2018 Legislative Wrap-Up

March 12, 2018

It was a short session this year, but a rather productive one.  See some highlights below on the bills we worked to support and prevent this year.

Passed Bills Futurewise Supported

HB 2957 – Reducing escape of nonnative finfish from marine aquaculture facilities

  • Prevents the renewal, extension, or new leases of nonnative finfish – phases our current leases
  • Provides for a study on how to further protect finfish aquaculture

SB 5288 – Authorizing certain public transportation benefit areas to impose a sales and use tax increase approved by voters

  • For Intercity Transit in Thurston County

HB 2317 – Concerning contractor bonding requirements for public transportation benefit areas and passenger-only ferry service districts

  • Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry bonding requirements to assist the entity in buying/building a new boat

SB 6414 – Concerning population-based representation on the governing body of public transportation benefit areas

  • Impacts Pierce, Spokane, and Clark Transit agencies
  • Provides that representation is based on population

Passed Bills that Futurewise Opposed

SB 6091 – Ensuring that water is available to support development

Bills that Died that Futurewise Supported

HB 2480 – Providing local governments with options to preserve affordable housing in single-family neighborhoods.

HB 2599 – Allowing local governments to collect reasonable fees to cover costs for long-rang planning required by state environmental policy statutes

HB 2341 – Concerning the protection of military installations operated by the United States armed services from incompatible development

SB 6080 – Concerning the electrification of transportation

Bills that Died that Futurewise Opposed

SB 6516 – Allowing limited storm and sanitary sewer systems for rural economic development in the growth management act.

HB 2728 – Addressing the impartial participation of members of the growth management hearings board on matters before the board.

HB 2942 – Requiring planning for the availability of mineral resources.

SB 6108 – Concerning regional funding priority for major military installations

SB 6121 – Siting of institutions of higher education and accompanying facilities

HB 2503 – Concerning zoning regulation relating to accessory dwelling units

SB 6328 – Defining best available science for the purposes of the designating fish and wildlife conservation areas

HB 2789 – Requiring support by a majority of the people before annexation of a city, town or unincorporated area

HB 2653 – Modifying the alternative fuel vehicle sales and use tax exemption for the purpose of expanding the exemptions and amending related provisions

Category Archives: News

2018 Legislative Wrap-Up

March 12, 2018 It was a short session this year, but a rather productive one.  See some highlights below on the bills we worked to support and prevent this year. Passed Bills Futurewise Supported HB 2957 – Reducing escape of nonnative … Continue reading

Celebrating Those Who Build and Enhance Our Communities

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Thank you for your patience while we upgrade our systems

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Legislature’s action on Hirst is inadequate

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Legislative Update – Jan 19

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Legislative Update – Jan 12

This was the first week of the 2018 Legislative Session, and we were hard at work reviewing and testifying on a number of bills.  Here is a brief summary of some of the highlights: SB 6091 We opposed this bill – Ensuring … Continue reading

Futurewise 2018 Legislative Priorities

This week kicks off the 2018 Washington State Legislative Session, and Futurewise will be present in Olympia working to serve the people of our state by advocating for important land-use and environmental issues. This year, our proactive list of legislative … Continue reading

Futurewise in Olympia – 2017 Legislative Agenda

Futurewise works closely with legislators and partners every year during the legislative session to protect and enhance Washington State’s growth management laws.  This year, our legislative agenda covers a wide range of urban livability and natural resource protection issues.   … Continue reading

Beth Cocchiarella: Celebrating a life of service

Futurewise lost a great friend and supporter in September. We were saddened to learn from our Spokane office of the passing of Elizabeth Cocchiarella due to pancreatic cancer. She lived life fully, gave generously and anonymously – and in this … Continue reading