AWC Legislative Bulletin - Volume 30, No. 12
March 23, 2007  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
What You Need to Know Now
From the Director: And A Word From the Other Washington – D.C.
Energy & Telecommunications
Environment & Water
General Local Government
Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
Land Use & Housing
Law & Justice
Municipal Finance
Personnel & Labor Relations
Online Legislative Advocacy Tools
AWC Legislative Contacts & Officers

General Local Government

HVAC/R Certification (HB 1876)

In 2006, the Department of Labor & Industries organized the HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration) Task Force, which consisted of business and labor representatives from the HVAC/R, electrical, plumbing, and sheet metal industries. This was based on a Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee study completed earlier that determined that a consistent certification program for these disciplines would have some benefit. A regulatory alternatives subcommittee considered various options for regulation of the HVAC/R industry, but was not able to reach consensus. The group is still meeting and attempting to come to agreement around a grouping of certification levels for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. A few cities currently require some training and certification in some of these disciplines, which presumably would be preempted by a statewide program coordinated at the Department of Labor & Industries. The bill is still alive and the discussions are continuing.

Public Disclosure of Attorney Invoices (SHB 1897)

This bill is being heard in the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee on Tuesday, March 27 at 1:30 pm. This bill clarifies that under RCW 42.56, attorney invoices cannot be withheld in their entirety by a public entity under the Public Records Act. In addition, the bill lists specific allowable redactions, such as actual legal advice, mental impressions, and theories and opinions. A number of speakers in the previous policy committee expressed concern, thus the bill was amended slightly to provide more definition.

Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee (SSB 5435)

This bill continues to move. The House State Government Committee heard the bill last week and has a striking amendment on the table for consideration. The amendment would change the oversight of the committee from the state Attorney General’s office to the House and Senate legislative committees. The sunset provision that AWC asked for is still in the bill, and the 13-member committee would include one local government representative.

JLARC Overview on I-900

On Monday, March 26 at 6:00 pm, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee will conduct a public hearing and provide an overview of Initiative 900. AWC staff will monitor the hearing.

Extending Existing Mental Health Parity Requirements (EHB 1460)

EHB 1460 would require employers with fewer than 50 employees to provide mental health coverage at the same level or higher than other health insurance. AWC supports this proposal. It is expected to be passed by the Senate on Friday, March 23 - the last stop before going to the Governor's desk. See the March 9 Bulletin for more information.