2004 Legislative Session Adjourns – AWB Hours of Operation 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Charter Schools Legislation Passing is Good News! Let’s Make Them Happen!
Legislators approved a bill authorizing charter schools in Washington state by a narrow margin last week during the last hours of the 2004 session. Supporters of the independent public institutions, such as Jim and Fawn Spady, have struggled through many defeats to pass this legislation. “Passage of charter schools is important to improving the quality of our K-12 education system,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “Not all children are able to succeed in our public school system and not all parents can afford to send their kids to private schools. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Fraud Abuse Legislation Passes! Major Reforms Left to Next Year
In a small workers’ comp victory, the Legislature passed HB 3188, legislation addressing fraud by employers, workers and providers. AWB, AGC and other groups from the business community successfully negotiated with L&I and union leaders to get agreement on the bill. Another bill that passed the Legislature dealing with workers’ compensation fraud is SB 6428 sponsored by Sen. Honeyford. This bill focuses on provider fraud in the workers’ compensation system and allows for quick suspension of those providers who abuse the system. SB 6428 mirrors the language in HB 3188 on provider fraud. HB 3188 now sits on Gov. Locke’s desk and he is expected to sign it. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Governor Expected to Convene Workers’ Comp Blue-Ribbon Commission
In a conversation with AWB President Don Brunell, Gov. Locke indicated that he plans to convene a commission consisting of business and labor leaders to resolve workers’ comp issues. He indicated he will look to AWB to take the lead for employers.

Efforts to Study Limitations on Outsourcing Die as Legislature Adjourns
This session, several labor-backed proposals sprung up to prohibit, limit, or regulate the outsourcing of work to locations outside of Washington and overseas. AWB successfully held off the bills this session, preferring instead to study the issue internally over the interim and work on a legislative objective for the future. For more information on how to get involved, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org. Later this month, AWB President Don Brunell will meet with National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) officials in Detroit and Washington D.C., to discuss strategies on the issue.

Liability Lawsuit Judgment Interest Rate Lowered….It’s a Start!
As the session drew to a close, the Legislature passed HB 2485, as amended by the Senate. The measure lowers the current sky-high flat interest rate of 12 percent on tort judgments down to 2 percent above the T-bill rate. This common sense move ties the interest rate to market realities and removes a strong disincentive to appeal frivolous verdicts or runaway jury awards. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Missed Opportunity on Comprehensive Tort Reform This Session
Despite passing small measures on the tort judgment interest rate and obesity lawsuits, the Legislature failed to come to a compromise on comprehensive tort reform after the House killed ESHB 5728, the omnibus bill supported by AWB, the Liability Reform Coalition, and the medical community. After agreeing to negotiate in the last week of session, the House and Senate could not agree on those issues and negotiations never happened. AWB now looks ahead to next year. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Health Insurance Changes Pass – There’s Still Work to be Done on Small Business Plans!
After ongoing negotiations with Sen. Deccio, Rep. Cody and Gov. Locke, HB 2460 passed. The bill, as passed, contains a number of very important provisions in insurance reform, including changing the definition of a small group, giving greater flexibility to carriers on the renewing of plans, and adjusting community rating provision. The bill did not contain provisions to reduce mandates to make health care plans more affordable. While we believe the bill will provide stabilization to the small group market, there is still a lot of work to be done next year. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Legislature Passes Stormwater Legislation – Big Win for AWB!
SB 6415, which directs the Dept. of Ecology to issue stormwater permits for industries and construction sites, now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. “This is a huge win for AWB!” said Grant Nelson, Governmental Affairs Director.” SB 6415 settles the AWB-led appeal of last year's Pollution Control Hearings Board decision and reaffirms that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are both the most appropriate way to control pollution caused by stormwater. When properly applied, BMPs lead to a presumption of state water quality standards. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Legislature Bans Obesity Lawsuits….A Big Win for Food Processors and Restaurants
Nipping a new trial lawyer strategy in the bud, the Legislature also passed SSB 6601, which provides immunity from private tort lawsuits for food manufacturers and sellers for weight gain or poor health caused by weight gain associated with eating. This bill stops private party lawsuits like the highly publicized cases against fast food restaurants on the East Coast. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Passing of Correctional Industries Bill Signifies Win For AWB Members!
The Correctional Industries Bill was an effort AWB supported this year as well as previous years, to establish greater fairness in competitions between prison industries and private sector businesses. This bill was supported by business and unions. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Study of Expanded Workers’ Comp Scope Gets the Green Light!
HB 1691 and SB 6356 establish a three year pilot program to authorize additional provider scope in the workers’ compensation system for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) and physician’s assistants (PA’s). Previously AWB has resisted these efforts, but believes the pilot program allow us an opportunity to study the impact of this expanded scope in the workers’ compensation system. Stay tuned for further developments on the pilot projects as they move forward. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

E-Waste Bill Heads to Governor's Office….Another Win for AWB!
The House concurred with the Senate amended version of HB 2488, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds) last week sending it to Gov. Locke for his signature. The measure addresses electronic waste. AWB worked closely with the bill’s sponsor to make sure it would be fair to business while protecting the environment. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Water Resource Issues Fail to Advance
In the final year of the Locke Administration’s efforts to reform Washington water law, the Legislature could not resolve the two most contentious issues, relinquishment and instream flows. Instead, these issues are being partially addressed through the Supplemental Budget in the form of rule making for instream flow setting, and a task force to study the long-term funding needs of the water resources program. This interim will be very active for those with an interest in water resource management. For more information, contact Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 KristenS@awb.org.

Jobmakers.com Updated – Find out who’s Making or Breaking Jobs Today!
Jobmakers.com has been updated with the most current information affecting jobs in Washington state. The informational web site examines legislation and measures under consideration by elected officials and voters in Washington. Find out which lawmakers are working for you or against you today!

Final A.G. Candidate Mike Vaska Speaks to AWB Members – View His Speech Online!
Former Seattle Attorney and Washington State Attorney General hopeful Mike Vasko opened himself up for questions to AWB members Thursday morning at a candidate breakfast at AWB headquarters. To view his entire speech, go to www.awb.org.

AWB HealthChoice - Big Company Benefits for Small Companies!
HealthChoice, brought to you by AWB and Premera Blue Cross, has five different plans open to businesses with two or more employees. For more information, visit www.awb.org/benefits/healthchoicefeatures.htm. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Overwhelmed by Shipping Costs? Start Saving Today!
AWB Freight Savings Program gives small and mid-sized companies the same opportunities to save money on shipping as larger companies. Participants receive a 62 percent discount on all less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments between 200 to 20,000 pounds in the U.S. and Canada. Members also receive the opportunity to attend free, educational freight seminars. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Georgia-Pacific Shows That Investing in America Still Pays Off - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.