2015 End of Session Report

Advocacy,

Final Legislative Summary


Capital, Operating, & Transportation Budget Summaries
Finally, after 176 legislative days, the Washington State Legislature has adjourned the 2015 legislative session. After months of debate and narrowly avoiding a government shutdown, lawmakers have passed three budget packages funding the 2015-17 biennium.

The final battle between the House Democrats and Senate Coalition Caucus that was holding up a budget agreement, revolved around the repercussions from Initiative 1351 (class size reduction initiative).  While voters approved this measure, it is an unfunded mandate that would require billions of dollars of of state money in an unrealistic timeframe.  In order to suspend I-1351, the legislature had to pass a bill that constitutionally required a two-thirds majority of both houses which finally occurred on July 10th. The final agreement details are below. 
 
Final Budget Details
Capital Budget. The 1063 Block (General Administrative Building) will be getting a major overhaul. The Secretary of State’s Office will be moving the Library-Archive into the brand new GA building by the end of 2017. All together the Capital Budget totals $271 million to the tax payers of this state.
Operating Budget. In their effort to respond to the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision, the final $38.2 billion 2015-17 operating budget agreement funds $4.3 billion in K-12 education representing an 80 percent increase in the maintenance level from the previous biennium. 

What is NOT included in the Final Operating Budget:
  1. No Increase to B&O Tax Rate
  2. No State Capital Gains Tax
  3. No Carbon or Climate Change Tax from the Governor
  4. No change to the Nonresident Sales Tax Exemption (would have changed from exemption to remittance) as the House Democrats had proposed.
  5. No Energy Disclosure Requirements for Property Owners (HB 1278)

The Final Operating Budget includes the following:
1.      Education Funding major sections
  • $741 million for materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOCs)
  • $350 million to reduce K-3 class size
  • $180 million to expand all-day Kindergarten.
2.      Mental Health Funding (an increase of $70 million)
3.      Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  (an increase of $30 million)
4.      Low Income Health Care Costs ($201 million in saves)
5.      Hospital Safety Net ($152 million in savings)
6.      Initiative-1351 ($2.0 billion savings through a delay in implementation)
7.      The budget also assumes a Tuition Reduction
  • Tuition is reduced by 15% at UW and WSU; 20% at the state’s 4 regional institutions; and 5% at the state’s community and technical colleges.

Transportation BudgetSpanning the next 16 years, the lawmakers have voted to spend over $16 billion dollars to fund major infrastructure projects and with many of the state’s bridges receiving failing structural grades, this Transportation compromise was made just in time. Most controversial was the 11.9 cent increase in the state Fuel Tax.

DETAILED BILL TRACKINGHB 1484/SB 5699  – Enacting an excise tax on capital gains: OPPOSE
Beginning January 1, 2016, an annual state net capital gains tax is imposed, at a tax rate of 5 percent, on the sale or other voluntary exchange of long-term capital assets by individuals.

Change to the substitute bill include:
  1. Changes the capital gains tax rate from 7% to 5%.
  2. Establishes a Student Investment Fund to build up an education funding reserve.
  3. Exempts the sale or exchange of timberland from the state capital gains tax.
  4. Completely exempts the sale or exchange of a principal residence from the state capital gains tax.
  5. Includes language stating that state capital gains tax revenues may not be used for purposes other than K-12 and higher education.”

(Representatives Jinkins, S.Hunt, Tharinger, Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Wylie, Pollet, Reykdal, Farrell, Ryu, Van De Wege, Kagi, Ormsby, Bibborn, Appleton, Bergquist, Walkinshaw, McBride, Tarleton)

HB STATUS:  DEAD             (House Finance Committee)
SB STATUS:   DEAD             (Senate Ways & Means Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 21 First reading, referred to Finance
May 13 
Public hearing in the House Committee on Finance at 1:30 PM.

