Washington State Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Washington State Council of Farmer Cooperatives	Weekly Client Report
Prepared by: Coyne & Associates	Friday, February 22, 2002

2002 Legislative Session - Week Six

The state's economic condition worsened this week with a new state revenue forecast that widened the projected biennial budget deficit to $1.6 billion. With the bad economic news came renewed discussions in the legislature about tax increases. Among the top are: 1) and increase in business and occupations taxes; 2) and increase in the general sales tax; 3)elemination of various tax incentives and exemptions.

On the transportation front, House Democrats announced their funding plan this week. It includes:

* A June 20 special election on an 8-cent per gallon gas tax increase (4-cents in October 2002 and 4-cents in October 2003);

* A 20 percent increase in vehicle weight fees paid by trucks;

* An 0.8 percent sales tax on vehicles (0.4 in October 2002 and 0.4 in October 2003)

A list of projects to be funded by the new revenues will be part of the final package.

The House package is estimated to raise $5.6 billion over the next 10 years, compared to the Senate plan which raises $8.5 billion over the same period.

Bill Tracking Summary

High Priority Bills

Sponsor

Position

Status


2521	Registering pesticides.	Linville	Support	S, Ag&Intl Trde


2730	Repealing ergonomics rules.	Clements	Support	H, Commerce/Lab


2897	Updating state law to conform to changes in federal estate tax.	Grant	Support	H, Finance


2933	Reviewing, modifying, and terminating tax preferences.	McIntire	Oppose	H, Finance


6508	Registering pesticides.	Rasmussen	Support	H, Ag & Ecology

Medium Priority Bills


E S2304	Adopting certain recommendations of the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.	Fisher	Monitor	C 5 L 02


E S2305	Clarifying the application of shoreline master program guidelines and master programs to agricultural activities on agricultural lands.	Hatfield	Monitor	S, Nat/Prk/Shor


E S2326	Establishing the Washington climate and rural energy development center.	Linville	Monitor	S, Env/Engy/Wat


2397	Regulating organic food products.	Linville	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


E S2419	Prohibiting price gouging during significant disruption, emergency, or disaster.	Simpson	Neutral	S, Lab/Comm/FI


2452	Making transportation improvements.	Fisher	Monitor	H, Trans


E2S2854	Creating a plan to improve preparedness in response to a bioterrorist event.	Schual-Berke	Monitor	S, Hea/L-T Care


2S2867	Mitigating the effects of the aquatic pesticide national pollutant discharge elimination system permit required as the result of a recent court decision.	Fromhold	Support	S, Env/Engy/Wat


2892	Selling apples for fresh consumption.	Clements	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


S2893	Regulating the business relationship between suppliers and dealers of certain machinery and equipment.	Clements	Monitor	S, Lab/Comm/FI


4018	Petitioning to end restrictions on trade with Cuba.	Veloria	Support	S, Ag&Intl Trde


5138	Increasing the weight of vehicles exempted from scale stops.	Morton	Monitor	H, Trans


6269	Adopting certain recommendations of the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.	Gardner	Monitor	S, Transportat


6347	Making transportation improvements.	Haugen	Monitor	S, Transportat


6348	Making supplemental transportation appropriations.	Haugen	Monitor	S, Transportat


S6349	Issuing transportation bonds.	Haugen	Monitor	S, 2nd Reading


6420	Regulating organic food products.	Rasmussen	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


6659	Revising transportation funding.	Haugen	Monitor	S, Transportat


E S6703	Changing timing provisions relating to agricultural liens.	Rasmussen	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


6722	Mitigating the effects of the aquatic herbicide general permit required as the result of a recent court decision.	T. Sheldon	Support	S, Ways & Means


6725	Authorizing treble damages for violence to agricultural research facilities and agricultural production facilities.	Rasmussen	Support	H, Judiciary


6777	Selling apples for fresh consumption.	Parlette	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


6785	Eliminating Washington estate taxes on estates with no federal tax liability.	Snyder	Support	S, Ways & Means


S8029	Petitioning to end restrictions on trade of agricultural products with Cuba.	Kohl-Welles	Support	H, Trade/Ec Dev

Low Priority Bills


2289	Regulating planting stock certification and nursery improvement programs.	Linville	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


S2290	Creating the fruit and vegetable inspection account.	Linville	Monitor	H, Rules C+


S2308	Encouraging recycling and waste reduction.	Linville	Monitor	S, Env/Engy/Wat


E S2325	Providing for donation and distribution of food.	Wood	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


2719	Revising transportation funding.	Fisher	Monitor	H, Trans


E S2735	Creating a joint task force on permit streamlining.	Romero	Monitor	S, St&Loc Govt


S2736	Authorizing the University of Washington and Washington State University to make financing arrangements for research facilities.	Murray	Monitor	S, Higher Educ


S2758	Establishing the agricultural conservation easements program.	Quall	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


