News from the Hill

BY VBJ STAFF

The Washington state legislature voted on the following bills last week:

SB 6444 modifies the state's operating budget, attempting to close the $2.8 billion budget gap by reducing spending by approximately $829 million, incorporating $582 million of approved or anticipated federal relief to the state and transferring $501 million of other funds to the general fund. The bill passed 25-19, with local Democrats voting for and Republicans against the measure.

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SB 6214 consolidates the powers, duties and functions of the three regional Growth Management Hearing Boards into a single board, reducing the number of members from nine to seven and stipulates that members must be appointed by the governor for six-year terms. The House amended the bill by a vote of 68-28. Local Republicans voted against and local Democrats for the measure, except for Rep. Deb Wallace (D-Vancouver), who was exempt.

SB 6381 modifies the 2009-11 transportation budget appropriations, reflecting $590 million in federal funding for high speed rail infrastructure and $35 million for the North Spokane Corridor, as well as to make adjustments to cover the cost of fuel for programs like the state ferry system. Money is also provided for the Washington State Patrol for recruitment. The state Senate passed the bill 41-3.

SB 6345, which passed the House by 86 to 12, was amended to make talking on a cell phone while driving a secondary offense for drivers over age 18, whereas the original Senate version of the bill named it a primary offense. Under current state law, use of hand-held cell phones is a secondary offense. It also prohibits persons with instructional permits or intermediate license from using even hands-free devices while driving.

SB 6214 consolidates the powers, duties and functions of the three regional Growth Management Hearing Boards into a single board, reducing the number of members from nine to seven and stipulates that members must be appointed by the governor for six-year terms. The House amended the bill by a vote of 68-28. Local Republicans voted against and local Democrats for the measure, except for Rep. Deb Wallace (D-Vancouver), who was exempt.

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