Bill Proposal Subcommittee
The Bill Proposal Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the chapter's Legislative Committee. Initiated in 2007, the subcommittee's purpose is to expand the chapter's legislative efforts by proactively introducing legislation. This complements the typical functions of the Legislative Committee which are focused on bill review and commenting, serving on task forces, and managing the chapter's lobbying efforts.
The Adopted Process for Proposing Legislation assumes a recurring annual or biannual effort to determine whether there are any bills that the chapter thinks are ready for proposing.
2010 Bill Proposal Process Begins!
The 2010 legislative special session recently ended…which means…its time to start thinking about 2011!
Do you have an idea for a planning bill? Got a way to improve the GMA?
The APA Washington Board adopted a Process for Proposing Legislation in March 2008. Based on the adopted process, the chapter has successfully helped pass two bills – one to prohibit the expansion of urban growth areas into the 100-year floodplain (EHB 1967, 2009 session), and a provision in a larger bill expanding the scope of subarea plan amendments and timing (SSB 6611, 2010 session).
The first step in the 2010 process begins now, with you!
If you have an idea that you think APA Washington should shepherd, now is the time to propose it. Using the Bill Proposal Form, you submit your proposal and give us enough information to make an informed judgment. The chapter leadership then uses the Adopted Process – which includes a schedule, procedures, and criteria – to evaluate the proposal.
Proposals are due by Friday, July 30, 2010.
Additional Information:
The Board is excited about the opportunity for direct and proactive engagement in the legislative process. At the same time, it also recognizes the challenges that championing legislation brings.
The hurdles built into the legislative system are too high for the vast majority of bills that are introduced. However, a signature by the governor is not the only mark of success. Simply beginning an important discussion or reframing an existing one could represent an achievement for the chapter, as could bringing together interest or advocacy groups around a common good cause. There is risk involved as well: a failed effort or divisive proposal could damage the chapter’s credibility and diminish our influence over future issues.
Because of these challenges it is likely that the chapter will move forward few, if any, proposals. However, in the right circumstances, an idea (your idea?) could make a real difference.