Welcome to Policy Watch 2005

WEEK 1

POLICY WATCH is a weekly bulletin about issues and events in Olympia, WA during the 15-week legislative session. It is part of the CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT, an effort to increase involvement in the legislative process through information and advocacy training.

POLICY WATCH has three parts.
PART I: Basic Information for contacting legislators, getting information. Click here for Part I.
PART II: A description of what is happening week by week in Olympia - the process.
PART III: Brief items about specific bills, arranged by category.

This bulletin focuses primarily on health, social welfare, and low-income issues. And while it attempts to give readers enough information to guide actions (calls, letters, visits), it will not take positions or urge a particular action. That is up to you.

Go to Part III Issues

PART II
WEEK ONE IN OLYMPIA

THE SCENE
Every new Legislative Session is full of hope, and this year's 105-day Session is no exception.

The heightened interest in politics and voting sparked by the 2004 elections is at least part of the explanation - including for some who have never been involved before. Right away in Week One, an advocacy group for low-income people called SPAN (Statewide Poverty Action Network) offered new voters a "People's Day in Olympia" - and about fifteen new voters from South King County turned up. As one participant told his Representatives and Senator, "I first heard about this group when they knocked on my door to help me register to vote. I didn't vote before - but now I do, and I'm here to talk to MY legislators."

Whatever the reasons, interest in this year's legislative Session is already high. Some visitors to the Capitol in Week One found it pretty quiet (at least when the new Governor was not being sworn in and protested or cheered). That's not unusual the first week: each Session takes a while to "warm up."

But behind the scenes, things were off to a fast start. One long-time Senate legislative aide said: "It's been wild. I don't remember another first week this busy." Over in the House another legislative aide commented on the fast-paced start: "We're already talking about passing important bills in the first few weeks - amazing!"

For many of the people involved, it's a bit like any group who share a short, intense experience, and then go back home to other lives. All the part-time legislators involved in the last legislative Session went home in mid-March, 2004 to their full-time other lives as grandparents and insurance salespeople, school board members and part-time college teachers, small business owners and engineers, and all the "formers" - former teachers, former nurses, farmers, police officers. (About the only groups not represented are people in low-wage jobs: they wouldn't be given the time off, and young parents - because of the time demands.)

Through the summer and fall they plunged into campaigns for themselves and their friends, and now, in January, all those who won in November are back together for the next round. Toss in all the staff, lobbyists, and ordinary citizens, and the fact that the Capitol building has been re-opened after earthquake repairs, and you'd get the sense of a serious but friendly reunion. Include the fact that many of the legislative aides have flowers on their desks (gifts from Legislators glad to see them), that white and yellow roses from the inaugural ball are still gracing the Capitol building, and the walls and floors in that newly renovated Capitol are still so unscuffed they have a sheen … and you'd even have a sense of celebration.

Add one more element: scale. There's a reason people refer to "the Capitol campus" - it's a lot like a small college. For starters, there are just 49 Senators (one from each of the 49 Legislative Districts), and 98 Representatives (two from each of those 49 LD's). That's only 147 people. Then there are the various staff: two aides for every Senator, one aide for every Representative, plus Committee staff (who work for members of both parties) and Caucus staff (who work for just Democrats or Republicans), plus staff in the cafeterias, libraries, and information services. Even with all the lobbyists - paid or volunteer - the number of people involved on a typical day is in the hundreds. When a citizen group sponsors a big "lobby day" that number swells - but only for a while. So the place has a manageable scale and even the newest newcomers can quickly find their way around.

This year it helps to keep five things in mind.
1) As a result of the 2004 elections some legislators are brand new to Olympia; they too are learning the issues and the process.
2) There's been a power shift: Democrats now have a majority in both the Senate (26 Democrats, 23 Republicans) and the House (55 Democrats, 43 Republicans). That means all the Committees will be Chaired by Democrats, and Democrats will largely control the flow of legislation. 3) This is a "long session" year, when legislators meet for 15 weeks in order to write a two-year budget for the state. But the budget debate begins with a $1.8 billion (or more) deficit; that limits all their choices. 4) the uncertainty over the Governor's race affects everything, including the naming of a new Cabinet and the new Governor's plans for the budget. 5) Last, our Washington legislators are remarkably accessible. They pause at their desks to talk to constituents, welcome total strangers into their tiny offices, and even step out of committee meetings for brief conversations in the halls. They want to hear from you.

Brief Note. POLICY WATCH readers will want to read this bulletin with three things in mind. First, there is a vast array of topics considered by the legislature (many more than just those highlighted in PW). We ask a lot of the men and women we elect to serve. We don't have to like everything they do, but they deserve our respect. Second, every activity, every program, every issue threatened by a budget cut has its champions; legislators will be pressured from all sides on every item in the state budget. Third, as citizens, it is our privilege to help our citizen-legislators as they sort among competing needs and make the difficult choices. If they are to represent us, they need to know how we wish to be represented.

