2009 Session Nears the End - But Issues for Architects Continue
The final cut-off for 2009 is on April 17, bills have a last chance before this to be voted on and amended in their respective houses. After that point only amended bills and those determined to impact the budget will continue. The final day of the session is April 26.
This year, 2009, has been a very different session. The financial situation that the state, and nation, is in has impacted legislator’s decisions greatly. In addition, most bills that affect architects have usually been resolved or passed by these final weeks. This year legislation impacting us continues on.
Licensing Modernization – ESSB 5529
House General Government Appropriations Committee passed the architecture licensing law modernization bill, SB 5529 before the cut-off this week. The next cut-off is Friday, April 17 and the AIA has until then to get the bill out of the House and back to the Senate. The AIA/WA has sent alerts to members and made calls to Seattle firms to get their help moving the bill. The bill must be pulled to the floor for a vote by Speaker Frank Chopp, which could prove difficult without architects from Seattle contacting their legislators about the importance of the legislation.
Increasing Architects Liability – E2SSB 1393
This bill has continued to move until the very end of the session. Currently the bill is in rules and was placed on second reading. The AIA/WA has been working hard to stop or amend this terrible legislation. AIA/WA shared with Senators letters received from professional liability insurers that state architects’ insurance does not cover claims of fraud or warranties. The AIA/WA has testified numerous times that E2SSB 1393, as passed by Senate Ways & Means Committee, would essentially void architects’ insurance policies for not only residential projects but all projects if someone claimed fraud.
Recently, the AIA/WA has worked with Senator Mary Margaret Haugen to create an amendment to fix the problems in this bill. It will provide real protections for consumers, while not damaging construction professionals. The AIA/WA sent out a membership-wide alert to encourage all architects to contact their senators about supporting the Haugen amendment. The AIA/WA supports this bill if Haugen’s amendment is attached. However, if Senator Haugen’s amendment is not attache, the AIA/WA is strongly opposed to the legislation and working very hard to see that it does not pass this session.
Bond Bill to Fund Education Projects – HB 2334
Rep. Hans Dunshee introduced a new bond bill, HB 2334, to fund higher education, elementary and secondary education projects. The bill focuses on “funding construction of safety, health, and energy-saving improvements to public facilities.”
AIA/WA testified in support of the goals of this legislation in the House Capital Budget Committee. The money and purposes of projects in this legislation are certainly needed. The proposed state budget transfers $750 million out of the Capital budget and into the operating budget. That is creating a significant long-term problem for capital projects.
The AIA/WA also had a few concerns namely: accountability provisions in the bill and the section on “performance based contracting.” You can hear testimony and learn more about the bill on the AIA/WA blog.
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Forum on Residential Sprinklers:
April 16
The Washington Association of Building Officials is holding a forum to discuss the issue of residential sprinklers. This year the legislature and the State Building Code Council have been working on ways to ease the path for the use of sprinklers in residential projects. HB 2224 made progress this year, but died earlier in the session when it failed to pass a critical cut-off.
You can attend the forum on April 16 by calling 800.223.8511. AIA member John Neff will be presenting the findings of the State Building Code Council (SBCC) Sprinkler Technical Advisory Group or you can click here to read the findings of the SBCC.
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Guide Offers Tips for Stimulus Package Use
AIA National recently sent out an article to components that talks about how architects can tap into the stimulus plan. This is good news after a different recent article (read it on our blog) describes how Washington state architecture firms are feeling the pinch of the down economy.
The article, published in the Architecture Record, sites Elaine Howley, editor of the recently released manual, Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, produced by ZweigWhite, a Massachusetts-based research and consulting firm. Howley states that, “A lot of designers are put off by the term ‘shovel-ready,’” Howley says. “They think this bill isn’t really for them, but that’s not necessarily the case.”
The guide, although somewhat expensive at $145 dollars, gives a detailed analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA); where funds are headed; a list of agencies and other resources to contact for project information; and also lays out strategies on how to win stimulus-funded projects.
If you would like a copy of the guide click here.
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