3, 2009. Confirmed on March 5, 2009, yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 1; excused, 1.
9150SGA 9150		TED BASELER	S Confirmed	4/22/2009		Support
TED BASELER, appointed February 09, 2009, for a term ending September 30, 2014, as a Member of the Board of Regents, Washington State University. Confirmed as a WSU Regent by the State Senate April 22, 2009. No Further Action Necessary. Ted Baseler was reappointed to the Board of Regents in 2009. He has been a leader in the Washington wine industry for 25 years, and continues to help build one of the top wine producing regions in the world. He is president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, which is among the 10 largest wine companies in the U.S.. Regent Baseler has served as the chairman of the Washington Wine Commission, chairman of the Napa-based Wine Market Council, and director of the Washigton Wine Institute. He has served on the Washington Business Roundtable and the boards of Children's Hospital and Patrons of Northwest Arts. He is also a strong advocate for WSU. He previosuly served on the Board of Regents for a short term after serving on the Board of Trustees for 10 years. He has been recognized with the Alumni Achievement Award and the WSU Foundation Outstanding Service Award. He led the efforts to develop a world class Enology and Viticulture program at WSU, working with the State Legislature for funding. He has also been the driving force behind Chateau Ste. Michelle events that have raised more than $2 million for diversity scholarships. Regent Baseler graduated with a BA from Washington State University and an MS from Northwestern University. His wife JoAnne and many family members are also graduates of WSU. Approved by the Senate Higher Education Committee on March 20. Placed on the Senate confirmation calendar on April 6. Confirmed by the state Senate 45-0 on April 22.

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