HB 2779 Passes Commerce and Trade – Bound for Senate!
ESHB 2779, immunity from civil liability for good faith employer reference checks, passed out of the Senate Commerce & Trade Committee 4-1 last Friday and is likely to pass the Senate floor next week. AWB has taken the lead in negotiating the language on this important employer protection. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Major Set Back for Tort Reform This Session – Bill Killed in House Committee!
Rep. Patricia Lantz (26-D) and the House Democratic leadership failed to allow the omnibus liability reform bill to come up for executive session last week, thus, killing the bill in the House Judiciary Committee. Their decision eliminates the opportunity to stop lawsuit abuse, restore fairness to the civil justice system, increase access to doctors and affordable housing, and to slow the skyrocketing cost of liability lawsuits for state and local governments. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB Files Amicus Curiae in Employment Law Case – How Could This Benefit Your Business?
AWB filed an amicus curiae brief last Tuesday at the Washington Supreme Court in the case of Riehl v. Foodmaker, an important employment law case to be heard next month. The case will decide whether the Supreme Court should change Washington law and hold that an employee seeking a reasonable accommodation for a disability in the workplace need not show evidence that the requested accommodation is medically necessary. The case will be heard March 25. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

L&I Rewriting Rules – Call Now for Your Copy of Drafted Language!
The Department of Labor and Industries is rewriting workplace safety rules to improve clarity. Draft language for proposed changes to rules on Asbestos, Benzene, Scaffolds, Lock Out Tag Out, and Machine Safety is now available. If you are interested in reviewing these changes or would like to provide comments, please contact AWB’s Cody Benson at CodyB@awb.org.

AWB Disappointed in Sens. Cantwell, Murray for Voting “No” on Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Act
AWB expressed its disappointment in Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell for voting against S. 2061, the Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act. They voted to allow the bill to be filibustered, therefore, effectively killing the legislation. AWB plans to include the vote among those considered in rating lawmakers’ support for Washington employers and working families. For more information, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Brunell, Davis Speak to Southeast Washington Business Leaders – “Much More Work Lies Ahead!”
AWB President Don Brunell and Washington Research Council (WRC) President Dick Davis were on the road speaking to business leaders in southeast Washington. The two told business leaders that lawmakers got a good start at economic revitalization, controlling spending, and creating more jobs last session, but much more work lies ahead in 2004 and beyond. "Many businesses are reaching the tipping point where they are forced to either move out of state or just close shop," Davis said. For more information, or to have Brunell and Davis speak at your event, contact Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

New Directors Named to Departments of Revenue, Ecology
Gov. Gary Locke appointed Will Rice as director of the state Department of Revenue (DOR) and Linda Hoffman as the director of the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) last Tuesday. Rice had been acting director of the DOR since December 2001. Hoffman was interim director of Ecology since October 2003. She was appointed deputy director roughly three years ago. “We need to make it as simple as possible to do business in Washington,” Rice said. “I know people don’t enjoy paying taxes, but we can ease the burden by making it easy to do so.”

WashACE Report Released on Workers’ Comp – Read it Today!
The Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) recently released an in-depth report on the state’s controversial workers’ compensation system. The report, entitled “Washington's High Benefit-High Cost Workers' Compensation System,” attempts to clear the air surrounding the issue by stating that the benefits are the costs of the system. According to WashACE President Dick Davis, “Washington's high benefits are accompanied by high premium costs - costs that are escalating because they can no longer be masked by the unsustainable investments of a few years ago.” To read the entire report, go to www.researchcouncil.org/Reports/2004/workerscomp/workerscomp0204.pdf.

Competitive Contracting to Begin – Voice Your Comments Today!
The competitive contracting section of the Personnel System Reform Act of 2002, which allows the private sector to bid on state agency jobs and services, will become effective July 1, 2005. The Office of General Administration is responsible for adopting rules that ensure bids are submitted and evaluated in a fair and objective manner. For more information, go to www.ga.wa.gov/competitivecontracting, or contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Senn Seeks AWB Members’ Support for Attorney General Campaign – View Speech Online!
Washington State Attorney General hopeful Deborah Senn opened herself up for questions to AWB members Thursday morning at a candidate breakfast at AWB headquarters. To view her entire speech, go to www.awb.org. Don’t miss Mark Sidran during next week’s AWB Candidate Breakfast starting at 7 a.m. at the AWB office in Olympia. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Sen. Roach, Rep. Armstrong Speaks at Lobby Lunch Thursday
Sen. Pam Roach and Rep. Mike Armstrong updated AWB members on the Election Primary situation at last week’s Lobby Lunch. According to Roach, the Legislature is planning to have the issue resolved this year. House and Senate Democratic Campaign Committee members will speak during the next Lobby Lunch March 4. Don’t miss AWB’s Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room.

Take a Pro-Active Approach in Your Company’s Safety – Register Today!
The Sedgwick CMS Safety Academy is offering courses for those who want to increase their safety knowledge and develop safety programs within their company. Attendees can participate in individual courses, or may choose the “Certified Safety Coordinator” program. To learn more, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.