E2759	Increasing penalties for chemical, biological, and other crimes.	Buck	Monitor	S, Judiciary


E2773	Revising standards for apple grades and packs and modifying provisions concerning consignment sale information.	Clements	Monitor	S, Ag&Intl Trde


S2864	Adopting the Washington organic foods commission act.	Linville	Monitor	H, Rules C+


2901	Regarding unemployment insurance.	Conway	Monitor	H, Rules R


6253	Regulating planting stock certification and nursery improvement programs.	Rasmussen	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


S6254	Creating the fruit and vegetable inspection account.	Rasmussen	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


S6279	Improving administration of property records related to the sale of water rights.	Jacobsen	Monitor	S, Ways & Means+


S6285	Providing incentives to reduce air pollution through the use of clean alternative fuel vehicles.	Regala	Monitor	S, Ways & Means+


6328	Changing the definition of cherry harvest temporary labor camp.	Parlette	Monitor	H, Commerce/Lab


6609	Allowing cost recovery in cases involving disputed department of ecology studies.	Snyder	Monitor	H, Ag & Ecology


S6721	Authorizing the University of Washington and Washington State University to make financing arrangements for research facilities.	West	Monitor	H, Cap Budget

Calendar Items

2/22/2002


2289	Planting stock	Agriculture & International Trade	1:30 PM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing


2397	Organic food products	Agriculture & International Trade	1:30 PM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing


2521	Registering pesticides	Agriculture & International Trade	1:30 PM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing

2/25/2002


E S2419	Price gouging/emergencies	Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions	10:00 AM	SHR 4
		Public Hearing


E S2305	Shoreline management	Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines	TVW	1:30 PM	SHR 2
		Public Hearing


E S2735	Permit streamlining	State & Local Government	TVW	1:30 PM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing


S6254	Fruit & vege account	Agriculture & Ecology	TVW	6:00 PM	HHR A
		Public Hearing


6508	Registering pesticides	Agriculture & Ecology	TVW	6:00 PM	HHR A
		Public Hearing


E S6703	Agricultural liens	Agriculture & Ecology	TVW	6:00 PM	HHR A
		Public Hearing

2/26/2002


S2736	State universities/research	Higher Education	8:00 AM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing


S2893	Farm equipment dealers	Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions	TVW	8:00 AM	SHR 4
		Public Hearing


2S2867	Aquatic pesticide applicatn	Environment, Energy & Water	TVW	3:30 PM	SHR 1
		Public Hearing

2/27/2002


S2758	Agr conservation easement	Agriculture & International Trade	TVW	8:00 AM	SHR 3
		Public Hearing


6328	Temporary worker housing	Commerce & Labor	TVW	8:00 AM	HHR B
		Public Hearing/Possible Executive Session

2/28/2002


E S2326	Climate & energy center	Environment, Energy & Water	8:00 AM	SHR 1
		Public Hearing


6609	Ecology department studies	Agriculture & Ecology	8:00 AM	HHR A
		Public Hearing


6777	Apples	Agriculture & Ecology	8:00 AM	HHR A
		Public Hearing

3/1/2002


S2308	Recycling & waste reduction	Environment, Energy & Water	TVW	8:00 AM	SHR 1
		Public Hearing

Bill Tracking Details

2289

Planting stock

Linville

Representatives Linville and Schoesler

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Establishes an advisory committee to advise the director in the administration of the grapevine certification and nursery improvement program. Provides that the committee shall consist of two grapevine nursery dealers; three grape growers, at least two of whom grow wine grapes; one winery representative; a university researcher; and the director. When appointing this committee, the director shall consider names submitted by the Washington association of wine grape growers and the Washington state grape society.
Companion Bill:	6253 Planting stock	H, Ag & Ecology
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2275-2299/2289.pdf

S2290

Fruit & vege account

Linville

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville and Schoesler)

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2275-2299/2290-s.pdf

E S2304

Transportation

Fisher

House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Fisher, Jarrett, Kessler, Berkey, Sullivan, Dunshee, Lovick, Kenney, Lantz, Santos, Ruderman, Edwards, Murray, Rockefeller, Wood, O'Brien, Cooper, Haigh, Fromhold, Tokuda, Ogden, Romero, Cody, Darneille, Simpson, Linville, Upthegrove, Schual-Berke, Kagi and McIntire)

Requested by
Governor Locke

Adopts certain recommendations of the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.
Appropriates the sum of nine hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the public works administration account to the department of labor and industries for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, to carry out the purposes of sections 306 through 309 of this act.
Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2300-2324/2304-s_e.pdf

E S2305

Shoreline management

Hatfield

House Committee on Local Government & Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Hatfield, Doumit, Kessler, Grant, Kirby, Edwards and Linville)