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 29 First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

HB 2156 – Fiscal Sustainability of cities and counties: OPPOSE
The bill includes the following:
  1. Liquor fee revenue distribution
  2. Local utility taxes
  3. Nuisance abatement on property
  4. Public records request fees
  5. Public employees benefits board healthcare program
  6. Funding for cultural access programs
  7. County mental health/chemical dependency sales and use tax
  8. White Center annexation sales and use tax
  9. Public safety sales and use tax
 
(Representatives Reykdal, Carlyle, Tharinger)
HB STATUS:                          (House Finance Committee)

HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Apr 17 Public hearing in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM.

2015 1ST SPECIAL SESSION
Apr 29             By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

2015 2ND SPECIAL SESSION
May 29 By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Jun 8    Executive action taken in the House Committee on Finance at 11:00 AM.
                              FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
                              Minority; do not pass. (Minority Report)
Jun 18 Referred to Appropriations.

2015 3RD SPECIAL SESSION
Jun 28 By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Jun 30 Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
                             1st substitute bill substituted (FIN 15). (View 1st Substitute)
                             Floor amendment(s) adopted.
                             Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
                             Third reading, passed; yeas, 74; nays, 24; absent, 0; excused, 0.
 
HB 1574/SB 5538 – Deceased tenant property: SUPPORT
Establishes procedures for the disposition of the personal property of a residential tenant upon the death of the tenant. Requires a tenant, upon written request of a landlord, to:
1.Provide the landlord with the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of a designated person to contact in the event of the tenant's death; and
2.Sign a statement authorizing the landlord, in the event of the tenant's death, to settle certain matters relating to the decedent's rental of the property.
 
(Representatives Rodne, Wylie, Shea, Johnson, Muri, Stanford, Jinkins& Senators Angel, Sheldon)
HB STATUS:  Dead               (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:   PASSED          (Governor Signed)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
Feb 12 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 1:30 PM.
                        JUDI - Majority Report: Do pass

Signed by Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Haler, Hansen, Kirby, Klippert, Muri, Orwall, Stokesbary, and Walkinshaw.

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 5 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 5:30 PM.
FI - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5538 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass

Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Fain, Hobbs, Litzow, Pedersen, and Roach.
Mar 5   1st substitute bill substituted
                        Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE HOUSE
Mar 18 Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:30 AM.
Apr 1   Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
                        JUDI - Majority Report: Do pass as amended
Signed by Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Hansen, Kirby, Muri, Orwall, Stokesbary, and Walkinshaw.
 JUDI - Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, and Klippert.
Apr 13 Floor amendment(s) adopted.
                                    Committee amendment adopted as amended.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
IN THE SENATE
Apr 16 Senate concurred in House amendments.
                                    Passed final passage; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Apr 23             Delivered to Governor.
May 14            Governor signed.
                         Chapter 264, 2015 Laws.
                         Effective date 7/24/2015.
 
HB 1257/SB 5123 – Tenant screening reports: OPPOSE
A landlord may not charge a prospective tenant for costs incurred in obtaining a tenant screening report if a comprehensive screening report regarding the prospective tenant was: (1) prepared within 30 days of the rental application; and (2) made available to the prospective landlord by a consumer reporting agency. A prospective landlord is not prevented from getting an independent tenant screening report if a comprehensive screening report is made available to him or her. However, a prospective landlord may not charge the prospective tenant for any subsequent report. The landlord also may not treat a prospective tenant any less favorably solely because a comprehensive screening report regarding the prospective tenant has been provided.
 
