The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
45°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Spin Control

  1. Blogs
  2. Spin Control
  3. WA Lege Day 17: A freeze on bonuses, unionized child care?

WA Lege Day 17: A freeze on bonuses, unionized child care?

OLYMPIA -- The House of Representatives voted unanimously this morning to freeze any bonuses for state managers.

In a 97-0 vote, they passed Substitute House Bill 2998, which leaves only a few exceptions for bonuses to executives in state government. The state paid out about $1.9 million in bonuses in 2009, legislators said.

One exception: employees can still get a bonus for coming up with ways to save money.

Not so popular, however, was a proposal to allow child care center employees to form collective bargaining units. Substitute House Bill 1329 passed 62-35 on a party line vote, after Democrats said it represented an investment in early childhood education.

Republicans balked, calling the bill well-intentioned by poorly thought out, fiscally.

"This bill is a bellwether on how the House will address the enormous challenges facing it. This is business as usual," Rep. Glenn Anderson said.

Both bills now head for the Senate. A similar bill on child care workers passed the House last year, experienced significant changes in the Senate which couldn't pass when it returned to the House.

Around the Capitol today, things should be looking better, and folks might know the importance of a good rub. The Opticians Association is lobbying legislators and Massage Awareness Day. The state's Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Council is also in the building this evening.

Hearing schedule for this afternoon can be found inside the blog.

Legislative Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
TimeCommitteeLocation
8:00 AMEducation Appropriations (H)House Hearing Rm A

Financial Institutions & Insurance (H)House Hearing Rm D

General Government Appropriations (H)House Hearing Rm C

Health & Human Services Appropriations (H)House Hearing Rm B
9:55 AMPRO FORMA HOUSE SESSION
10:00 AMEnvironment, Water & Energy (S)Senate Hearing Rm 4

Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance (S)Senate Hearing Rm 2

Judiciary (S)Senate Hearing Rm 1

Commerce & Labor (H)House Hearing Rm C

Ecology & Parks (H)House Hearing Rm B

Education (H)House Hearing Rm A

Higher Education (H)House Hearing Rm D

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (H)House Hearing Rm E
12:00 PMPRO FORMA SENATE SESSION
1:30 PMAgriculture & Rural Economic Development (S)Senate Hearing Rm 3

Government Operations & Elections (S)Senate Hearing Rm 2

Human Services & Corrections (S)Senate Hearing Rm 1

Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (S)Senate Hearing Rm 4

Agriculture & Natural Resources (H)House Hearing Rm B

Early Learning & Children's Services (H)House Hearing Rm E

Finance (H)House Hearing Rm C

Health Care & Wellness (H)House Hearing Rm A

State Government & Tribal Affairs (H)House Hearing Rm D
3:30 PMTransportation (S)Senate Hearing Rm 1

Ways & Means (S)Senate Hearing Rm 4

Transportation (H)House Hearing Rm B

Ways & Means (H)House Hearing Rm A

Back to Top




 

House Committees

 

Agriculture & Natural Resources*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm B
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 9:34 AM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2881 - Concerning the sale of surplus salmon from state hatcheries.
  2. HB 2934 - Prohibiting the department of fish and wildlife from paying more than the appraised value for any real estate purchase.
  3. HB 2940 - Authorizing the implementation of a deleterious feral animal management plan.
  4. HB 3052 - Allocating an equal amount of time to gill net gear and purse seine gear to harvest salmon in Puget Sound.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. HB 2569 - Regarding access to information for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  2. HB 2593 - Concerning the department of fish and wildlife's ability to manage shellfish resources.
  3. HB 2491 - Requiring certain state agencies that manage natural resources to coordinate their land management with local governments.
  4. HB 2501 - Regarding payments in lieu of taxes for lands managed by the department of fish and wildlife.
  5. HB 2509 - Authorizing the department of natural resources to use certain funds to ensure that firefighting equipment does not spread noxious weeds.

