April 30, 2013

The 2013 Regular Legislative Session has come to an end and I’m home for a little while. The Governor will be calling the Legislature back to Olympia on May 13th for the first Special Session of 2013. I say"first” because there’s already speculation that multiple Special Sessions may be necessary. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my time at home getting caught up on all the work I have around the house.

If you haven’t visited"Freedom Agenda - WA” on Facebook, check it out. We will continue to post updates on that page, so please like the page and share it with your friends. The more people that follow that page, the easier it is to spread freedom and liberty across Washington State.

April 27th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 104

It’s Saturday here in Olympia and we’re on the Floor to possibly vote on a few bills or maybe not. The Floor Session started at noon and the Democrat Majority broke for lunch from 1:00 until 2:30. Yes you read that correctly, we worked for an hour and had a 1.5 hour lunch break. If anyone has any question as to why we’re going to Special Session, there you have it.

We ran the following bill from the Regular Floor Calendar:
House Bill 2058 passed 92 to 1 with 5 excused.

And now the session ended at 2:45 PM. What a waste of time.

Libertarian Party of Washington Calls on Legislature to Repeal Medicaid Expansion, Nullify Affordable Care Act | Washington State Wire - News of Capitol Importance

washingtonstatewire.com/blog/libertarian-party-of-...e-act

"Washington State Wire is an independent nonpartisan news gathering organization focusing on Washington state government and the policies that affect Washington residents’ daily lives."

I've had a few people ask me why I voted against the House Democrat Operating Budget ... well, one of the reasons is the Medicaid Expansion that is contained in the budget. It's also in the Senate's Budget. Here's a great piece explaining the proposed expansion.

April 26th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 103

It’s Friday in Olympia and we have three days of Regular Session left. It is physically impossible to end the session on time, so Special Session will start Monday or shortly thereafter. As I’ve mentioned several times, this session has been very, very different and it has only gotten stranger over the past several days. We didn’t work last Friday, Saturday or Sunday (strange) and have been done around 4:00 PM every day this week. Typically, we’re running until 10:00 or 11:00 PM this time of year. The Democrat Majority is doing everything they can to make a show of acting busy … folks, we are not busy and they are wasting time and taxpayers money pretending to be. To top it all off, yesterday the Senate announced they were done and it was time for the Democrat Majority in the House to get their act together … the House Democrats response, gavel the day to an end. Ugh! I wonder if Olympia is nice in July.

We still have a couple bills on the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar and several on the Regular Floor Calendar.

Bills from the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar:
Substitute House Bill 1183 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1471 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5236 was returned to Second Reading for amendment and passed 70 to 26 with 2 excused.

Bills from the Regular Floor Calendar:
House Concurrent Resolution 4405 passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
House Concurrent Resolution 4406 passed 91 to 4 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1539 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5843 passed 67 to 29 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5072 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2056 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.

April 25th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 102

It’s Thursday and we’re back on the House Floor to vote on the few remaining bills left on the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar and the Regular Floor Calendar. The bills left on the Floor Calendar include the Capital Budget, State General Obligation Bonds, a bill related to Education Employee Compensation, and a bill related to the Text of Ballot Measures. It’s the time of year that"stinky” bills come forward and get acted on. The taxpayers, property owners and voters of Washington State need to remain vigilant for the last 4 days of Regular Session and any Special Session that may occur.

Regular Floor Calendar:
House Bill 2042 passed 88 to 8 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2044 passed 67 to 29 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2045 passed 52 to 44 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5337 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5193 passed 96 to 2.

Concurrence/Dispute Calendar:
Second Substitute House Bill 1723 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 63 to 35.
Substitute House Bill 1821 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5221 was returned to Second Reading for amendment and passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 5510 was returned to Second Reading for amendment and passed 98 to 0.
Substitute Senate Bill 5705 was returned to Second Reading for amendment and passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5666 to agree with the Conference Committee passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 1130 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1552 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.

