The architects licensing bill, SB 5529, had a hearing today, Thursday, Feb. 24 before the House General Government Appropriations Committee and was voted out unanimously. Previous groups in opposition have compromised with the AIA/WA, are backing the bill and even testified in support today. Legislators also indicated that they are anxious to see this bill pass.
Now that the bill has made the appropriations committee cut-off it goes to the House Rules Committee, and then to the House floor for a vote. The deadline for it to be voted on is next Friday, March 5.
This is important legislation for state architects. It has been 25 years since changes have been made to WA architectural licensing laws but in the meantime new technologies and modern practice methods have significantly changed the practice. This legislation will clean up confusing provisions, update qualifications standards, and simplify corporate registration.
You can see testimony below by the AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, and AIA/WA president elect, Peter Rasmussen.
2.25.2010
AIA|WA Supports Changing Requirements for SBCC Membership
The AIA/WA testified in support of HB 2775, in the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee on Feb. 23. Previously the AIA/WA testified “with concerns” on HB 2775, regarding membership on the State Building Code Council (SBCC), on Jan. 21.
AIAWA was concerned with a section of the bill that would have made appointments to the SBCC subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified people.
However, the section that mandated Senate confirmation was removed and the AIAWA testified in support of the remainder of the legislation.
HB 2275 will restrict people from representing a specific sector on the SBCC if they are no longer employed in that sector. AIA/WA believes this will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIAWA testimony below.
AIAWA was concerned with a section of the bill that would have made appointments to the SBCC subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified people.
However, the section that mandated Senate confirmation was removed and the AIAWA testified in support of the remainder of the legislation.
HB 2275 will restrict people from representing a specific sector on the SBCC if they are no longer employed in that sector. AIA/WA believes this will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIAWA testimony below.
2.11.2010
Cathy Dahlquist to Run for State Rep
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.
Dahlquist is running for the seat being vacated by Dan Roach. Representative Roach spoke at the kick off event, asking people to make contributions to Dahlquist’s campaign.
Dahlquist has served as President of the Enumclaw School Board for the last two years so education is an issue that is close to her heart. In addition, she’s a fiscal conservative who has said she would take those values to Olympia.
Dahlquist is excited about the amount of interest her campaign, “There is a lot of passion and energy right now,” she said. “People want to make their voices heard for a more efficient state government that has the right priorities.”
Dahlquist is running for the seat being vacated by Dan Roach. Representative Roach spoke at the kick off event, asking people to make contributions to Dahlquist’s campaign.
Dahlquist has served as President of the Enumclaw School Board for the last two years so education is an issue that is close to her heart. In addition, she’s a fiscal conservative who has said she would take those values to Olympia.
Dahlquist is excited about the amount of interest her campaign, “There is a lot of passion and energy right now,” she said. “People want to make their voices heard for a more efficient state government that has the right priorities.”
2.10.2010
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 on: the AIA federal legislative agenda, developing leadership expertise and communication skills. Those attending also learned about resources provided by AIA National and heard from two key-note speakers, Dr. Richard Farson and Puanani Burgess.
Most importantly, AIA/WA members were able to meet with members of Congress, and their staff, to lobby on the profession’s federal issues. The focus of the advocacy effort is outlined in the Blue Print for Economic Recovery. The “Blue Print” includes advocating for: credit for commercial project development, the continuation of Community Development Block Grants, tax deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings and more.
Washington’s U.S Senator Maria Cantwell opened the conference with a key-note speech. Senator Cantwell discussed the need for American energy independence. She noted that role architects can play in reducing Americas energy use by designing more resource efficient buildings.
You can visit the AIA National website to see some of the presentations from Grassroots online. You can also visit the Grassroots Facebook page to see what members are saying about the event.
Attendees were able to participate in presentations on: the AIA federal legislative agenda, developing leadership expertise and communication skills. Those attending also learned about resources provided by AIA National and heard from two key-note speakers, Dr. Richard Farson and Puanani Burgess.
Most importantly, AIA/WA members were able to meet with members of Congress, and their staff, to lobby on the profession’s federal issues. The focus of the advocacy effort is outlined in the Blue Print for Economic Recovery. The “Blue Print” includes advocating for: credit for commercial project development, the continuation of Community Development Block Grants, tax deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings and more.
Washington’s U.S Senator Maria Cantwell opened the conference with a key-note speech. Senator Cantwell discussed the need for American energy independence. She noted that role architects can play in reducing Americas energy use by designing more resource efficient buildings.
You can visit the AIA National website to see some of the presentations from Grassroots online. You can also visit the Grassroots Facebook page to see what members are saying about the event.
2.01.2010
Legislation Attempts to Block Progress on the Energy Code
The AIA/WA testified in opposition to House Bill 2928 on Friday, Jan. 29. This bill was introduced because the Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARRC) submitted two petitions regarding the State Building Code Council (SBCC) processes regarding creation of new energy codes.
JARRC asserts that the SBCC didn't complete the requested small-business impact statement or a satisfactory cost benefit analysis, so they turned to the legislature. The SBCC stated that it did comply with the requests of the JARRC in the best manner possible and that such an analysis based on one code, not all codes as a whole, is nearly impossible.
The AIA/WA believes the intent of this bill is focused on slowing the institution of new energy code policy adopted in 2009. HB 2928, while focused on the process of how the SBCC carried out its duties, effectively blocks implementation of the new energy code. If passed, HB 2928 will obstruct the new energy code policy and put Washington behind on its energy efficiency goals.
AIA/WA Executive Director Stan Bowman testified in opposition and Angie Homola, County Commissioner for Island County and a licensed architect, testified as well.
Homola sits on the SBCC and was able to highlight the rigorous steps taken by the SBCC during rule creation for the new state energy code. Homola testified in opposition and stated her willingness to work with the sponsor, Rep. Hasegawa, to find a different approach regarding processes.
JARRC asserts that the SBCC didn't complete the requested small-business impact statement or a satisfactory cost benefit analysis, so they turned to the legislature. The SBCC stated that it did comply with the requests of the JARRC in the best manner possible and that such an analysis based on one code, not all codes as a whole, is nearly impossible.
The AIA/WA believes the intent of this bill is focused on slowing the institution of new energy code policy adopted in 2009. HB 2928, while focused on the process of how the SBCC carried out its duties, effectively blocks implementation of the new energy code. If passed, HB 2928 will obstruct the new energy code policy and put Washington behind on its energy efficiency goals.
AIA/WA Executive Director Stan Bowman testified in opposition and Angie Homola, County Commissioner for Island County and a licensed architect, testified as well.
Homola sits on the SBCC and was able to highlight the rigorous steps taken by the SBCC during rule creation for the new state energy code. Homola testified in opposition and stated her willingness to work with the sponsor, Rep. Hasegawa, to find a different approach regarding processes.
AIA|WA Testifies in Support of Fire Sprinkler Bill
AIA/WA testified in support of Senate Bill 6451, concerning the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems, on Jan. 28, in Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. This legislation clarifies rules for fire sprinkler systems and confusing liability issues regarding their use.
Due to the hard work of the building code advisory group set up to examine his issue, all groups that testified on the bill were in support. Testimony was heard form the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Puget sound, the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Olympia Fire Department, and the AIA Washington Council.
Due to the hard work of the building code advisory group set up to examine his issue, all groups that testified on the bill were in support. Testimony was heard form the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Puget sound, the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Olympia Fire Department, and the AIA Washington Council.
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