(Representatives Walkinshaw, Senn, Robinson, Stanford, Farrell, Ormsby, Riccelli, Gregerson, Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Peterson, Bergquist, Santos, Pollet & Senators Frockt, Kohl-Welles, Mullet, Pedersen, Jayapal, Darneille, McCoy, Conway, Keiser)
HB STATUS:  Dead              (Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead               (Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
Feb 12 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 1:30 PM.
JUDI - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Goodman, Hansen, Kirby, Orwall, and Walkinshaw.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Klippert, Muri, and Stokesbary.
Mar 5   1st substitute bill substituted
                                    Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 51; nays, 47; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE SENATE
Apr 24             By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 21 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
 
HB 1460/SB 5376 – Eviction records reporting: OPPOSE
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is amended to prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including eviction records in any consumer report, if: the eviction suit did not result in a judgment finding the prospective tenant liable for unlawful detainer or otherwise in unlawful possession of the premises; the tenant was restored to his or her tenancy; or the judgment reflects a residual amount of rent left owed after the defendant substantially prevailed in an affirmative defense, counterclaim, or set-off.
 
(Representatives Robinson, Walkinshaw, Walsh, Stanford, Bergquist, Appleton, Sells, Ortiz-Self, Gregerson, Tarleton, Peterson, Pettigrew, Fitzgibbon, Riccelli, Jinkins, Kilduff, McBride, Pollet & SenatorsHabib, Miloscia, Darneille, Jayapal, Hobbs, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Frockt, Chase)
HB STATUS:  Dead                (House Judiciary Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead               (Senate Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 11 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 20       FI - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5376 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Fain, Hobbs, Litzow, Pedersen, and Roach.
                                    Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
HB 2051/SB 5377 – Tenant relocation: OPPOSE
 Authorizes certain cities, towns, counties, and municipal corporations to require, after reasonable notice to the public and a public hearing, up to ninety days' written notice for a change in rent exceeding ten percent of a tenant's current rent. thirty day notice to raise rent. local government rental assistance eligibility increased from fifty to eighty percent of median income.

 
(Representatives Farrell, Tarleton, Pollet, Robinson, Gregerson, Ryu, Orwall, Walkinshaw, Appleton, Kagi & Senators Kohl-Welles, Miloscia, Frockt, Jayapal, Darneille, Pedersen, McAuliffe, Keiser, Chase)
HB STATUS:  Dead               (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:  Dead                (Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 17 Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 10:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 12:30 PM.
JUDI - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Goodman, Hansen, Kirby, Orwall, and Walkinshaw.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, and Klippert.
Minority Report: Without recommendation
Signed by Representatives Muri and Stokesbary.                   
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 22 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
Jan 23              HSMH - Majority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators O'Ban, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, and Padden.                                  
Referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance.
Feb 11 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
 
HB 1565/SB 5378 – Housing options/govt progrms: OPPOSE
A person is prohibited from taking certain acts based on the source of income of an otherwise eligible applicant or tenant. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to: refusing to lease or rent any real property to an applicant; expelling a tenant from any real property; making any distinction, discrimination, or restriction against an applicant or tenant in the price, terms, conditions, or privileges relating to the rental; attempting to discourage the rental or lease of any real property; publishing, circulating, issuing, or displaying any communication of any kind relating to the rental or lease of real property that indicates any source of income; and assisting another to commit a prohibited act.
 
(Representatives Ormsby, Walsh, Pettigrew, Kirby, Jinkins, Robinson, Riccelli, Wylie, Santos & SenatorsKohl-Welles, Miloscia, Frockt, Darneille, Pedersen, Jayapal, Hobbs, McAuliffe, Keiser, Chase)
HB STATUS:  Dead   (House Judiciary Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead   (Senate Human Services, Mental Health & Housing Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 23 First reading, referred to Judiciary
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 20 First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance.
Feb 4   Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
FI - Majority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Hobbs, and Pedersen.
Feb 5   Referred to Human Services, Mental Health & Housing.
 
HB 1573/SB 5221 – Tenant property, disposition: SUPPORT
If a landlord places an evicted tenant's property on the nearest public property because the tenant has objected to the landlord storing his or her property, or the landlord elects to place the tenant's property on the public property, the landlord may dispose of the tenants property, at the expense of the tenant, if the tenant's property has remained on the public property for a period of not less than five days.
 