Back to Top

Commerce & Labor*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

Watch on TVWHouse Full Committee
House Hearing Rm C
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 2:17 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2743 - Addressing collective bargaining for certain employees of institutions of higher education and related boards.
  2. HB 2584 - Regarding the scope of collective bargaining for nontenured faculty at community and technical colleges.
  3. HB 3003 - Placing symphony musicians under the jurisdiction of the public employment relations commission for purposes of collective bargaining.
  4. HB 3062 - Making the governor the public employer of language access providers.
  5. HB 2805 - Regarding public works involving off-site prefabrication.
  6. HB 3024 - Providing uninterrupted meal and rest breaks for hospital employees.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. HB 1634 - Regarding architects.
  2. HB 2642 - Establishing a pilot project to allow wine tasting at farmers markets.
  3. HB 2688 - Creating a beer and wine tasting endorsement to the grocery store liquor license.
  4. HB 2790 - Making technical and clarifying changes to the liquor laws.
  5. Other bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Early Learning & Children's Services*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm E
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 4:29 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2752 - Modifying provisions relating to providing shelter to a minor.
  2. HB 2729 - Increasing the period of confinement available for contempt of court.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. HB 2596 - Defining child advocacy centers for the multidisciplinary investigation of child abuse and implementation of county protocols.
  2. HB 2629 - Updating provisions related to adoption petitions.
  3. Bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Ecology & Parks*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm B
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 2:11 PM

Work Session: Federal update on greenhouse gas legislation from Senator Cantwell's office.

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2839 - Concerning the implementation of the national pollutant discharge elimination system municipal separate storm sewer systems permit.
  2. HB 2964 - Concerning oil spill contingency plan requirements.
  3. HB 3105 - Allowing the director of financial management to include alternative fuel vehicles in a strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from state agency fleets.

Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Education*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 1:25 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2915 - Regarding mathematics and science high school graduation requirements.
  2. HB 2852 - Concerning college-level online learning by high school students.
  3. HB 2904 - Concerning the powers and duties of the office of the education ombudsman.
  4. HB 2913 - Authorizing innovative interdistrict cooperative high school programs.
  5. HB 3025 - Establishing an alternative route to a high school diploma.
  6. HB 2996 - Including approved private schools in the superintendent of public instruction's record check information rules.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. SHB 1418 - Establishing a statewide dropout reengagement system.
  2. HB 2621 - Designating resource programs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction in K-12 schools.
  3. HB 2801 - Regarding antiharassment strategies in public schools.

Back to Top

Education Appropriations
1/26/10 8:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

Work Session: Review of the Quality Education Council Report and Recommendations.

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2759 - Adjusting local school finance related to nonresident students enrolled in online learning.
  2. HB 2893 - Changing school levy provisions.
  3. HB 2776 - Regarding funding distribution formulas for K-12 education.
  4. HB 2840 - Examining levy-funded employee-related costs.
  5. HB 2746 - Concerning a comprehensive K-12 education policy.

Back to Top

Finance*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Back to Top

Financial Institutions & Insurance*
1/26/10 8:00 am

 

Watch on TVWHouse Full Committee
House Hearing Rm D
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/22/2010 9:36 AM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 3010 - Conducting performance audits of state investment board investment services contracts.
  2. HB 3032 - Defining normal wear and tear for a motor vehicle for the purpose of a service contract.
  3. HB 3060 - Modifying surplus line coverage provisions.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. HB 2513 - Using credit history, education, and income for insurance purposes.
  2. HB 2514 - Regulating crop adjusters.
  3. HB 2560 - Regulating joint underwriting associations.
  4. HB 2830 - Addressing credit union regulatory enforcement powers.
  5. HB 2831 - Regulating state-chartered commercial banks, trust companies, savings banks, and their holding companies.
  6. HB 3032 - Defining normal wear and tear for a motor vehicle for the purpose of a service contract.

Back to Top

General Government Appropriations
1/26/10 8:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm C
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 1096 - Enhancing small business participation in state purchasing.
  2. HB 1436 - Regarding electronic filing of lobbying reports.
  3. HB 2460 - Regarding organic products.
  4. HB 2863 - Transferring emergency food assistance programs to the department of agriculture.
  5. HB 2880 - Eliminating the building code council account.
  6. HB 2902 - Transferring the combined fund drive from the department of personnel to the secretary of state.

Back to Top

Health & Human Services Appropriations
1/26/10 8:00 am

 

Back to Top

Health Care & Wellness
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Watch on TVWHouse Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2828 - Requiring hospitals to report certain health care data.
  2. HB 2829 - Authorizing a privately funded prescription monitoring program.
  3. HB 2888 - Concerning continuing education for pharmacy technicians.
  4. HB 2961 - Establishing a statewide electronic tracking system for the nonprescription sales of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine.
  5. HB 2989 - Concerning respiratory care practitioners.
  6. HB 3006 - Clarifying the circumstances under which certain counseling-related associates may practice.