In a representative democracy, speaking up offers no guarantee of success; but there is an absolute guarantee that if you don't speak up... you/your issue/the people you care about ... don't stand a chance.

SNAPSHOTS
** There's a shiny new "café" and lovely domed "Columbia Room" for gatherings right
where the old ground floor Capitol building cafeteria used to be. (Plus, the big cafeteria in the old state library building is still in use, expanding opportunities for caffeine-fed strategy talk.)
** One brand new legislator, asked how the first week felt, said: "overwhelming… so many people want meetings, send emails, leave messages, want time…." Plus, she added, high tensions over the Governor's race made everything much harder.
** A woman who came to Olympia for the first time (on her name tag she wrote simply: VOTER) was introduced to her Senator and quickly found herself in a conversation about a subject dear to her heart: lead levels in the drinking water at our children's schools.
** Think legislators only care about rich people? Think again. At a Work Session on affordable housing, one Representative said: "We have several (low-income) housing projects in my Legislative District so whatever affects them is important to me."
** Staff also care. One staff member whose boss was just named to head an important Committee said: "It's exciting but also slightly daunting. I just hope we don't let people down."

Gender Watch: we are the only state whose Governor and two U.S. Senators are female.
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THE BUDGET
The Governor is required to send the Legislature a balanced budget in one or two forms, a month before the legislators meet. Outgoing Governor Locke did that in mid-December. The first budget - known as Book I - includes no new revenues and demonstrates what it means to solve a significant deficit entirely through spending cuts. Governor Locke laid out an array of steep program cuts, delays in spending (e.g., to fund the already-delayed education initiatives passed by the voters), reductions in pensions and other benefits due to state workers, among other things. The Governor then exercised a second available option: he sent the legislature Book II - a budget proposal that shows which of those painful cuts or delays could be avoided if some new revenues are raised. (He recommended e.g., raising $600+ million through higher taxes on beer, wine, soda; and a 1% tax on physicians' incomes.)

Because of the uncertainty over who would be Governor, it is unclear whether Mr. Locke's last budget will be used as a starting point, or whether Governor Gregoire will start from scratch to construct her own. Nonetheless, much of the action in the legislature's fiscal committees is devoted to budget issues (see below). Watch this spot. The budget is THE big issue for the year.

SOME BUDGET-RELATED HEARINGS NEXT WEEK
On Tuesday, 1/18 at 6:00 pm, the HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a Work Session on K-12 funding and HIGHER EDUCATION funding.
House Hearing Room C - O'Brien Building.

On Tuesday, 1/18, at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will conduct a Work Session on K-12 Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Wednesday, 1/19 at 3:30 pm, the HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a Public Hearing on HB 1037 - Making 2003-2005 supplemental operating appropriations.
House Hearing Room C - O'Brien Building.

On Wednesday, 1/19, at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will conduct a Work Session on the Budget Outlook. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Thursday, 1/20, at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will conduct a Work Session on the Higher Education Budget. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Friday, 1/21 at 3:30 pm, the HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a Work Session on School district employee compensation.
House Hearing Room C - O'Brien Building.

PART III - SOME ISSUES

This section notes upcoming hearings, plus categories of bills, including:

Aging/Long-Term Care
Children
Child Welfare
Civil Rights/Opportunities
Disabilities
Health
Housing/Homelessness
Hunger and Nutrition
Juveniles/Youth
Mental Health
Revenues/Tax Policy
Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence
Substance Abuse
Welfare

Fair warning: This bulletin only comes out weekly, and does not pretend to be comprehensive. If there is an issue category you care about, use the legislative website to monitor (http://www.leg.wa.gov); the action changes daily.

REMINDER:
House Bill numbers begin with 1 or 2;
Senate Bill numbers begin with 5 or 6.
Thus a bill identified as SB 6264 is the 1,264th Senate Bill introduced in the session; HB 1058 would be the 58th bill introduced in the House.
More recent bills have higher numbers.

AGING/LONG-TERM CARE

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 1/19 at 8:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Prescription Drugs is scheduled before the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. The issue is of special interest to the elderly, those with disabilities, and anyone with chronic health conditions.
Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

HB 1041 - REVISING THE NURSING FACILITY MEDICAID PAYMENT SYSTEM.
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1078 - TRANSFERRING THE HOME CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPT. OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
Referred to the House Committee on Health Care. No hearing scheduled yet.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES

Work Sessions:
On Monday, 1/17 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session on Prevention and Early Intervention before the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
On Thursday, 1/20 at 8:00 am, there will be a work session on School Nutrition and Childhood Immunizations before the House Health Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW

HB 1052/SB 5047 - PREVENTION QUALITY CONTROL COUNCIL
This bill would create a prevention quality council to: 1) Identify state agencies operating or funding prevention programs; 2) Review research finding and recommendations; 3) Identify gaps in available research and make recommendations to the legislature for future research investments; 4) Certify evidence-based prevention programs for state funding; and 5) recommend legislation modifying duties of state agencies to achieve the purposes of this act. State agencies identified by the council as operating or funding prevention programs will submit biennial reports, describe their prevention programs, and the percentage of state funds being expended on evidence-based programs - among other things.
House Bill referred to the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee.
On Tuesday, 1/18 at 8:00 am the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.