(Representatives Johnson, Muri, Stanford & Senators Benton, Roach)
HB STATUS:  Dead              (House Judiciary Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead                (Senate Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 28  Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 5   Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
FI - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5221 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Fain, Litzow, and Pedersen.
Mar 4   1st substitute bill substituted
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE HOUSE
Mar 25 Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
 
SB 5894 – Unlawful activity/properties: SUPPORT
A person is guilty of criminal trespass in the first degree if the person is a tenant by sufferance or resides at a rental property and is not listed as a tenant on the rental agreement or as a guest in an affidavit signed by the owner or an agent of the owner of the property, and the person refuses to immediately upon demand surrender possession of the premises to the owner, or vacate the property, including other rental areas or common areas held by the owner. The existing defenses to criminal trespass also do not apply to a person trespassing in a dwelling in which a foreclosure action is pending or where the dwelling has been foreclosed upon and is being prepared for sale.


(Senators Sheldon, Warnick, King, Padden)
SB STATUS:   DEAD            (Senate Rules Committee)
 
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 12 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 9:00 AM.
LAW - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; O'Ban, Vice Chair; Pearson, and Roach.             Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senators Pedersen, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, and Kohl-Welles.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
SB 5218 – At-will tenancy/unlawful detainer: SUPPORT
An at-will tenant may be sued for an unlawful detainer. A person who occupies real property with the consent of the owner but without a specific rental amount or designated period of tenancy on an at-will basis may be evicted if they fail to leave the premises after 20-days' notice, in writing, served as provided for in statute. An at-will tenant is entitled to a show-cause hearing as provided in the Residential Landlord Tenant Act. This does not apply to housing for agricultural employees when provided in conjunction with employment.


(Senators Hobbs, Benton)
SB STATUS:   Dead                (Senate Rules Committee)
 
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 28 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 12 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 13             FI - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5218 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Fain, Hobbs, Litzow, and Roach.
 Mar 23            Senate Rules "X" file.
 
SB 5219 – Unlawful detainer: SUPPORT
A tenant who fails to pay other fees due to the landlord, aside from rent, is guilty of unlawful detainer if the landlord gave the tenant three days' notice in writing requiring the tenant to pay the other fees or surrender the premises.

(Senators Benton, Roach)
SB STATUS:   Dead                (Senate Rules Committee)
 
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 28 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 20             FI - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5219 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Fain, Litzow, and Roach.
                        Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senator Pedersen.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille.                            
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
SB 5220 – Landlord-tenant acts/judgment: SUPPORT
Consent, the entering of a general appearance, or the filing of a responsive document by the defendant establishes personal jurisdiction and a money judgment may then be entered against the defendant.

(Senators Benton, Roach)
SB STATUS:   Dead               (Senate Rules Committee)
 
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 28 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 5   Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 12 FI - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Angel, Vice Chair; Fain, Litzow, and Roach.
 Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senators Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, and Pedersen.
                                    Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
HB 2086/SB 5900 – The homeless/religious org: SUPPORT
 With respect to the efforts of a church to provide housing or shelter to homeless persons, counties, cities, and towns, are prohibited from limiting a religious organization's:
1. availability to host a rotating, established tent encampment to less than eight months during any calendar year;
2. hosting term to less than four months unless agreed to by that religious organization for a specific instance; or
3. availability to host safe parking efforts at its own on-site parking lot, except for the following limitations that would govern if enacted by local ordinance:
a. no less than one space per 20 may be devoted to safe parking;
b. Restroom access must be provided; and c. if no managing agency oversees the safe parking, the host religious organization must act as managing agency to assure sex offender checks are completed, inform vehicle residents how to comply with laws regarding the legal status of vehicles and drivers, and provide a written code of conduct consistent with area standards.