Back to Top

Higher Education*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm D
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/22/2010 11:20 AM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2930 - Expanding the pool of qualified teachers.
  2. HB 1949 - Appointing student members on the board of trustees for community colleges.
  3. HB 2973 - Creating resident student classifications for certain members of the military and their spouses and dependents.
  4. HB 2979 - Regarding higher education performance agreements.

Possible Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm E
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/21/2010 10:58 AM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 1072 - Prohibiting certain sex offenders on community custody from accessing the internet.
  2. HB 2619 - Requiring the use of electronic signaling devices in certain conditions.
  3. HB 2777 - Modifying domestic violence provisions.
  4. HB 2787 - Addressing Green river emergency flooding preparedness and response.
  5. HB 3056 - Concerning pretrial release or detention.

Executive Session:
  1. HB 2787 - Addressing Green river emergency flooding preparedness and response.
  2. HB 3056 - Concerning pretrial release or detention.

Back to Top

State Government & Tribal Affairs*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm D
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 1:09 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2016 - Concerning campaign contribution and disclosure laws.
  2. HB 2699 - Regarding an annual assessment and performance grading program.
  3. HB 2736 - Establishing the office of open records.
  4. HB 2810 - Establishing a legislative rule-making accountability committee.
  5. HB 2994 - Prohibiting public service announcements by elected officials during reelection campaigns.
  6. HB 3031 - Regarding costs of public records requests.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. HB 2448 - Changing the definition of "immediate family" for purpose of membership on the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials.
  2. HB 2582 - Allowing agencies to direct requesters to their web site for public records.
  3. HB 2603 - Requiring agencies to give small businesses an opportunity to comply with a state law or agency rule before imposing a penalty.
  4. HB 2617 - Eliminating certain boards and commissions.
  5. HB 2675 - Concerning an alternative process for selecting an electrical contractor or a mechanical contractor, or both, for general contractor/construction manager projects.
  6. HB 2704 - Transferring the Washington main street program to the department of archaeology and historic preservation.
  7. Bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Transportation*
1/26/10 3:30 pm

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm B
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/22/2010 12:55 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. HB 2791 - Concerning driving-related penalties.
  2. HB 2918 - Removing state route number 908 from the state highway system.
  3. HB 2937 - Modifying the transportation system policy goals to include economic vitality.
  4. HB 2716 - Providing a right of first repurchase for surplus transportation property.

Executive Session: Bills previously heard in committee.

Back to Top

Ways & Means*
1/26/10 3:30 pm

 

House Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/22/2010 1:18 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SSB 6382 - Reducing the cost of state government operations by restricting compensation.
  2. SSB 6503 - Closing state agencies on specified dates.

Possible Executive Session:
  1. EHB 1547 - Increasing the duty-related death benefit for public employees.
  2. EHB 1679 - Providing access to catastrophic disability medical insurance under plan 2 of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system.
  3. HB 2872 - Establishing a period of public and legislative review of appropriations legislation.
  4. HB 2877 - Authorizing payment of regulated company stock in lieu of a portion of salary for educational employees.
  5. HB 2998 - Suspending certain monetary awards and salary increases.
  6. HB 2731 - Creating an early learning program for educationally at-risk children.

Back to Top


Senate Committees

 

Agriculture & Rural Economic Development
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Watch on TVWSenate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 3
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing: SB 6543 - Modifying the powers of the Washington tree fruit research commission.

Work Session: Status of tree fruit industry.

Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Environment, Water & Energy*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 4
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 5:12 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SGA 9221 - Dan O'Neal Member, Puget Sound Partnership.
  2. SGA 9229 - Steve Sakuma, Member, Puget Sound Partnership.
  3. SB 6656 - Authorizing a local financing tool to fund energy efficiency upgrades and removing financial barriers to implementing energy conservation programs.
  4. SB 6672 - Modifying the energy independence act.

Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 2
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 3:45 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6240 - Regulating joint underwriting associations. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.)
  2. SB 6412 - Concerning medical malpractice closed claim reporting.
  3. SB 6568 - Establishing minimum notification requirements for property and casualty insurance policy changes.
  4. SB 6544 - Extending the time limitations for approval of plats.
  5. SB 6327 - Exempting housing authorities from laws governing the construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of property by other public bodies.
  6. SB 6624 - Defining normal wear and tear for a motor vehicle for the purpose of a service contract. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.)
  7. SB 6715 - Modifying surplus line coverage provisions.

