The Update
e-newsletter for the AIA|WA
Our goal is to support Washington State architects through influencing state government. The Update is your link to what is happening politically.
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| Find Out About the AIA|WA |
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Visit our website to learn about AIA|WA, the council's legislative goals and the architects political action committee, APAC. Or download a copy of our policy goals for 2010. |
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| Capitol Connections, Architect's Lobby Day |
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Be part of the political activity that shapes the profession.
Feb. 19, 2010
10:00am - 5:00pm
The Heritage Room & Washington State Capitol
We will provide you with a legislative guide, bullet points, maps, transit, and everything else you will need to lobby your legislators successfully on topics like: updating architect licensing standards, sustainable building practices, a tax on professional services and more. A catered, sit-down lunch and key-note speakers will also be a part of the day. Please join us!
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| 2010 Mid Session Wrap-Up |
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Thirty-two days of the 2010 Legislative Session have passed. This year the session is only sixty days long, also known as a short session, so it's half over! Every year the number of bills increases and this year seems to be no exception, to date over 1,400 bills have been introduced. The AIA/WA has tracked 282 bills, testified on several, and "signed in" on many. The 2010 session continues to be jam-packed full of bills that affect the practice of architecture.
The AIA/WA has testified on bills that impact: (click title to see testimony)
House Bill 1634, Modernization of Architecture Licensing, had its first hearing of the session on Jan. 15. Based on discussions with legislators over the interim, the AIA/WA asked for an amendment to the bill that deals with the alternative pathway. The companion bill, Senate Bill 5529, was reintroduced in Rules Committee where it ended last year.
HB 1634 was voted out of Policy Committee Feb. 2 but died in General Government Appropriations Committee. The bill died due to time constraints and from members of the Associated General Contractors and Interior Design Coalition actively lobbying against it.
The Senate Bill 5529 was brought up for a vote Feb 10 and passed 39 to 8, with 2 excused. This action was due in large part to all our members who responded to the action alert sent Feb. 8. Without your participation it is possible that licensing would not get updated for yet another year. Thank you!
The bill will now go over to House to be heard in policy committee. The bill will have until Feb. 23 to be heard.
The AIA/WA testified in opposition to House Bill 2928 on Jan. 29. This bill was introduced because the Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARRC) asserted that the State Building Code Council (SBCC) did not pursue JARRC requests.
The SBCC believes it did comply with the requests. AIA/WA testified in opposition because the concealed objective of this legislation is slowing the implementation of the new energy code policy. HB 2928, while focused on the process of how the SBCC carried out its duties, effectively blocks implementation of the new energy code.
The AIA/WA testified with concerns to House Bill 2658 on Jan. 20. Section eight of HB 2658 proposes to move the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). There is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities. Whereas, L&I is enforcement oriented. In order to be effective the SBCC must combine divergent views to create codes that are proper, safe and able to be implemented; this requires independence from enforcement.
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| Stay In-the-Loop - Regsiter for the WSBA "list-serve" |
In an effort to more efficiently serve licensees the Washington State Board for Architects (WSBA) is transitioning to electronic distribution of information. Sign up for the WSBA list-serve and receive up to date information on:
Proposed rule changes
Policy Changes
New Licensees
Disciplinary Actions
Board Meetings and Activity
Signing up is easy, just send an email with "list-serve" in the subject line to Architects@dol.wa.gov. There is no cost to subscribe, and you may update or delete your address at any time.
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| Cathy Dahlquist to Run for State Rep |
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On Friday, Feb.5, Cathy Dahlquist kicked off her campaign for State Representative. Cathy is married to Jeff Dahlquist, AIA, and who has owned Jeff Dahlquist Architecture since 2003. Before owning his own firm Jeff worked at Schultz Miller and NBBJ.
To read more click here. |
| AIA|WA is Successful in Washington D.C. |
| The weather didn't keep the AIA Washington Council members out of DC for the AIA Grassroots 2010 Leadership and Legislative Conference.
This year fourteen AIA/WA members attended the conference. Attendees were able to participate in presentations and meet with members of Congress regarding the profession's federal issues. The focus of the advocacy effort is outlined in the Blueprint for Economic Recovery.
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