HB 1097/SB 5104 - KEEP KIDS SAFE LICENSE PLATE
Creates a "Keep Kids Safe" license plate to raise money for projects of the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Referred to the House and Senate Transportation Committees.

CHILD WELFARE

Work session:
On Thursday, 1/20 at 1:30 PM , there will be a work session on the Workfirst Budget, and the Kinship Caregiver Navigator Pilot in the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW

SB 5053- PARENTING PLANS
This bill concerns the publication of actions to modify or establish parenting plans in cases of legal separation, invalidity of a marriage, and for non-parental custody cases.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

CIVIL RIGHTS/OPPORTUNITIES

Work Session:
On Friday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, a Work Session on CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES that arise when drafting Criminal Laws will be held by the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. House Hearing Room E. Also on TVW.

HB 1080 - PROTECTING DEPENDENT PERSONS.
This bill would protect dependent persons by changing the crimes of criminal mistreatment and abandonment of a dependent person. Referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. No hearing scheduled yet.

SB 5127 - IMPROVING SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
This bill would create a work group to develop protocols for delivery of services to victims of human trafficking, report to the legislature by 1/1/06, and establish an award to honor those who fight human trafficking or provide services to the victims
On Monday, 1/17 at 10:00 am, this bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Human Services and Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Bldg.

DISABILITIES

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 1/19 at 8:00 a.m. there will be a Work Session on the Division of Developmental Disabilities Budget, before the House Committee on Children & Family Services. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

In Week One, the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on disability-related budget proposals put forward by out-going Governor Locke, including: employment services, family support services for the unserved, Supported Living services for those living with senior care-givers, and community-based care for adolescents in crisis.
LANGUAGE NOTE: people not getting services have previously been described as "unserved" - and providing services to them would cost money. Some budget writers are now describing them as "not receiving a paid service" - and treating the issue as cost-free. More than 10,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities are in this category.

HB 1040 - REGARDING THE OPERATION OF HABILITATION CENTERS.
This bill proposes the closure of Fircrest, a state-run institution for people with
developmental disabilities. Referred to the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1107/SB 5141 - PROVIDING FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.
This bill would require school districts to provide for early intervention services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age, and establish a birth-to-three task force to make recommendations to the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction for policies, procedures, and regulations for a statewide comprehensive system for all eligible children.
On Monday, 1/17 at 1:30 pm there will be a Work Session on Prevention and Early Intervention, in the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

HEALTH

Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/20 at 8:00 am there will be a Work Session on Childhood Immunizations before the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

HB 1109 - MODIFYING DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA REQUIREMENTS
This bill provides that persons under eighteen are not allowed in the designated smoking area of a bar, tavern, bowling alley, or restaurant, and that employers be required to disclose to a prospective employee that all or a part of the place where the employee would work is a designated smoking area.
Referred to the House Health Care Committee.

HB 1123/SB 5029 - REQUIRING SAFE DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOLS.
This bill would require standards for safe drinking water, and for the testing of school water supplies. A report would be made to the legislature biennially, beginning 12/1/07, with any recommendations for legislation that would improve compliance with, or facilitate the enforcement or achievement of, school safe drinking water standards and enforcement.
The House bill had not yet been referred to Committee.
In Week One the Senate bill had a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Water, Energy and Environment. Eligible for Executive Session.

SB 5048 - PROHIBITING TOBACCO PRODUCT SAMPLING
This bill finds that tobacco samples contribute to children's access to tobacco products by providing a no-cost initiation that encourages minors to experiment with nicotine at early ages. Tobacco samples are distributed along with other promotional items that contain tobacco brand logos, increasing the appeal of the tobacco products as well as the chances that children will obtain them. It would protect minors from the influence of tobacco sampling by eliminating the distribution of samples in Washington.
On Monday, 1/17 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.

SB 5068 - HEALTH INFORMATION FOR YOUTH
This bill would enhance the health development of young people in Washington state by taking opportunities to provide them with information needed to help reduce rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infection. It directs the Department of Health to work in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop guidelines for health information and disease prevention instruction under this act.
Referred to Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee.