Declares that the guidelines adopted by the department and master programs developed or amended by local governments according to RCW 90.58.080 shall not require modification of or limit agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands. Provides that, in jurisdictions where agricultural activities occur, master programs developed or amended after the effective date of this act shall include provisions addressing new agricultural activities on land not meeting the definition of agricultural land, conversion of agricultural lands to other uses, and development not meeting the definition of agricultural activities. Nothing in this provision limits or changes the terms of the current exception to the definition of substantial development in RCW 90.58.030 (3) (e) (iv). Declares that nothing in this provision shall limit or affect growth management act critical area ordinances under RCW 36.70A.060. Declares that the provisions of this act do not become effective until the earlier of either January 1, 2004, or the date the department of ecology amends or updates chapter 173-16 or 173-26 WAC.
Comments
Establishing an exemption for ag practices from shorelines management rules; in a priority bill for the ag community.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2300-2324/2305-s_e.pdf

S2308

Recycling & waste reduction

Linville

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Schoesler, Anderson, Dunshee, Lovick, Lantz, Santos, Rockefeller, Berkey, Conway, Wood, Edwards, Cooper, Hunt, Fromhold, Dickerson, Cody, Simpson, Upthegrove, Kagi and McIntire)

Directs the department of general administration to work with commercial and industrial construction industry organizations to develop guidelines for implementing on-site construction waste management planning. Provides that, if a construction project receives state public funding, the product standards, as provided in RCW 43.19A.020, shall apply to the materials used in the project, whenever the administering agency and project owner determine that such products would be cost-effective and are readily available. Declares it is the state's goal that programs be established to eliminate residential or commercial yard debris in landfills by 2012 in those areas where alternatives to disposal are readily available and effective. Requires the department of general administration to develop goals for state use of recycled or environmentally preferable products through specifications for products and services, processes for requests for proposals and requests for qualifications, contractor selection, and contract negotiations. Authorizes the commission to allow solid waste collection companies collecting recyclable materials to retain up to thirty percent of the revenue paid to the companies for the material if the companies submit a plan to the commission that is certified by the appropriate local government authority as being consistent with the local government solid waste plan and that demonstrates how the revenues will be used to increase recycling. The remaining revenue shall be passed to residential customers. Provides that, by December 2, 2005, the commission shall provide a report to the legislature that evaluates: (1) The effectiveness of revenue sharing as an incentive to increase recycling in the state; and (2) The effect of revenue sharing on costs to customers. Directs the department of ecology to designate a portion of the responsibilities of existing staff to investigate and draw conclusions by December 31, 2002, on the following: (1) The use of scrap tires as alternative daily cover for landfills; (2) The feasibility of establishing and maintaining an incentive program for market development for scrap tires. Requires the department of ecology, in conjunction with the appropriate private sector stakeholders, to track and report annually to the legislature the total increase or reduction of tire recycling or reuse rates in the state for each calendar year and for the cumulative calendar years from the effective date of this act.
Comments
HB 2308 appears to enjoy broad support. AWB is currently neutral on the bill.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2300-2324/2308-s.pdf

E S2325

Donated food

Wood

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Schoesler, Gombosky, Kessler, Linville, Kagi and Esser)

Declares that the purpose of this act is to authorize and facilitate the donation of food to needy persons in accordance with safety and health guidelines to assure that the donated food will not place needy recipients at risk, to ensure that persons preparing food for and participating in community potluck meals are included within this authorization, and to encourage charitable organizations, businesses, and individuals to donate surplus food to charities serving our state's needy population.
Provides that, except as expressly prohibited by rule of the state board of health, a donor may donate food in either raw, cooked, processed, or prepared edible form, free of charge, to a distributing organization, including charitable nonprofit organizations, or to the public, for the purpose of serving needy people if the donor and recipient organization comply with health and safety guidelines developed by the state board of health.
Provides that if a local board of health adopts a rule concerning charitable food donation more stringent than the state board of health food rule, the local board of health shall first provide notice to the public and written notice to cities, towns, and counties within its jurisdiction prior to the public hearing to consider the rule. The local board of health shall also provide notice to known charitable organizations.
Authorizes the state board of health to promulgate recommended health and safety guidelines for the donation, preparation, and distribution of free food for the purpose of this act.
Requires that the health and safety guidelines promulgated for food shall address potlucks where the public is invited.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2325-2349/2325-s_e.pdf

E S2326

Climate & energy center

Linville

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Romero, Lantz, Rockefeller, Cooper, Hunt, Simpson, Kagi and Ruderman)

Finds it is in the public interest to support efforts to promote discussion and understanding of the potential effects of climate change on Washington's water supply, agriculture, natural resources, coastal infrastructure, public health, and economy, and to encourage the formulation of sound recommendations for avoiding, mitigating, and responding to those effects.
Authorizes the establishment of the Washington climate and rural energy development center in the Washington State University energy program to serve as a central, impartial, nonregulatory, public source of credible and reliable information and services necessary to address the various aspects of climate change and clean energy activities.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2325-2349/2326-s_e.pdf

