The 2009 legislative session is completing its fourth week and we continue to review new proposals as they are introduced. The most contentious issue faced by your legislative representatives is annexation by interlocal agreement without a vote or petition of the residents in the proposed annexed area (SB 5808). We are attempting to negotiate an equitable and fair process for mediation as part of the new interlocal agreement. We believe that you, as elected officials, must have the continued ability to represent all your constituents, both inside and outside of the proposed annexed area. There is a hearing scheduled next week on SB 5808--look for more information on which groups will be supporting our efforts to "level the playing field." Updates from last week are shown in bold type. You may track all bills by logging onto www.leg.wa.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Roger Ferris at 1.800.491.9322 or email rogerf@wfca.wa.gov.
HB 1230: This is a WFCA proposal to increase the fire district bid limits for public works projects from the current $2,500 to $40,000. The $2,500 limit has not been increased for over 20 years. State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee. WFCA strongly supports.
SB 5000: This proposal would amend the State Constitution limiting property tax valuation increases to one percent per year over the base year. Valuation would be reassessed upon resale of property/home. Senate Ways & Means Committee. WFCA opposes.
NOTE: There is another bill, SB 5057, which also limits valuation increases. No hearing scheduled next week on both bills.
SB 5143/HB 1318: This legislation would provide for a 106% limit factor for permanent emergency medical services levy. Senate Ways & Means Committee. SB 5143/HB 1318 requires a statewide vote for ratification. WFCA supports.
No hearing scheduled next week.
NOTE: There are over 30 bills related to property tax valuation and limiting future growth. We will monitor and report if movement occurs.
SB 5084/HB 1207: Legislation has been reintroduced to reduce from 75 to 60 percent the amount of assessed valuation required for annexations in first class cities (Spokane and Vancouver). Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA opposes unless issues of service delivery, job security and mitigation impacts are addressed.
SB 5420: This legislation will provide the ability for the Boundary Review Board to modify a proposal of annexation and may adjust boundaries by up to 100%. Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA opposes as written. NOTE: This is a holdover bill from the last two years. WFCA position has not changed.
SB 5808: This is the annexation legislation that the WFCA has been in negotiations for months. It provides for notification of fire district employees in changes of employment status as a direct consequence to a city annexation of unincorporated areas. SB 5808 provides for a new annexation process through interlocal agreements with the city and county and states that fire districts shall be involved in negotiations. WFCA will offer amendments to provide for a mediation process if an agreement is not reached. SB 5808 also provides for a 45-day referendum process for the citizens in the proposed annexation area through the interlocal agreement to force a vote with a 10% petition. WFCA is still negotiating to ensure that the process is fair to fire districts. SB 5808 will be heard on February 12, 3:30 p.m., in Senate Governmental Operations & Elections Committee. NOTE: More detailed information will be included in next week's report. Also, we support the employee protection provisions of the bill; however, our position on the entire bill will be predicated on the willingness of other groups to support our amendments.
HB 1552: Would mandate that formal public testimony must be allowed prior to passage of any resolution or formal action. House State & Tribal Affairs Committee. WFCA is monitoring.
HB 1676: This legislative proposal is an attempt to find a compromise on the issue of open public meetings. HB 1676 will provide that executive sessions
may be recorded. It is not mandated. Procedures would have to be followed. Also, provides limited immunity for
self-disclosure of any apparent violations and provide for adoption of model advisory rules and mandate that all governmental elected officials receive training and certification of Open Public Meetings and Records Act. State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee. WFCA will seek clarification on training and is currently monitoring this bill without position.
SB 5249: Proposal that would allow a governmental agency to deny a request by a party if the requesting party has an outstanding balance with the governmental entity for unpaid charges for records previously provided. Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA supports.
SB 5250: This legislation would increase the authority of a governmental entity to charge up to a maximum of 25 cents per page for photocopies of public records. The current statute provides for a maximum charge of 15 cents per copy. Senate Governmental Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA supports.
SB 5251: A proposal that will enable governmental entities the right to recover per page costs regardless of whether the photocopies are taken by the requestor. Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA supports.
SB 5432: This is the local government coalition legislation to address some county funding issues and provides a simple majority vote for emergency medical service levies. This is one of the top priorities from the WFCA legislative issue priority list that we have identified as realistic for passage in 2009. Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA strongly supports. Scheduled for hearing on February 12 at 3:30 p.m. NOTE: SB 5432 will also eliminate the 40% validation requirement.
WFCA Health Care Manager Jim Lux has been reviewing all health care proposals for potential financial impacts on the WFCA's self-funded program. Issues such as secure exchange of health information, association health care plans, coverage options and tax incentives have been analyzed. One issue that we are taking a very close look at is organ transplants in relation to lifetime benefit limits. We have discussed and reviewed over 15 health care bills and will report if impacts are identified.
HB 1039/SB 5010: This is the Washington Fire Chiefs' proposal to establish and fund hazardous materials response teams around the state. Senate Government Operations Committee. The funding mechanism will be very difficult to identify due to the large state budget deficit. WFCA supports.
HB 1015/SB 5011: This legislation received very favorable press/media coverage. HB 1015/SB 5010 will prohibit the sale of "novelty" lighters, those shaped like cartoon characters, toys, musical instruments and other items that are attractive to children. NOTE: This legislation does not ban disposable cigarette lighters that do not meet the definition of novelty lighter. WFCA supports.
HB 1057: This proposal, sponsored by Rep. Ed Orcutt, would mandate that any property tax ballot measure must include an estimate of the financial impact on the first year of the levy in comparison to the district's last levy stated both in dollar and percentage increase. The ballot language maximum would be increased from a 75 word maximum to 100. House Finance Committee. WFCA has concerns.
HB 1080: This legislation is prime-sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson and provides impact fee authority for fire protection districts. We expect heavy opposition from the home builders. Passed House Local Government Committee. Rules. WFCA supports.
HB 1196: A local government associations' joint proposal to increase the small works roster dollar limit from $200,000 to $300,000 for construction, building, renovation, repair or improvement of real property. Passed State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee. Rules. WFCA supports.
HB 1932: This legislative proposal expands the presumptive disease statutes for paid firefighters to include esophageal cancer and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA. HB 1932 is scheduled for a hearing on February 10 in House Labor & Commerce Committee. Monitor.
SB 5016: A bill that will eliminate the March and May special elections.
Passed Government Operations & Elections Committee. Rules. WFCA does not oppose.
2010 WFCA/WFC Legislative Day is January 20th.
Bid Law Threshold Changes Take Effect July 26, 2009.
Updated Information Regarding Volunteer Compensation.
Commissioner Compensation Information.