SB 5114 - PROHIBITING SMOKING WITHIN THIRTY-FIVE FEET OF PUBLIC PLACES
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 5149 - REQUIRES DISCLOSURE OF GIFTS BY PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS TO PERSONS WHO PRESCRIBE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

Work Sessions:
On Monday, 1/17 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session on Housing before the House Capital Budget Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

On Tuesday, 1/18 at 8:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Housing, including low-cost housing and rural housing, before the newly-established House Committee on Housing.
House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

On Thursday, 1/20 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session on the Farm Worker Housing Trust, in the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Bldg.

HB 1074/SB 5108 - INCREASING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CAP ON THE HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM
This bill would increase the cap to 5% of annual available funds.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Housing.
On Wednesday, 1/19 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.

HUNGER AND NUTRITION

Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/20 at 8:00 am there will be a Work Session on School Nutrition before the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

JUVENILES/YOUTH

Work Sessions:
On Tuesday 1/18 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
Topics: Specialized Juvenile Courts; and
Treatment and Interventions for Juvenile Offenders, and for Non-Offenders

On Wednesday 1/19 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session for an Overview of Family Law Issues in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Mental Health Treatment Alternatives for Adolescents, in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

On Friday 1/21/05 at 1:30 PM , there will be a Work Session on Creating a Foster Care Endowed Scholarship program in the House Higher Education Committee. House Hearing Room C in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1050 - FOSTER CARE SCHOLARSHIP
This bill would create an endowed scholarship for eligible foster care students to attend an institution of higher learning in Washington State. Matches state dollars from the Higher Education Board with private cash donations.
Referred to the House Higher Education Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.
HB 1058 - MENTAL HEALTH FOR MINORS
This bill authorizes an evaluation and treatment facility to admit for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment any minor under thirteen years of age for whom application is made by the minor's parent or guardian. The consent of the minor under the age of thirteen is not required. This is a revision of current state law.
On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the JL O'Brien Building.

HB 1079/SB 5084 - FOSTER YOUTH EDUCATION
This bill was requested by former Governor Locke, to establish a Foster Youth Post-secondary Education and Training Coordination Committee.
The House bill was referred to House Higher Education Committee; the Senate bill was referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Committee.

HB 1082 - MENTAL HEALTH FOR MINORS
This bill is a technical clean-up of the numbering and ordering of current Regulations (RCW's) pertaining to mental health for minors.
On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the JL O'Brien Building.
SB 5116 - SKATE PARKS
This bill would require the wearing of helmets in skate parks.
Referred to the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean, and Recreation Committee.

MENTAL HEALTH

Work Session:
On Friday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, the House Health Care Committee will hold a Work Session in House Hearing Room A of the O'Brien Building.
Topics: 1) Future Financing and Structure of the Community Mental Health System in Washington; 2) Capacity and Demand for Inaptient Psychiatric Hosptial and Community Residential Beds.

HB 1005 - CREATING A CONSUMER OR ADVOCATE-RUN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM.
This bill recognizes the value in having persons with mental illness, their family members, and advocates involved in designing, implementing, and delivering mental health services (e.g., it reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and incarceration, promotes recovery and employment).
It would permit certain regional support network services to be consumer or advocate-run, such as: Consumer and/or advocate-operated businesses; Clubhouses (e.g., the Fountain House model); Crisis services; Advocacy and referral services; Self-help and peer counseling and support groups; and others.
Referred to the House Health Care Committee.

REVENUES

Work Session:
On Tuesday, 1/18 at 10:00 am, the House Finance Committee will hold a Work Session on Accountability for Tax Incentives, in House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.
Also on TVW.

HB 1069 - REQUIRING PERFORMANCE AUDITS FOR TAX PREFERENCES
This bill recognizes that tax preferences are enacted to meet objectives in the public interest. However, some tax preferences may not be efficient or equitable tools for achieving public policy objectives. Given the changing nature of the economy and tax structures of other states, periodic performance audits of tax preferences are needed. The bill directs the Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences to develop a schedule for orderly review of tax preferences at least once every ten years.
On Wednesday, 1/19 at 1:30 pm, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Finance Committee. House Hearing Room C, in the O'Brien Building.

SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Work Session
On Monday, 1/17 at 10:00 am, there will be Work Session on the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund, before the Senate Human Services & Corrrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.

SB 5126 - DEVELOPING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND MANDATORY TRAINING ON SEXUAL HARRASSMENT FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 5148 - REPEALING THE CRIME OF "SLANDER OF A WOMAN"
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT

Work Session:
On Tuesday, 1/18 at 1:30 pm there will be a Work Session on DUI and Reckless Driving in the Senate Committee on Transportation. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Bldg.

WELFARE

Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/20 at 1:30 PM , there will be a work session on the Workfirst Budget, in the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW

NOTE: The recent election has prompted a number of bills and Work Sessions devoted to voting, and to election reforms.

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