2397

Organic food products

Linville

Representatives Linville, Schoesler and Hunt

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Recognizes a public benefit in: (1) Establishing standards governing the labeling and advertising of food products and agricultural commodities as organically produced; (2) Providing certification under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder for agricultural products marketed and labeled using the term "organic" or a derivative of the term "organic"; (3) Providing access for Washington producers, processors, and handlers to domestic and international markets for organic food products; and (4) Establishing a state organic program under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder. Authorizes the department to take such actions, conduct proceedings, and enter orders as permitted or contemplated for a state organic program under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder. The state organic program shall not be inconsistent with the requirements of 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq. and the rules adopted thereunder, including 7 C.F.R. Sec. 205.668. The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this act. Repeals RCW 15.86.031, 15.86.035, 15.86.050, 15.86.080, and 15.86.100.
Companion Bill:	6420 Organic food products	H, Ag & Ecology
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2375-2399/2397.pdf

E S2419

Price gouging/emergencies

Simpson

House Committee on Select Committee on Community Security (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, Conway, Morris, Cooper, Schmidt, Kirby, Lovick, Wood, Haigh, Kenney, Chase, Schual-Berke and Jackley)

Requested by
Governor Locke and Attorney General

Finds that consumers are vulnerable to price gouging or clearly excessive pricing during times of abnormal market conditions caused by significant disruptions, emergencies, or disasters. Declares that excessive and unjustified increases in retail prices charged during abnormal market conditions as defined in this act should be prohibited and made subject to civil remedies.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2400-2424/2419-s_e.pdf

2452

Transportation funding

Fisher

Representatives Fisher and Chase

Requested by
Governor Locke

Recognizes that a good transportation system is critical in keeping Washington state's economy strong and its businesses competitive. Recognizes that badly needed investments in our state's transportation infrastructure will create jobs and help to ensure Washington's long-term economic success. Adopts the transportation investment act of 2002 and, subject to the provisions set forth, the several amounts specified, or as much thereof as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes designated, are appropriated from the several accounts and funds named to the designated state agencies and offices for employee compensation and other expenses, for capital projects, and for other specified purposes, including the payment of any final judgements arising out of such activities, for the period ending June 30, 2003.
Companion Bill:	6347 Transportation funding	S, Transportat
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2450-2474/2452.pdf

2521

Registering pesticides

Linville

Representatives Linville, Schoesler, McIntire, Santos, Jackley, Kenney, Miloscia, Chase, Upthegrove, Lovick and Wood

Revises provisions relating to registration of pesticides.
Comments
This is the WSDA-developed bill to change the cycle for pesticide registrations to two years, from one. The bill is supported by industry.
Companion Bill:	6508 Registering pesticides	H, Ag & Ecology
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2500-2524/2521.pdf

2719

Transportation financing

Fisher

Representative Fisher

Requested by
Governor Locke

Revises transportation funding.
Companion Bill:	6659 Transportation financing	S, Transportat
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2700-2724/2719.pdf

2730

Ergonomics rules

Clements

Representatives Clements, Van Luven, Chandler, Holmquist, Schindler, O'Brien, Mulliken, Ahern, Benson, McMorris, Cox, Pflug, Lisk, Schoesler, Boldt, Mielke and Nixon

Declares that rules dealing with musculoskeletal disorders, adopted on May 26, 2000, by the director, and codified as WAC 296-62-05101 through 296-62-05176, shall have no force or effect. Declares that the director shall not adopt any new or amended rules dealing with musculoskeletal disorders that are substantially the same as these rules.
Comments
While this bill is technically dead, proposals to delay or repeal Labor and Industries' ergonomics rules are still being discussed by legislative leaders and Governor Locke.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2725-2749/2730.pdf

E S2735

Permit streamlining

Romero

House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Romero, Doumit, Linville, Rockefeller, Edwards, Ogden, Dickerson, Jackley, Grant, O'Brien, Upthegrove, Conway and Kenney)

Creates the joint task force on permit streamlining to evaluate the effectiveness of state land use, planning, environmental, and permitting statutes to coordinate and streamline permit review processes and to consider whether any changes are needed to these laws to facilitate such coordination and streamlining, while ensuring protection of the environment.
Requires the joint task force on permit streamlining to consider the following objectives: (1) Development of a coordinated permit process for all required project permits. This process must be applied with certainty, consistency, and assurance of swift permit action, while ensuring environmental protection and best management practices;
(2) Improvement in the coordination of state and local agencies in reviewing and responding to project permit applications;
(3) Reduction in delays associated with project permit review so that permit decisions are made in a timely and predictable manner;
(4) Enhancement of state and local agencies' responsiveness to concerns about project review processes and decisions from project permit applicants or interested parties;

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2725-2749/2735-s_e.pdf

S2736

State universities/research

Murray

House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Murray, Esser, McIntire, Lantz, Jarrett, Ogden, Lysen, Chase, Haigh and Kenney)

