BILL · 2007–08 SESSION

HB 2046: Critical areas

Requiring the use of the scientific method when regulating for the protection of environmentally critical areas.

Summary

Eliminates "best available science" as the standard for the development of policies and regulations to protect critical areas under the Growth Management Act and adopts a new standard based on the scientific methodology required for the creation of Shoreline Management Act master programs.
Specifies that the scientific methods required under the act are satisfied if buffers required in a critical areas ordinance are within the range of those regulations previously adopted by any local government based on best available science for the same category or type of critical area.

From the House Bill Analysis 2007 (HB 2046), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to protection of environmentally critical areas;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2046 (2025–26) Intangible assets tax · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2046 (2023–24) Child care alternative reqs. · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2046 (2021–22) Legislative activity ethics · Enacted · Chapter 37, Laws of 2022
HB 2046 (2019–20) Consumer data · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2046 (2017–18) Local infra. investment prg · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2046 (2015–16) Streams, definition in SMA · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 2046 (2013–14) Budget stabilization account · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2046 (2011–12) Compacts, compact amendments · Did not pass · died in committee