April 24th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 101

It’s Wednesday morning and we’re on the House Floor to vote on bills. There really aren’t a lot of bills to run from the calendars, but there are several bills in play that came out of committee yesterday. The rumor is we could Sine Die as early as Friday (instead of Sunday), but we’ll see. I have to admit that I’m looking forward to being home, at least for a little while until the Special Session gets cranked up.

We ran the following bills the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar:
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5213 was returned to Second Reading for a new amendment and passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5267 was returned to Second Reading for a new amendment and passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1253 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5211 was returned to Second Reading for a new amendment and passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5732 was returned to Second Reading for a new amendment and passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.

We also debated the Democrat Majority’s idea of good governance … just short of $1.0 billion tax increase. The tax increases will impact businesses throughout Washington State and will mean higher prices and job losses. We ran two important amendments to try and protect the people’s right to Referendum. The first amendment would have required the tax increases be put to a vote of the people and remove the emergency clause. The amendment failed 46 to 51. The second amendment would have simply removed the emergency clause which allows individuals to petition the state for a referendum. That amendment also failed 47 to 50. Substitute House Bill 2038 passed 50 to 47 with 1 excused. Interestingly, Speaker Chopp allowed 5 members of his Democrat Caucus off by voting no to avoid the backlash from their voters.

April 24th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 101

Governor holds budget hostage for guns ...

theolympiareport.com/inslee-still-hopes-dui-gun-co...assed
https://chumly.com/n/1bcffeb

April 23rd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 100

After spending the morning in the Appropriations Committee, I’m back on the House Floor voting on bills from the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar.

Substitute House Bill 1242 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1245 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1466 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 81 to 16 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1612 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 89 to 8 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1764 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1779 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 87 to 10 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1941 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1412 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.

We also receded from the House Amendment and returned to Second Reading to consider a new amendment on Second Substitute Senate Bill 5595. It passed 58 to 39 with 1 excused.

April 23rd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 100

Tuesday morning and I’m back in the Appropriations Committee to consider 12 bills for Executive Action. I’m really not sure how to properly explain the significance of Committee Meetings being held the last week of the Regular Session. It’s not just the Appropriations Committee; it’s also the Finance and Transportation Committees as well. The fact that the Democrat Majority in the House is still moving bills this late in the session clearly demonstrates a level of dysfunction I haven’t seen before.

The bills being considered for Executive Action include …

House Bill 1935, House Bill 2029, House Bill 2033, House Bill 2042, House Bill 2043, House Bill 2044, House Bill 2045, House Bill 2046, House Bill 2047, House Bill 2050, House Bill 2051, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5794.

April 22nd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 99

The weekends are never long enough and I’m back in Olympia. I started my day taping a radio show and then returned to the Capital for an Appropriations Committee hearing. After lunch, we’re back on the Floor this afternoon voting on the Concurrence/Dispute Calendar.

Substitute House Bill 1001 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 87 to 7 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1068 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1076 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1093 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1114 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 89 to 6 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1144 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 88 to 7 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1178 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 85 to 10 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1194 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 77 to 18 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1207 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 60 to 35 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1265 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1284 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1334 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1336 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 89 to 6 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1341 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1416 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1445 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 92 to 3 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1472 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1474 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1493 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0- with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1519 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 90 to 5 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1525 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1556 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 83 to 12 with 3 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1566 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 83 to 12 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1633 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 83 to 12 with 3 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1642 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 86 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1645 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 91 to 4 with excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1679 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 88 to 7 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1688 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1736 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 92 to 3 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1737 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1774 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 90 to 5 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1800 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1826 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 86 to 9 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1846 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1883 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 93 to 2 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1968 to concur with the Senate Amendment passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.

We also ran House Bill 2024 which passed 85 to 10 with 3 excused.

April 22nd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 99

Monday, day one of the final week of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session and we’re back in the Appropriations Committee hearing 11 bills. Folks, this is not a good sign for ending on time. House Bill 1935 requires a General Fund transfer to the Recreation Access Pass Account in the amount equal to the sales of Discover Passes and day-use permits for the preceding year; requires a General Fund transfer to the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account in the amount equal to the total fees waived under the Park Passes program during the preceding year; and determines that vehicles displaying a State Parks special license plate are not required to display the Discover Pass or day-use permit within a state park.