Requested by
University of Washington

Finds that, in order to finance research facilities, the state's research universities often use federal, state, private, and university resources and therefore require the authority to enter into financing arrangements that leverage funding sources and reduce the costs of such complex facilities to the state.
Provides that, before January 31st of each year, the University of Washington and Washington State University must report to the ways and means committee of the senate and the capital budget committee of the house of representatives on the financing arrangements entered into under the authority of this act.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2725-2749/2736-s.pdf

S2758

Agr conservation easement

Quall

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Linville and Hunt)

Declares an intent to create a Washington purchase of agricultural conservation easements program that will facilitate the use of federal funds, ease the burdens of local governments launching similar programs at the local level, and help local governments fight the conversion of agricultural lands they have not otherwise protected through their planning processes.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2750-2774/2758-s.pdf

E2759

Crimes/explosives

Buck

Representatives Buck, Hurst, Lisk, Talcott, Schoesler, Pflug, Woods and Pearson

Increases penalties for chemical, biological, and other crimes. Repeals RCW 9.61.160, 9.61.170, 9.61.180, 70.74.270, 70.74.272, 70.74.275, and 70.74.280.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2750-2774/2759_e.pdf

E2773

Apples

Clements

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Clements, Linville, Chandler and Grant)

Requires that, to provide uniformity in the marketplace and to protect consigners of apples, the director shall revise state standards for grades and packs of apples.
Provides that for this purpose, the director shall invite a grades and packs committee that is widely recognized within the horticultural industry as representing the interests of the industry regarding grades and packs of apples to recommend by consensus revisions to the standards that it believes will provide that uniformity.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2750-2774/2773_e.pdf

E2S2854

Bioterrorism

Schual-Berke

House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Schual-Berke, Haigh, Morris, Barlean, O'Brien, Hurst, Hatfield, Anderson, Chase, Upthegrove and Rockefeller)

Finds there is a need to focus on the prevention, detection, management, and containment of public health emergencies from infectious diseases.
Finds that an effective communications system is needed to ensure that health care providers across the state can quickly and efficiently notify and communicate with each other regarding signs and symptoms they may observe that may be the earliest indications of bioterrorism and terrorist related public health emergencies.
Finds that there is a need to coordinate planning among government agencies to ensure an effective response to bioterrorism incidents or other terrorist attacks.
Recognizes that the department of health and human services has recently awarded funding to the department of health to develop a comprehensive bioterrorism plan and to improve and expand disease surveillance and investigation, communication, public health laboratory capacity, and hospital system readiness.
Designates the department as the coordinator of the state bioterrorism preparedness and response program. By July 2, 2002, the department shall prepare a plan for improving current preparedness and response for a bioterrorist event or other public health emergency.
Requires the department to submit the state plan to the federal department of health and human services by March 15, 2002, and no later than April 15, 2002. If the deadline for plan submission is extended, the department shall submit the state plan no later than the subsequent deadline established by the federal department of health and human services.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2850-2874/2854-s2_e.pdf

S2864

Organic foods commission

Linville

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Armstrong, Clements, Sump, Grant, Conway, Morell and Chase)

Declares that the marketing of organic foods within this state is affected with a public interest. It is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state, their general welfare, and the environment that its organic agricultural commodities be properly promoted by (1) enabling producers of organic agricultural commodities to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, standardizing, and labeling of the organic commodities they produce and (2) working towards stabilizing the organic agricultural industry by increasing consumption of organic agricultural commodities within the state, the nation, and internationally.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2850-2874/2864-s.pdf

2S2867

Aquatic pesticide applicatn

Fromhold

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Fromhold, Ogden, McMorris, Grant, Haigh and Delvin)

Finds that the recent federal court of appeals decision in Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation District, 243 F.3rd 526 (9th Cir. 2001) imposes a duty to obtain a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit under the clean water act for the application of pesticides to irrigation canals. This duty is also extended to other individuals and organizations that apply pesticides to other waters, where no duty existed before the Talent decision.
Finds that the costs associated with the issuance of the national pollutant discharge elimination system permit now required by the department of ecology as a result of the federal decision is unfairly burdensome to the affected individuals and organizations.
Declares an intent to reduce the burden of the federal decision on those individuals and organizations.
Declares that the fee for a general permit or an individual permit required solely as a result of the federal court of appeals decision in Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation District, 243 F.3rd 526 (9th Cir. 2001) is limited to a maximum of three hundred dollars.
Declares that such a permit is required only if, and as long as, the United States environmental protection agency requires such a permit as a result of the court's decision in states that have not been delegated permit authority under the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.).