(Representatives McBride, Walkinshaw, Moscoso, Farrell, Riccelli, Ormsby, Ryu, Robinson, Pollet & Senator Miloscia, Hasegawa, Kohl-Welles)
HB STATUS:  Dead                (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead                (Senate Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 16 Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Development and Housing & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Development and Housing & Tribal Affairs at 9:00 AM.
CDHT - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Representatives Appleton, Chair; Robinson, Vice Chair; Sawyer, and Van De Wege.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins.
Mar 6   Floor amendment(s) adopted.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 42; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE SENATE
Mar 24 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
Mar 31 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
HSMH - Majority Report: Do pass as amended
Signed by Senators O'Ban, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, and Padden.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 12 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
Feb 20 HSMH - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators O'Ban, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, and Padden.
 
HB 1553 – Opportunity Restoration: SUPPORT
Creates a process by which a person with a criminal record can be granted a certificate of restoration of opportunity, which removes any professional bar imposed solely as a result of the conviction.
Prohibits certain state, county, and municipal departments, boards, officers, and agencies authorized to assess the qualifications of an applicant for a license, certificate of authority, qualification to engage in the practice of a profession or business, or for admission to an examination to qualify for the license or certificate from disqualifying a qualified applicant, solely based on the applicant's criminal history, if the qualified applicant has obtained a certificate of restoration of opportunity and the applicant meets all other statutory and regulatory requirements.
 
(Representatives Walkinshaw, MacEwen, Ryu, Appleton, Moscoso, Holy, Gregerson, Zeiger, Peterson, Farrell, Walsh, Reykdal, Orwall, Pettigrew, Tharinger, Fitzgibbon, Kagi)
HB STATUS:            DEAD           (House Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION DETAILS:
Feb 3   Public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety at 8:00 AM.
Feb 6   Executive action taken in the House Committee on Public Safety at 10:00 AM.
PS - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Goodman, Chair; Orwall, Vice Chair; Klippert, Ranking Minority Member; Hayes, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Griffey, Pettigrew, and Wilson.
Mar 2   1st substitute bill substituted
 Floor amendment(s) adopted.
                         Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
IN THE SENATE
Mar 19 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.
 
HB 1866/SB 5259 – Voter reg. info/res. tenants: OPPOSE
 A landlord must provide each new residential tenant with a voter registration form or a link to the electronic voter registration form on the Secretary of State's website at the time the tenant signs a lease with the landlord. The failure to comply with this section may not be construed to affect the validity of the lease or enforcement of any of the lease provisions.

 
(Representatives McBride, Fey, Clibborn, Moscoso, Reykdal, Takko, Tarleton, Farrell, Sells, Kagi & SenatorsCleveland, Miloscia, Liias, Darneille, Hobbs, McAuliffe, Habib)
HB STATUS:  Dead               (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:  Dead                (Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 17 Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government at 10:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government at 1:30 PM.
                         SG - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Appleton, and Gregory.                
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 11 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM
 
 
HB 1749/SB 5847 – Contractor registration: SUPPORT
Exempts from certain contractor registration requirements, a person, firm, corporation, or other entity:
(1) Contracting with a registered general contractor and not superintending the work; or
(2) Undertaking only the installation of carpeting or other floor covering or painting, or both.
 
(Representatives MacEwen, Manweller, Condotta & Senators Angel)
HB STATUS:                          (Governor Signed)
SB STATUS:   Dead   (Senate Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 12 Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor at 8:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Labor at 9:00 AM.
LAB - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Sells, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Manweller, Ranking Minority Member; G. Hunt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; McCabe, Moeller, and Ormsby.
Mar 6   1st substitute bill substituted
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE SENATE
Mar 20 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 8:00 AM.
Mar 27 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 8:00 AM.
CL - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King, and Warnick.
Apr 9   Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Apr 16 Delivered to Governor.
Apr 22 Governor signed.
             Chapter 52, 2015 Laws.
             Effective date 7/24/2015.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 16 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 1:30 PM. 
Feb 18 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 5:30 PM.
Feb 19             CL - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; King, and Warnick.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senators Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, and Keiser.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
HB 1609/SB 5846 – Plumbing & electrical codes: SUPPORT
The Director of the Department (Director) must exempt by rule minor or incidental electrical or plumbing work for which worker certification is not required to protect public health or safety. The Director may also consider:
  • consumer and employee health or safety;
  • changes in technology;
  • practicality and consistency with best practices; and
  • enforceability.
"Minor or incidental work" includes work for which no permit is required, work for which an appliance manufacturer routinely includes instructions for homeowner installation; and simple disconnection and reconnection of an appliance or fixture to move the appliance or fixture to accomplish other work.
 