House Bill 2029 eliminates the Washington Economic Development Commission, and transfers responsibilities related to Innovation Research Teams and the Entrepreneurs-in- Residence program to the Department of Commerce (Department); eliminates Innovate Washington, and transfers most responsibilities and all assets to the Department; eliminates the Washington Global Health Technologies and Product Development Competitiveness Program board, and transfers program responsibilities to the Life Sciences Discovery Fund Authority; and eliminates the Washington Tourism Commission from statute.

House Bill 2033 allows the Secretary of State to include the full text of a statewide measure in the voters' pamphlet or provide information about how to view or obtain the full text of the measure.

House Bill 2042 delays the rebase of non-capital rate components from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2015 and extends the sunset of two rate add-ons, comparison and acuity, from June 30, 2013 to June 30, 2015.

House Bill 2043 suspends Initiative 732 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for K-12 and applicable higher education system staff for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years and suspends adjustments to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification bonus for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years.

House Bill 2044 delays the payment of family leave insurance benefits until the Legislature appropriates funding and enacts an implementation date and delays the due dates of annual reports to the Legislature on the family leave insurance program until one year after the enacted implementation date of benefits.

House Bill 2045 removes formulas that counties could choose from in requesting payment in lieu of real property taxes (PILT) for game lands owned by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and reside within the county's jurisdiction and establishes a $1.01 per acre rate, increasing by one percent each calendar year beginning in 2015, for counties electing to receive PILT.

House Bill 2046 transfers $575 million from the Budget Stabilization Account to the State General Fund.

House Bill 2047 directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to adapt the statewide assessment system in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics in the 2014-15 school year using assessments developed by a multistate consortium; ends the Geometry end-of-course test after the 2012-13 school year; provides that, beginning with the graduating class of 2015, students must meet the state standard for graduation in ELA rather than in reading and writing; and directs the SPI also to adopt the consortium-developed College and Career Readiness assessments in ELA and mathematics, to be used as an alternative assessment for students who attempt the state assessment at least once, but not to be required for graduation.

House Bill 2050 requires county jails to certify to the Department of Corrections (DOC) the number of days of early release time an offender has lost or not earned during presentence time served in jail, rather than the amount of time earned and requires the DOC to adjust an offender's rate of early release for presentence time served in jails to be consistent with the rate applicable to DOC offenders.

House Bill 2051 requires specified Basic Education allocations to be increased in equal annual increments beginning in the 2013-14 school year through the 2017-18 school year; adjusts allocations to be provided for maintenance, supplies, and operating costs to reflect updated data; phases in increased salary allocations for classified and administrative staff in biennial increments based on market rate salaries identified in a 2012 study; specifies an implementation schedule for increased instructional hours under Basic Education; directs the State Board of Education to adopt a 24-credit graduation requirement framework to take effect with the graduating class of 2018; creates a legislative Task Force on Career Education Opportunities, and requires a report by December 15, 2013; and directs that the state expenditure limit not be rebased for Fiscal Year 2014 through 2018 based on the previous year's actual expenditures.

What an awesome accomplishment ... congratulations Mr. Charbonneau!

Yakima Herald Republic | Zillah’s Charbonneau named national teacher of the year:: www.yakimaherald.com/home/1068926-8/zillahs-charbo...-year
https://chumly.com/n/1bbcda6

April 18th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 95

It’s Thursday and after a number of Committee Meetings this morning we’re on the House Floor voting on bills …

Substitute House Bill 1957 passed 90 to 5 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1978 passed 93 to 1 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1986 passed 87 to 7 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1988 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5152 passed 76 to 18 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1287 passed 64 to 29 with 5 excused.
House Bill 1421 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
House Bill 1437 passed 92 to 1 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1634 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.