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2850-2874/2867-s2.pdf

2892

Apples

Clements

Representatives Clements, Linville, Grant, Lisk, Armstrong, Mulliken, Chandler, Holmquist, Schoesler, Hatfield and Ogden

Declares it is unlawful after October 1st of any calendar year, for any person to sell containers of apples, containing apples harvested in a prior calendar year, to any retailer or wholesaler for the purpose of resale to the public for fresh consumption.
Companion Bill:	6777 Apples	H, Ag & Ecology
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2875-2899/2892.pdf

S2893

Farm equipment dealers

Clements

House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Clements and Conway)

Establishes provisions to regulate the business relationship between suppliers and dealers of certain machinery and equipment. Repeals RCW 19.98.110.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2875-2899/2893-s.pdf

2897

Estate tax

Grant

Representatives Grant, Cairnes, Linville, Ericksen, Reardon, Crouse, Hatfield, Benson, Hurst, Clements, Holmquist, Mulliken, Delvin, Schmidt, Armstrong, Chase, Sehlin, Buck, Dunn, Ahern, McMorris, Kessler, Morris, Bush, Carrell, Schindler, Alexander, Skinner, Pearson, Schoesler, Lisk, Mielke, Boldt, Lovick, Fromhold, Talcott, Hankins, Pflug, Chandler, Nixon, Esser and Sullivan

Revises state law to conform to changes in federal estate tax.
Companion Bill:	6762 Estate tax	S, Ways & Means
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2875-2899/2897.pdf

2901

Unemployment insurance T. O.

Conway

Representatives Conway, Clements, Reardon, Berkey, Kenney, Santos, Lovick, Chase, Simpson, Wood and Sullivan

Finds that the training benefits program enacted under Title 50 RCW needs to be updated to address current and anticipated needs, and further finds that the unemployment insurance system should be modified to provide for equity in tax rates and for managing the growth in the taxable wage base.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2900-2924/2901.pdf

2933

Tax preference review

McIntire

Representative McIntire

Reviews, modifies and terminates tax preferences.
Comments
Rep. Jim McIntire introduced HB 2933, which eliminates $20-plus billion in tax preferences, incentives and exemptions. While HB 2933 will not move in its current form, the bill could become the vehicle for targeted tax exemption elimination.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/2925-2949/2933.pdf

4018

Cuba

Veloria

Representatives Veloria, Morell, Grant, Mastin, Chase, Clements, Hunt, Santos, Schoesler and Haigh

Petitions Congress and the President of the United States to end the policy of restrictions on trade with Cuba.
Comments
This measure is consistent with Congressman George Nethercutt's recent efforts to provide agriculture with an opportunity to benefit from food sales to Cuba.
Companion Bill:	8029 Cuba	H, Trade/Ec Dev
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/house/4000-4024/4018.pdf

5138

Weighing stations

Morton

Senators Morton, Hochstatter, Benton, Oke, Stevens, McCaslin, Honeyford, Swecker, Sheahan, Johnson, Zarelli, Hale and Rossi

Amends RCW 46.44.105 to increase the weight of vehicles exempted from scale stops.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/5125-5149/5138.pdf

6253

Planting stock

Rasmussen

Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Shin and Spanel

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Establishes an advisory committee to advise the director in the administration of the grapevine certification and nursery improvement program. Provides that the committee shall consist of two grapevine nursery dealers; three grape growers, at least two of whom grow wine grapes; one winery representative; a university researcher; and the director. When appointing this committee, the director shall consider names submitted by the Washington association of wine grape growers and the Washington state grape society.
Companion Bill:	2289 Planting stock	S, Ag&Intl Trde
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6250-6274/6253.pdf

S6254

Fruit & vege account

Rasmussen

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Shin and Spanel)

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Creates the fruit and vegetable inspection account in the custody of the state treasurer. All fees collected under this chapter must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used for implementation and enforcement of this chapter or other legislatively authorized activity. The director of agriculture may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
Requires the director to establish and maintain accounts within the fruit and vegetable inspection account for each district established under RCW 15.17.230.
Reduces state inspection districts from three to two.
Declares that, if fruit and vegetable inspection districts that existed on January 1, 2002, under RCW 15.17.230 are consolidated or otherwise altered during 2002, the consolidation or alternation must not result in a reduction of inspection services or the availability or quality of those services in any of the districts, but may result in a consolidation of administrative support for those services.
Repeals RCW 15.17.245.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6250-6274/6254-s.pdf

6269

Transportation

Gardner

Senators Gardner, Horn, Prentice and Haugen

Requested by
Governor Locke

Adopts certain recommendations of the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation. Appropriates the sum of nine hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the public works administration account to the department of labor and industries for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, to carry out the purposes of sections 306 through 309 of this act.
Companion Bill:	2304 Transportation	C 5 L 02
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6250-6274/6269.pdf

S6279

Water rights

Jacobsen

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Fraser and Kline)