(Representatives Manweller, Vick, Condotta & Senators Warnick, Braun, Ericksen)
HB STATUS: Dead                (House Labor Committee)
SB STATUS:  Dead                (Senate Rules Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 12 
Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor at 8:00 AM.

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 18 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 1:30 PM.
            Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor at 5:30 PM.
Feb 19             CL - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5846 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; King, and Warnick.
                        Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senators Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, and Keiser.
Mar 23             Senate Rules "X" file.
 
HB 1481/SB 5564 – Juvenile records and fines: NEUTRAL
Allows courts to seal juvenile records when restitution remains if the individual made a good faith effort to pay the full amount of restitution. Eliminates various legal financial obligations and other fees for juveniles, including the juvenile penalty assessment and interest on legal financial obligations. Allows courts to order community service in lieu of restitution for juveniles if the juvenile has insufficient funds to pay the restitution.
 
(Representatives Kagi, Zeiger, Senn, Walsh, Peterson, Stambaugh, Walkinshaw, Goodman, Muri, Pettigrew, Jinkins, Hudgins, Appleton, Robinson, Gregerson, Fitzgibbon, Ormsby, Clibborn, S. Hunt, Ryu, McBride, Sawyer, Stokesbary, Rodne, Young, Farrell, Kilduff & Senators O'Ban, Darneille, Miloscia, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Fain, Jayapal, Brown, Habib, Dammeier, Frockt, Litzow, Warnick, Hasegawa, McAuliffe)
HB STATUS:  Dead               (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:                           (Governor’s Desk)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 30 Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 11:00 AM.
Feb 11 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
ELHS - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Kagi, Chair; Walkinshaw, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Kilduff, McCaslin, Ortiz-Self, Sawyer, and Senn.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representatives Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dent, and Hawkins.
Feb 13 Referred to General Government & Information Technology.
Feb 20 Public hearing in the House Committee on General Government & Information Technology at 8:00 AM.
Feb 23 Executive action taken in the House Committee on General Government & Information Technology at 9:00 AM.
GGIT - Majority Report: The substitute bill by Committee on Early Learning & Human Services be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Senn, Vice Chair; MacEwen, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Morris, and Takko.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representative McCabe.
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 5   Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
 Feb 19            Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Mental Health & Housing at 10:00 AM.
Feb 20             HSMH - Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5564 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators O'Ban, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove.                     
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Senator Padden.                
Referred to Ways & Means.
Feb 24 Public hearing, executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
Feb 26 Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
Feb 27 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:45 PM.
Majority Report: That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5564 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass
Signed by Senators Hill, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Ranking Member; Keiser, Assistant Ranking Member on the Capital Budget; Ranker, Ranking Minority Member, Operating; Bailey, Becker, Billig, Brown, Conway, Fraser, Hasegawa, Hatfield, Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, O'Ban, Rolfes, Schoesler, and Warnick.  Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators Honeyford, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Padden, and Parlette.
Mar 6   2nd substitute bill substituted.
                                    Floor amendment(s) adopted. 
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0
IN THE HOUSE
Mar 18             Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
Mar 26             Executive action taken in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 10:00 AM.
ELHS - Majority Report: Do pass as amended
Signed by Representatives Kagi, Chair; Walkinshaw, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Kilduff, McCaslin, Ortiz-Self, Sawyer, and Senn.                     
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representative Hawkins.
Mar 30             Referred to General Government & Information Technology.
Mar 31             Public hearing and executive action taken in the House Committee on General Government & Information Technology at 8:00 AM.
GGIT - Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Early Learning & Human Services
Signed by Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Senn, Vice Chair; MacEwen, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; McCabe, Morris, and Takko.
Apr 13             Floor amendment(s) adopted.
             Committee amendment adopted as amended.
                         Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.
IN THE SENATE
Apr 16             Senate concurred in House amendments.
                         Passed final passage; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Apr 23             Delivered to Governor.
May 14            Governor partially vetoed.
                         Chapter 265, 2015 Laws PV.
                         Effective date 7/24/2015.
 
