Eleven bills recommended by WPC signed into law in 2013 Legislative Session

 Since 2010, the governor, the legislature and Washington voters have enacted 38 of Washington Policy Center’s recommendations.  

WPC has offices in Seattle, Olympia, Spokane and the Tri-Cities and is comprised of six research centers focusing on the areas of government reform, small business, environment, health care, education, and transportation. As a result of the research and recommendations of these centers, Washington state saw bills adopted that require a higher level of transparency in budget appropriations, allow our foster children an increased opportunity to finish their education, and the Governor’s climate bill that includes elements of WPC’s Environmental Priorities Act, among others.

The 11 bills signed into law based on WPC’s research and analysis in 2013 are highlighted below.

• SB 5802 – Studies the most cost effective way to reduce carbon emissions.
• HB 1403 & SB 5680 – Requires more state agencies to participate in posting information on the Business Licensing System (BLS) website.
• HB 1818 & SB 5765 – Establishes a business regulatory efficiency program administered by the Department of Commerce with the goal of improving the regulatory environment for businesses in Washington state.
• HB 1591 & SB 5679 – Requires the Departments of Ecology, Health and Labor & Industries to each annually perform a formal review process of existing rules with the goal of improving the processes for licensing, permitting and inspection in a manner that reduces the regulatory burden on businesses without compromising public health and safety.
• HB 1757 & SB 5718 – Designates one specific entity, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), to develop a plan and oversee implementation of a one-stop business portal, which businesses will be able to utilize to conduct all their interactions with state government in a single, web-based location.
• HB 2058 – Requires transparency in enacted state capital and transportation budget appropriations and expenditures.
• HB 2044 – Delays the implementation of the family leave insurance program until funding and payment of benefits are authorized in law.
• HB 1566 – Requires that foster children, grades 6 to 12, have an appointed educational liaison to advocate on their behalf.
• SB 5751 – Requires an inventory of state fees.
• SB 5882 – Relating to revenue (creating, expanding, or extending tax preferences).
• SB 5496 – Expands access to online learning for private school students.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on www.hometowndebate.com 8/26/13. If you would like to respond to this story, go to hometowndebate.com