What's Ahead: Key Issues

Gang Task Force Recommendations – AWC Priority (SHB 2712)

SHB 2712 will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee Tuesday, February 5, at 3:30 pm. See the Law & Justice section.

Supporting Infrastructure and Economic Development Funding (SB 6856) - AWC Priority

Under this proposal, cities, counties, and public utilities districts will be eligible for an additional $60 million in low interest loans to repair and replace basic infrastructure. An additional $40 million in grants is targeted toward cities and counties experiencing high population growth that is outpacing their ability to provide basic infrastructure. We are anticipating a hearing on either Wednesday, February 6 or Friday, February 8 in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. See the Infrastructure section.

Liability for Wrongful Injury or Death Causes of Action (SB 6696/ESHB 1873)

AWC will testify in opposition to the expanded liability in SB 6696 at the hearing in the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee on Tuesday, February 5, at 1:30 pm. See the Law & Justice section.

Providing Additional Revenues for Public Safety (SB 6573/HB 2962)

SB 6573 which would transfer funds from the state general fund to a newly created local public safety enhancement account is scheduled for public hearing before the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, February 5 at 3:30 pm.

City Business Licenses & SST (HB 3126)

AWC has been working with the business community to allay concerns that the reporting requirements of the streamlined sales tax (SST) will result in additional licensing or tax obligations for businesses whose sales involve deliveries. HB 3126 will be heard by the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 5, at 10 am.

City B&O Taxes – Definition of Customer Location for Service Apportionment (HB 3244/SB 6894)

HB 3244 will be heard by the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 5, at 10 am.

How You Can Help – Now!

Help for Smaller GMA-Planning Cities (SSB 6493)

The Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee has referred SSB 6493 to the Ways & Means Committee. This bill would provide access to a new state loan fund for cities under 30,000 whose GMA critical areas ordinances are appealed. This bill could come to the floor next week. Interested cities should to ask your Senators for their support. For more information, see the Land Use & Housing section.

Last Week’s Highlights

Studying State Administration of City B&O Taxes (HB 2965)

City representatives testified in opposition to HB 2965, in the House Finance Committee on February 1. The bill would require the Department of Revenue to complete a feasibility plan for state administration and collection of city B&O taxes by December 1, 2008.

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