Recognizes that water rights are appurtenant to land and can be transferred along with the land or can be transferred separately, becoming appurtenant to other land.
Recognizes that the department of ecology administers water rights records and counties administer real property records.
Declares an intent to establish a source of funds to help improve and integrate records relating to water rights ownership that the department of ecology and counties each administer. Revenue collected by the state from that portion of the existing real estate excise tax that is attributable to sales of water rights is dedicated to this purpose. Use of the revenue by the departments of ecology and revenue and counties to develop and implement improvements in administration of records relating to water rights ownership is authorized.
Provides that, by November 1, 2004, the department of ecology shall report to the appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of representatives regarding implementation of this act and make recommendations for administrative and legislative actions to improve records and information management regarding water rights ownership.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6275-6299/6279-s.pdf

S6285

Air pollution/vehicles

Regala

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Horn, Kline, Jacobsen, Carlson, Rasmussen, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Eide, Thibaudeau, Fairley, Keiser, McAuliffe, Gardner and Finkbeiner)

Finds that Washington state faces threats to its economic vitality, public health, and environment from the ongoing and increasing use of gasoline and diesel fuels in motor vehicles. Motor vehicle emissions from petroleum fuels account for more than half of all air pollutants and almost sixty percent of total carbon dioxide emissions in Washington.
Finds it is important to begin addressing the negative impacts of continued gasoline and diesel fuel use. Addressing motor vehicle emissions is further needed because of the expected increases in population and vehicle miles traveled, which threaten to erode air quality gains made over the last decade.
Provides that, to make net progress in improving air quality, reducing the threat of climate change, and protecting public health and the environment, the legislature finds it is necessary to encourage the use of clean alternative fuel vehicles.
Declares that tax credits under this act shall not be allowed for expenditures that occur after December 31, 2010.
Requires the Washington State University energy program, in consultation with the departments of ecology, revenue, and licensing; local governments; vehicle manufacturers and suppliers; and other interested parties to collect and review the relevant data associated with the provisions of chapter . . ., Laws of 2002 (this act) and evaluate the effectiveness of these incentives in improving air quality and increasing the use of clean alternative fuel vehicles. The Washington State University energy program shall present its findings and make recommendations as appropriate to the legislature biennially on or before November 30th, beginning in 2005.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6275-6299/6285-s.pdf

6328

Temporary worker housing

Parlette

Senators Parlette, Gardner, Hale, Honeyford, Rasmussen and Oke

Amends RCW 70.114A.110 to revise the definition of cherry harvest temporary labor camp.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6325-6349/6328.pdf

6347

Transportation funding

Haugen

Senators Haugen and Keiser

Requested by
Governor Locke

Recognizes that a good transportation system is critical in keeping Washington state's economy strong and its businesses competitive. Recognizes that badly needed investments in our state's transportation infrastructure will create jobs and help to ensure Washington's long-term economic success. Adopts the transportation investment act of 2002 and, subject to the provisions set forth, the several amounts specified, or as much thereof as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes designated, are appropriated from the several accounts and funds named to the designated state agencies and offices for employee compensation and other expenses, for capital projects, and for other specified purposes, including the payment of any final judgements arising out of such activities, for the period ending June 30, 2003.
Companion Bill:	2452 Transportation funding	H, Trans
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6325-6349/6347.pdf

6348

Transportation funding

Haugen

Senators Haugen, Benton, McAuliffe and Keiser

Requested by
Governor Locke

Makes supplemental transportation appropriations.
Companion Bill:	2451 Transportation funding	H, Trans
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6325-6349/6348.pdf

S6349

Transportation bonds

Haugen

Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, McAuliffe and Keiser)

Requested by
Governor Locke

Finds that the needs of the state transportation system have grown beyond the capacity of traditional state and local tax and fee revenues. It is necessary and desirable to expedite selected local and regional transportation facilities by using direct user fee support in the form of tolls or other charges.
Declares an intent to establish a reimbursable bonding mechanism that allows for secure and cost-effective public toll financing of transportation facilities that preserves and protects the fuel tax bonding capacity. Therefore, this act provides for reimbursable bond financing based on tolls for the development, construction, and operation of the Tacoma Narrows bridge public-private initiative project.
Declares an intent that reimbursable toll facility bonds will enjoy the support of the full faith and credit of the state. Tolls will be charged in amounts sufficient to repay the state treasury for all financing costs, operations of the facility, and other costs incidental to the project.
Requires these funds to be held by the state treasurer in a nonappropriated account outside the state treasury. Indebtedness repaid with the proceeds of tolls will be excluded from the statutory debt limit as provided in RCW 39.42.060.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6325-6349/6349-s.pdf

6420

Organic food products

Rasmussen

Senators Rasmussen, Swecker and Spanel

Requested by
Department of Agriculture

Recognizes a public benefit in: (1) Establishing standards governing the labeling and advertising of food products and agricultural commodities as organically produced; (2) Providing certification under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder for agricultural products marketed and labeled using the term "organic" or a derivative of the term "organic"; (3) Providing access for Washington producers, processors, and handlers to domestic and international markets for organic food products; and (4) Establishing a state organic program under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder. Authorizes the department to take such actions, conduct proceedings, and enter orders as permitted or contemplated for a state organic program under the federal organic food production act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq., and the rules adopted thereunder. The state organic program shall not be inconsistent with the requirements of 7 U.S.C. Sec. 6501 et seq. and the rules adopted thereunder, including 7 C.F.R. Sec. 205.668. The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this act. Repeals RCW 15.86.031, 15.86.035, 15.86.050, 15.86.080, and 15.86.100.
Companion Bill:	2397 Organic food products	S, Ag&Intl Trde
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6400-6424/6420.pdf