SHB 1390/ SB 5713 – Legal financial obligations: OPPOSE
Eliminates interest accrual on the non-restitution portions of legal financial obligations (LFOs) imposed in a criminal judgment and modifies standards for a court to reduce or waive interest that has accrued on LFOs.
Provides that a court may not impose costs on a defendant who is indigent at the time of sentencing.
Establishes provisions governing payment plans and priority of payment of LFOs.
Addresses actions a court may take in sanction proceedings for failure to pay LFOs
where the offender's failure to pay is not willful.
Provides that the DNA Database fee is not mandatory if the state has already collected the offender's DNA as a result of a prior conviction.
 
(Representatives Goodman, Holy, Jinkins, Kagi, Moscoso, Ormsby, Pollet & Senators Kohl-Wells, Hasegawa, Jayapal, Keiser, Darneille, Chase, ROlfes, Billig, Forckt)
HB STATUS:  Dead              (House Rules)
SB STATUS:   Dead              (Senate Law & Justice Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 21 Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 12:30 PM.
JUDI - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass
Signed by Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Haler, Hansen, Kirby, Muri, Orwall, Stokesbary, and Walkinshaw.
Minority Report: Do not pass
Signed by Representative Klippert.
Feb 20 Referred to Appropriations.
Feb 26 Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
Feb 27 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
APP - Majority Report: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass and do not pass the substitute bill by Committee on Judiciary
Signed by Representatives Hunter, Chair; Ormsby, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Parker, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Wilcox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Carlyle, Cody, Condotta, Dent, Dunshee, Haler, Hansen, Hudgins, G. Hunt, S. Hunt, Jinkins, Kagi, Lytton, MacEwen, Magendanz, Pettigrew, Sawyer, Schmick, Senn, Springer, Stokesbary, Sullivan, Taylor, Tharinger, Van Werven, Walkinshaw, and Fagan.                                 Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Mar 9   2nd substitute bill substituted (APP 15). (View 2nd Substitute)
                                    Floor amendment(s) adopted.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0.

IN THE SENATE
Mar 30 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 1:30 PM.
Mar 31 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.
                        LAW - Majority Report: Do pass as amended
Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; O'Ban, Vice Chair; Pedersen, Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Kohl-Welles, Pearson, and Roach.
Apr 1   Referred to Ways & Means.
Apr 6   Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:00 AM.
Apr 7   Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:00 AM.
WM - Majority Report: Do pass as amended
Signed by Senators Hill, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Hargrove, Ranking Member; Keiser, Assistant Ranking Member on the Capital Budget; Ranker, Ranking Minority Member, Operating; Bailey, Becker, Billig, Brown, Conway, Fraser, Hasegawa, Hatfield, Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, O'Ban, Padden, Rolfes, and Schoesler.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators Parlette and Warnick.

Apr 24 Referred to Rules.

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 17 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.
 
HB 2049 – Affordable Housing: OPPOSE
Creates the Affordable Housing Land Bank within the Department of Commerce to acquire and lease publically owned land for the construction and development of affordable housing within designated urban areas.

Requires certain governmental entities to remit 20 percent of public lands sales to the Housing Trust Fund.
Allows governmental entities to transfer property from an urban development area into the Affordable Housing Land Bank to obtain an exemption from the 20 percent remittance of a land sale.

Requires the same governmental entities to prepare a list of all property owned within an urban development area and to submit the list annually to the Department of Commerce.

