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| Find Out About the AIA|WA |
Visit our website to learn about AIA|WA, the council's legislative goals, the Architects Political Action Committee, APAC.
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| New Architect Licensing Law - Rulemaking Begins |
Joe Vincent, Executive Director of the Architect Licensing Board, met with AIA|WA on July 16, 2010. Vincent discussed the process that will be taking place in order to implement ESSB 5529, the new architect licensing law.
In order to make the process smooth Vincent said the Board is," trying to get as much stakeholder input as possible prior to formal rule making." In order to encourage stakeholder input the Board will be sending out pre-drafts, drafts, and re-drafts of the rules for comment to invested parties. The best way to stay informed and participate in this process is to sign up for the Washington State Board for Architects ListServe.
The new law puts into effect changes in 3 stages over the next 2 years. The Board is aiming for the first continuing education requirements to begin in July 2011 however no dates or official standards have been set.
The AIA|WA will be creating a "white paper" to assist the Board in the wording of rules with technical and educational aspects. The Board is open recommendations from AIA architects regarding implementation of the new law. Once the rule's "draft language" has been created AIA architects are urged give feedback to the Board. Stay involved in this process and give your recommendations to the Architect Licensing Board by signing up for their ListServe today.
You can also get more information at the DOL Architect Board webpage for Rulemaking activity. The Board will be updating the webpage to act as a Q&A for architects; look for changes throughout the next year.
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Your Opinion Needed
Tim Nolger, lead staff person for the State Building Code Council (SBCC), spoke to the AIA|WA board on Friday, July 16, about the implementation of new Energy Efficiency Laws. The laws were scheduled to take effect July 1, however due to a delay request from the Governor, the SBCC has deferred implementation.
In order to determine how long the new laws should be postponed the SBCC is holding public hearings. Architects opinions and attendance are vital at these hearings. Nolger stated that, "AIA members are key partners in the rulemaking process."
You can attend on:
Background
In 2009, the AIA|WA supported Senate Bill 5854, which instructed the SBCC to create a new state building code that reduced energy usage. The bill put WA at the forefront of meeting AIA 2030 goals. But, during that same legislative session the state homebuilders association (BIAW) decried the new rules and filed a challenge with the legislature. Nevertheless, the AIA|WA and other bill sponsors were praised by the Governor for the new energy law and BIAW lost the political battle.
After the political attempt to stop the law, BIAW filed a federal lawsuit; they claim that the new energy rules are pre-empted by federal law because equipment standards in the code exceed federal standards. But grounds for the lawsuit are flawed because the code creates new equipment standards as just one choice out of several choices - not a mandate.
What is happening Now
Although implementation of the new energy code is on hold some progress is being made towards saving energy in Washington. The Department of Commerce (DOC) is moving forward with a strategic plan as instructed by the legislature. The DOC must complete and release the strategic plan to the legislature and the council by December 31, 2010, and update the plan every three years
Public involvement is encouraged and will be addressed through a series of webinars and workgroup meetings. You can participate in these webinars and workgroups - visit the DOC website here and scroll down for meeting dates and times.
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| NCARB Raises Fees Under Oppostion | | As of 1 July 2010, NCARB has raised its fees. NCARB has done this against the recommendation of the AIA and in a time of financial difficulty for most people. The proposed fees for interns involved in the IDP process are especially egregious.
The AIA|WA is drafting a letter to the NCARB Board, AIA National, and the Washington State Architecture board to request an immediate suspension of these new fees.
As a result of the outcry in opposition to the increased prices NCARB has issued an email that attempts to explain their reasoning for increasing costs in a very tough economic time. You can read the NCARB email here.
To see a list of the current fees click here.
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| AIA|WA Takes a Position on Ballot Measures | |
The AIA|WA Board of Directors voted to take positions on the following ballot measures that will be facing voters in the 2010 General Election:
 Support:
I - 1082: Allows for the institution of a private workers' compensation insurance system
Ballot Measure Summary: This measure would permit certification of private insurers as industrial insurance insurers, and authorize employers to purchase state-mandated industrial insurance coverage through an "industrial insurance insurer" beginning July 1, 2012. It would establish a joint legislative task force to propose legislation conforming current statutes to this measure's provisions, and would direct the legislature to enact such supplemental conforming legislation as necessary by March 1, 2012. It would also eliminate the worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums.
Why:
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WA's per worker costs are the second highest in the nation.
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Claims take a long time causing costs to skyrocket while workers are off the job until their claims are resolved.
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WA will save money. Due to competition L&I, one of the biggest agencies in WA, will have to streamline employment and inefficient processes.
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Private sector insurance jobs will increase
Referendum 52: Authorizes and funds bonds for energy-efficiency projects in public schools and higher-education buildings and makes a temporary tax on bottled water (approved in 2010) permanent.
Ballot Measure Summary: According to the way that, Engrossed House Bill 2562, funding construction of energy cost saving improvements to public facilities, was written the title and intent, and bond authorization proposal is referred to a vote of the people at the next general election. If pertinent parts of the act are not approved by the voters, the appropriation and bottled water tax sections are null and void.
Why:
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Will create thousands of construction jobs across the state to remove unsafe infrastructure, repair, replace and conduct audits and energy evaluations
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Will save Washington taxpayers $130 million per year by reducing energy costs and creating other efficiencies
SJR 8225: Amends the state constitution relating to debt limits for the state by changing the definition of "interest" to subtract direct federal subsidies.
Ballot Measure Summary: A constitutional amendment adjusting the state's debt limits. The amendment is a very technical change to Article VIII, Section 1 and is only six lines long. It changes the way the amount required for payment of interest is calculated by subtracting federal subsidies.
Why:
 Oppose:
I - 1098: Imposes a high-earner income tax
Ballot Measure Summary:
This measure would establish a tax on "adjusted gross income" (as determined under the federal internal revenue code) above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples or domestic partners filing jointly; reduce the limit on statewide property taxes by 20%; and increase the business and occupation tax credit to $4,800. The tax revenues would replace revenues lost from the reduced levy and increased credit; remaining revenues would be directed to education and health services.
Why:
- Would hurt small employers and entrepreneurs - many file as "S" corporations. That commonly-used approach to business incorporation requires business owners to report business income on their personal taxes. Thus the income tax would be a huge hit.
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WA becomes 6th highest income tax when coupled with WA's unique B&O tax
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Violates WA constitution; previous courts have ruled an income tax violates WA's constitution because it singles out certain taxpayers.
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Could hamper national employee-recruitment efforts by larger businesses.
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| You Can Shape Elections This Year | | This is an election year in Washington. The entire House and half of the Senate are up for election this
fall. You, and the AIA|WA, can affect the outcome of these elections.
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