6508

Registering pesticides

Rasmussen

Senators Rasmussen, Swecker and Winsley

Revises provisions relating to registration of pesticides.
Comments
This is the WSDA-developed bill to change the cycle for pesticide registrations to two years, from one. The bill is supported by industry.
Companion Bill:	2521 Registering pesticides	S, Ag&Intl Trde
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6500-6524/6508.pdf

6609

Ecology department studies

Snyder

Senators Snyder, Deccio, T. Sheldon, Morton, Rasmussen, Honeyford, Hale and Hargrove

Provides that local governments that are affected by the studies under this act must be allowed to discuss the findings with the director and, if necessary, dispute the findings. If the department does not respond to the affected parties' concerns, the parties may hire a consultant to review the studies. Provides that if the consultant finds the studies to be flawed or conducted in an unprofessional manner, the local government may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to have the study disregarded and costs awarded to the local government. Costs under this provision include consultant fees and court costs.
Companion Bill:	2705 Ecology department studies	H, Ag & Ecology
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6600-6624/6609.pdf

6659

Transportation financing

Haugen

Senators Haugen, Jacobsen and Fairley

Requested by
Governor Locke

Revises transportation funding.
Companion Bill:	2719 Transportation financing	H, Trans
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6650-6674/6659.pdf

E S6703

Agricultural liens

Rasmussen

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Hochstatter, Shin, Sheahan, Swecker, Hewitt, Honeyford and Hale)

Amends RCW 60.13.040 and 60.13.060 to change timing provisions relating to agricultural liens.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6700-6724/6703-s_e.pdf

S6721

State universities/research

West

Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators West, Brown, Snyder and Kohl-Welles)

Requested by
University of Washington

Provides that the University of Washington and Washington State University each may: (1) Acquire, construct, rehabilitate, equip, and operate facilities and equipment to promote basic and applied research in the sciences;
(2) Borrow money for such research purposes, including interest during construction and other incidental costs, issue revenue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, refinance the same before or at maturity, and provide for the amortization of such indebtedness by pledging all or a component of the fees and revenues of the university available for such purpose derived from the ownership and operation of any of its facilities or conducting research that are not subject to appropriation by the legislature and that do not constitute general state revenues as defined in Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution;
(3) Enter into leases, with or without an option to purchase, of real and personal property to be used in basic and applied research in the sciences; and
(4) Lease all or a portion of such facilities and equipment as is deemed prudent by the university to provide for research conducted by persons or entities that are not part of the university but that provide rental income to support university research facilities or provide opportunities for the interaction of public and private research and research personnel, including students and faculty.
Provides that before January 31st of each year, the University of Washington and Washington State University must report to the house of representatives capital budget committee and the senate ways and means committee on the financing arrangements entered into under authority of this act.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6700-6724/6721-s.pdf

6722

Aquatic herbicide permit

T. Sheldon

Senators T. Sheldon, Winsley and Rasmussen

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6700-6724/6722.pdf

6725

Agr research facilities

Rasmussen

Senators Rasmussen, Swecker and Sheahan

Declares that every person who wrongfully injures, interferes with, interrupts, intimidates, obstructs, or threatens to injure, interfere with, interrupt, intimidate, or obstruct an agricultural research facility or agricultural production facility is liable to the injured party for treble the amount of damages caused by the injury, interference, interruption, intimidation, obstruction, or threat.

Full Text URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6725-6749/6725.pdf

6777

Apples

Parlette

Senators Parlette and Rasmussen

Declares it is unlawful after October 1st of any calendar year, for any person to sell containers of apples, containing apples harvested in a prior calendar year, to any retailer or wholesaler for the purpose of resale to the public for fresh consumption.
Companion Bill:	2892 Apples	S, Ag&Intl Trde
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6775-6799/6777.pdf

6785

Estate tax

Snyder

Senators Snyder, Brown, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Roach, West and Johnson

Eliminates Washington estate taxes on estates with no federal tax liability.
Companion Bill:	2958 Estate tax	H, Finance
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/6775-6799/6785.pdf

S8029

Cuba

Kohl-Welles

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, Swecker, Hewitt, Sheahan, Prentice, Honeyford, Hargrove, Spanel, Hale, Brown, Snyder, Haugen, McAuliffe and Kline)

Petitions Congress and the President of the United States to end the policy of restrictions on trade of agricultural products with Cuba.
Full Text URL:	http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2001-02/senate/8025-8049/8029-s.pdf