Legislative Committee, WA-APA

The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association has a strong and active Legislative Committee (Leg Committee). The Leg Committee works on behalf of the Board of Directors and the WA-APA membership. The function and purpose of the Leg Committee is important to the well being of the Chapter. The Leg Committee leadership will promote the involvement of a consistent and informed group representing the diverse interests within APA.

Information

During the legislative session, the Leg Committee meets via telephone conference call every Thursday at noon. If you are interested in participating in the Leg Committee, please contact one of the co-chairs listed below.

Esther Larsen: 509-477-5709, elarsen@spokanecounty.org
Josh Peters: 360-385-9167, jpeters@co.jefferson.wa.us

Following the Thursday conference calls, Leg committee members volunteer to review and comment on proposed bills. The schedule for the review of bills is based upon when the bill will be heard either in the house or the senate. The review of proposed bills is the central responsibility of committee members. The bill reviews are sent to the co-chairs, who review and then forward to the Board's Executive Committee. Following the Exec Committee's review, the Chapter President communicates directly - or through the lobbyist - to the legislature.

Meeting the clear expectations as to when the bill reviews are to be complete and transmitted to the co-chairs is critical to the functioning of the Leg Committee.

2008 Legislative Session Summaries

• Environment/Land Use Bills Summary
• Housing Bills Summary
• Transportation Bills Summary

Draft Process for Proposing Legislation Available for Chapter Member Review and Comment

A subcommittee of the Legislative Committee has developed a process by which the chapter could propose legislation. The purpose of having an adopted process is not necessarily to begin proposing legislation. Rather, it is to provide a structure to work within when the chapter considers proposing legislation. The process includes criteria, a timeline, and steps by which APA Washington will determine whether or not to propose legislation.

The Subcommittee believes the draft Process for Proposing Legislation is ready for review by the chapter members. After members review, the subcommittee will be seeking Board action at the end of March 2008.

    • Submit comments by March 7 at the latest.

Please send your comments by email to imiller@psrc.org, or by phone at 206 464 7549.

Climate Advisory Team Report Recommendations and Response

• Letter to Governor Gregoire in support of ESSB 6580.
• Letter to Governor Gregoire with recommendations.
• Governor Gregoire's response.

Position Statements

Following are position statements of the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association on selected state legislation.

• SHB 1727
• HB 1361
• SB 5507
• SHB 1965
• ESHB 1727
• Washington Climate Advisory Team
• HB 2797 - SB 6580
• HB 6784

Following are documents related to legislation sponsored by the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association.

SB 5871
    • Energy Bill Talking Points
    • Testimony

Resources

To assist Leg Committee member, the following resources are available:

• About the Legislative Committee and WA-APA's Legislative Activities in .doc format.
• Bill Review Process and Timeline - 2007 Session in .doc format.
• Bill Review and Comment Template in .doc format.
• 2007 Session Priorities in .pdf format.
• Adopted WA-APA 2005 Legislative Platform in .pdf format.

Important Links

The following links provide ample information on the State Legislatures and for assisting in the tracking, review, and commenting on proposed bills.

• Washington State Legislature homepage : This page is your starting point for a host of legislature related items.
• Bill Information homepage : This page is your starting point for learning about proposed bills.
• Washington APA website

For More Information

Please contact the Leg Committee's co-chairs:

Esther Larsen : 509-477-5709, elarsen@spokanecounty.org
Josh Peters: 360-385-9167, jpeters@co.jefferson.wa.us

Thank you for your interest in Washington APA's Legislative Committee.