(Representatives Santos, Appleton, Pollet)
HB STATUS:  BUDGET        (House Capital Budget Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 12 Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Development and Housing & Tribal Affairs at 8am
Feb 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Development and Housing & Tribal Affairs at 9am.
 CDHT - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass

Signed by Representatives Appleton, Chair; Robinson, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Sawyer.
Minority Report: Do not pass
                       Signed by Representatives Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins, and Van De Wege.
Feb 20 Referred to Capital Budget.
Feb 23 Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 8am
 
 
HB 1593/SB 5813 – Street Utilities: OPPOSE
 Eliminates street utilities. Allows cities and towns to establish transportation utilities to pay for transportation infrastructure maintenance and operation. Allows cities and counties with transportation benefit districts to eliminate the separate entity status of the transportation benefit districts. Allows the transportation benefit districts to impose a vehicle fee of up to $50 and a sales and use tax of up to 0.2 percent with a vote of the governing board.

 
(Representatives McBride, Fey, Clibborn, Moscoso, Reykdal, Takko, Tarleton, Farrell, Sells, Kagi & SenatorsCleveland, Miloscia, Liias, Darneille, Hobbs, McAuliffe, Habib)
HB STATUS:                          (House Transportation Committee)
SB STATUS:               (Senate Transportation Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 3:30pm

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Feb 4   First reading, referred to Transportation.
 
SB 5139 – Buildings, 4 or more stores: OPPOSE
The exemption in the Act for any building that is four or more stories high with a B occupancy, as defined by the 1982 Uniform Building Code, and a city fire insurance rating of 1, 2, or 3, is eliminated. As a result, the provisions of the State Building Code apply to such buildings.
 
(Senators Roach, Liias, Conway, Benton, McCoy, Dansel, Ericksen)
SB STATUS:                          (Governor Signed)
 
SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 15 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security at 10:00am.
Jan 27 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security at 10am.
Majority Report: Do pass

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Liias, Ranking Minority Member; Habib, and McCoy
Mar 11             Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
                                    Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

IN THE HOUSE
Mar 18 Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 8am.
Apr 1   Executive action taken in the House Committee on Local Government at 9am.
LG - Majority Report: Do pass

Signed by Representatives Takko, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Fitzgibbon, McBride, and Peterson.
                        Minority Report: Do not pass

Signed by Representatives Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Pike.
Minority Report: Without recommendation

Signed by Representative Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Apr 15 Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.                           
Third reading, passed; yeas, 53; nays, 45; absent, 0; excused, 0.

OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Apr 23 Delivered to Governor.
May 11 Governor signed.
                         Chapter 226, 2015 Laws. (View Session Law)
                         Effective date 7/24/2015.
 
HB 1234/SB 5183 – Building permit fees: OPPOSE
 As part of the budget discussions in the special session may contain bill may contain a fee renewal only to pay for a study of funding budget and responsibilities conducted. The study would be conducted by the Department of Enterprise Services, the fees would be more for commercial than residential- $5 and $1.

(Representative Senn & Senator Keiser)
(By Request Department of Enterprise Services)
HB STATUS:  BUDGET        (House Rules Committee)
SB STATUS:   Dead                (Senate Government Operations & State Security Committee)
 
HB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 21 Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 8am
Feb 5   Executive action taken in the House Committee on Local Government at 1:30pm
LG - Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Representatives Takko, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Fitzgibbon, McBride, and Peterson.
Feb 9   Referred to General Government & Information Technology.
Feb 13 Public hearing in the House Committee on General Government & Information Technology at 8:00am
Feb 23 Executive action taken in the House Committee on General Government & Information Technology at 9:00 AM.
GGIT - Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass

Signed by Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Senn, Vice Chair; Morris, and Takko
Minority Report: Do not pass

Signed by Representatives MacEwen, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; McCabe.

SB 2015 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 15 First reading, referred to Government Operations & State Security.