Copies of the Proposed Substitute bills are available from committee staff. Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Government Operations & Elections*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 2
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/21/2010 11:34 AM

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6342 - Concerning the Washington soldiers' home.
  2. SB 6508 - Changing the class of persons entitled to recoveries under a wrongful death action or survival action.
  3. SB 6528 - Concerning the Washington soldiers' home.
  4. SB 6685 - Requiring public agencies, special purpose districts, and municipalities to post certain information on their web sites.
  5. SB 6540 - Transferring the combined fund drive from the department of personnel to the secretary of state.
  6. SB 5041 - Increasing state contracts with veteran-owned businesses.

Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Human Services & Corrections
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6292 - Providing notice of release from involuntary treatment.
  2. SB 6478 - Planning for the discontinuation of discharge of vulnerable populations from state institutions into homelessness.
  3. SB 6500 - Limiting the use of restraints on pregnant women or youth.
  4. SB 6484 - Authorizing civil judgements for assault.
  5. SB 6539 - Facilitating treatment for behavioral health disorders.

Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Judiciary*
1/26/10 10:00 am

 

Watch on TVWSenate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 3:58 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6396 - Banning the sale of assault weapons.
  2. SB 5838 - Concerning traffic infractions where the conduct is a proximate cause of death, great bodily harm, or substantial bodily injury. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.)
  3. SB 6590 - Requiring law enforcement officers to be honest and truthful.

Executive Session:
  1. SB 6340 - Changing the membership of the Washington state forensic investigations council.
  2. SB 6293 - Changing provisions relating to rendering criminal assistance in the first degree.

Copies of Proposed Substitute(s) are available from committee staff. Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection*
1/26/10 1:30 pm

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 4
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 5:17 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6391 - Concerning franchise agreements between new motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers.
  2. SB 6701 - Addressing real property warranties.
  3. SB 6440 - Adding fire protection services to the seller disclosure form.
  4. SB 6433 - Extending the time in which certain experienced home inspectors can apply for licensure without meeting instruction and training requirements.
  5. SB 6434 - Requiring the home inspector advisory licensing board to provide for classroom instruction in both eastern and western Washington.

Executive Session:
  1. SB 6526 - Allowing certain individuals to seek part-time employment while maintaining eligibility for unemployment insurance in order to qualify for the unemployment insurance modernization incentive provisions of the American recovery and reinvestment act of 2009.
  2. SB 6525 - Correcting references in RCW 50.29.021(2)(c)(i), (c)(ii), and (3)(e), RCW 50.29.062(2)(b)(i)(B) and (2)(b)(iii), and RCW 50.29.063(1)(b) and (2)(a)(ii) to unemployment insurance statutes concerning employer experience rating accounts and contribution rates.
  3. SB 6524 - Addressing unemployment insurance penalties and contribution rates for employers who are not "qualified employers."
  4. SB 6334 - Addressing unemployment benefits when a person voluntarily terminates employment.

Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Transportation*
1/26/10 3:30 pm

 

Senate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/22/2010 2:53 PM

Public Hearing:
  1. SB 6363 - Concerning the enforcement of certain school or playground crosswalk violations.
  2. SB 6577 - Modifying the statewide transportation system policy goals.
  3. SB 6555 - Removing state route number 908 from the state highway system.
  4. SB 6649 - Streamlining the content and release requirements of driving record abstracts. (The hearing will be on the Proposed Substitute.)
  5. SGA 9222 - Daniel O'Neal, Member, Transportation Commission.

Copies of the proposed substitute are available from committee staff.Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.

Back to Top

Ways & Means*
1/26/10 3:30 pmWatch on TVWSenate Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 4
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

REVISED 1/25/2010 12:15 PM

Public Hearing:

 

  1. SB 6194 - Simplifying medicaid payment for nursing facilities.
  2. SB 6571 - Concerning license fees for nursing homes, boarding homes, and adult family homes.
  3. SSB 5208 - Ensuring punishment for domestic violence offenders. (public hearing on proposed second substitute S-4196.1).
  4. SB 6572 - Eliminating certain accounts.
  5. SSB 6237 - Adopting policy recommendations developed by the sustainable recreation work group.
  6. SB 6501 - Authorizing payment of regulated company stock in lieu of a portion of salary for educational employees.
  7. SB 6546 - Allowing the state director of fire protection to refuse membership in the public employees' retirement system.
  8. ESHB 2921 - Making 2010 supplemental operating appropriations

The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.