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Washington State Legislation Update: Trans & Energy Bills

Policy in Motion has expanded legislative services to Washington State! Below are summaries and links to legislative analyses for 5 bills pertaining to transportation and energy:

Updated May 2nd, 2011

ESHB 1071: Complete Streets

  • This bill will create a Complete Streets grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to encourage local governments to adopt urban arterial retrofit street ordinances designed to provide safe access to all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and public transportation users, with the goals of promoting healthy communities, improving safety, protecting the environment and preserving community character.

SHB 1571: Regulation of EV Charging Facilities

  • This bill prohibits the utilities and transportation commission,under certain circumstances, from regulating the rates,services, facilities, and practices of an entity that offersbattery charging facilities to the public for hire.

ESSB 5251: EV Road Maintenance Fees

  • This bill requires that motor vehicles that are powered solely by electricity and are capable of being driven at a speed of more than 35 miles per hour must pay a $100 fee when the vehicle is registered and annually when the registration is renewed. The fee applies to registrations thatare due on or after March 1, 2012.

SB 5467: 2011-2013 Capital Budget

  • The Omnibus 2011-13 Capital Budget authorizes new capital projects forstate agencies and institutions of higher education for the 2011-13 fiscal biennium.The CapitalBudget generally includes appropriations for the acquisition, construction, and repair ofcapital assets such as land, buildings, and other infrastructure improvements. Funding for theCapital Budget is primarily from state general obligation bonds, with other funding derivedfrom various dedicated taxes, fees, and state trust land revenues.

ESSB 5764: Innovate Washington

  • Innovate Washington is created as the successor agency to Washington Technology Center (WTC) and the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute (SIRTI). It is to provide and facilitate research supportive of state industries; to provide mechanisms for collaboration between technology-based industries andhigher education institutions; to help businesses develop and integrate technology into new products and helpbusinesses compete; to offer technology transfer and commercialization training opportunities; and to administer the Technology and Innovation Grant and Loan Program.
  • ESSB 5764 Bill Text
  • ESSB 5764 passed in the Senate on April 27, 2011. It is currently pending in the House.

By Lauren Michele

Lauren Michele – Founder/Owner of Policy in Motion – is a policy consultant/advisor and communications strategist, specializing in progressive and non-partisan politics. She helps candidates and clients build campaigns, coalitions, and communication strategies. Lauren has 15 years of experience working with federal, state, and local government agencies; non-profit organizations; foundations; universities; and political/issue campaigns, including a Presidential Campaign and a California State Bond. Ms. Michele has over a decade of experience working virtually both in team and individual environments, with Policy in Motion offices in California. Policy in Motion’s mission is to promote the environmental, economic, and social well being of communities —fostering a sustainable future for all people and the planet.

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