skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
Share this:


MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for May 2019

Bidder Responsibility Criteria Changing July 1

Bidder Responsibility Criteria Changing July 1

May 31, 2019  by  Judy Isaac
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Beginning in July, agencies awarding contracts to bidders must first confirm that the bidder has completed a required training on prevailing wage and public works requirements or that the bidder is exempt from this training. 

Read more

Another Legislative Session, Another Round of PRA Changes

Another Legislative Session, Another Round of PRA Changes

May 28, 2019  by  Flannary Collins
Category:  Public Records Act ,  New Legislation and Regulations

This blog reviews some of the public records bills affecting local governments from the 2019 legislative session.

Read more

Natural Composting of Human Remains - A First for Washington State

Natural Composting of Human Remains - A First for Washington State

May 23, 2019  by  Linda Gallagher
Category:  Cemeteries

ESSB 5001 allows natural composting of human remains as an option to cremation services and traditional burials. This blog post provides an overview of the bill and the processes now allowed by it. 

Read more

Finance-Related Legislation Passed During The 2019 Session

Finance-Related Legislation Passed During The 2019 Session

May 21, 2019  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Finance ,  New Legislation and Regulations

Interested in learning more about recently passed bills that offer increased use of taxes or authority to increase certain taxes? This blog post covers the basics. 

Read more

Time To Set The Policy Framework For Your Next Budget

Time To Set The Policy Framework For Your Next Budget

May 16, 2019  by  Mike Bailey
Category:  Budgets and Budgeting

Developing sound policy goals as a preface to budget planning is one of the most important ways an elected official can make a real difference in their community. 

Read more

Legislature Paves the Way for Tiny Houses

Legislature Paves the Way for Tiny Houses

May 14, 2019  by  Jill Dvorkin
Category:  Housing ,  New Legislation and Regulations

This blog post covers ESSB 5383, a new bill intended to enable the development of tiny house communities throughout the state.

Read more

Regulating Sky Lanterns

Regulating Sky Lanterns

May 6, 2019  by  Davis Abbott
Category:  Guest Author ,  Fire Protection

This blog post explores how sky lanterns—or mini air balloons—are regulated in Washington State.

Read more

Firefighting in the Wildland Inter-Urban Interface

Firefighting in the Wildland Inter-Urban Interface

May 2, 2019  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Emergency Management ,  Fire Protection

This blog post looks at the most challenging type of firefighting—where wild lands meet human development—and how some Washington local governments are attempting to mitigate risk in these areas.

Read more