We’re also running bills from the Concurrent/Dispute Calendar …
Substitute House Bill 1115 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1116 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 1134 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 82 to 12 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1216 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 89 to 5 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1277 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 73 to 21 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1291 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1381 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1394 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1432 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1541 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1547 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1652 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 83 to 11 with 4 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1808 to concur with the Senate Amendments passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.

April 17th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 94

Wednesday morning on the House Floor and we’re running bills …

Substitute Senate Bill 5456 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5182 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5715 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5264 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5476 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5681 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5263 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5437 passed 84 to 13 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5099 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5211 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5078 passed 86 to 10 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5002 passed 60 to 37 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5052 passed 91 to 6 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5092 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5297 passed 83 to 14 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5705 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5748 passed 82 to 15 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5256 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.

Today is Opposite House Cutoff, which means we’re in the home stretch …

April 16th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 93

Tuesday morning and we’re on the House Floor for what will likely be a long day. We’ll be running the House Transportation Budget first thing this morning, followed by a long list of bills.

Substitute House Bill 1864 (Transportation Budget) passed 68 to 28 with 2 excused.

After breaking for Caucus, we’re now running bills again …

Substitute Senate Bill 5702 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5709 passed 96 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5565 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5744 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5104 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5195 passed 75 to 21 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5206 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5213 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5287 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5305 passed 94 to 2 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5315 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5411 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5416 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5434 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5449 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5480 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5551 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5595 passed 58 to 38 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5601 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5666 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5669 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5732 passed 93 to 3 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5809 passed 92 to 4 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5603 passed 82 to 15 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5591 passed 88 to 8 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5105 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1961 passed 91 to 5 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1971 passed 73 to 23 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1982 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2002 passed 85 to 11 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2016 passed 75 to 21 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1920 passed 54 to 42 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2018 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5405 passed 82 to 15 with 2 excused.

Secret 30-year program giving fake IDs to CIA and foreign officers uncovered - Seattle Political Buzz | www.examiner.com

www.examiner.com/article/secret-30-year-program-gi...vered

"After operating a clandestine ID program for over three decades without any statutory authority, the Washington State Department of Licensing in conjunction wit"


https://chumly.com/n/1b8ff86

Wash. DOL issued most undercover licenses to CIA - Northwest - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports

www.theolympian.com/2013/04/16/2507664/wa-dol-issu....html

"A Washington Department of Licensing program that supplied fake licenses for undercover officers issued the most fake IDs to the Central Intelligence Agency and Defense Department, the Kitsap Sun reported."


https://chumly.com/n/1b8ff57

CIA, Defense Department among agencies using Washington's undercover licenses » Kitsap Sun

www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/apr/15/cia-defense-dep...VNUgV

"A bill that would provide legislative oversight to the previously clandestine state program is gaining momentum, but lawmakers are flying blind as they try to legislate its operation without knowing how it's used."


https://chumly.com/n/1b8ff25

April 15th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 92

I was able to get home over the weekend and went to the Yakima County Lincoln Day Dinner. It was really great seeing all our friends and supporters. It’s Monday morning and we’re back on the House Floor voting on a long list of bills. We’ve hit that point in the session where we’ll be sitting around a lot, waiting for the Democrats to decide what they want to do.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5607 passed 84 to 11 with 3 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5008 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5030 passed 85 to 10 with 3 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5045 passed 82 to 13 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5056 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5095 passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5197 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5343 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5369 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5496 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5396 passed 78 to 19 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5593 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5630 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5770 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5806 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Joint Memorial 8001 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5329 passed 68 to 29 with 1 excused.
Second Engrossed Senate Bill 5701 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5149 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5180 passed 76 to 21 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5113 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5136 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5258 passed 72 to 25 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5344 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5359 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5362 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5399 passed 78 to 19 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5444 passed 91 to 6 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5472 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5491 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5510 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5559 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5577 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.

After 10.5 hours on the House Floor, we are finally done for the day/night.

CIA Obtains False IDs From Washington Dept. Of Licensing | NW News Network

nwnewsnetwork.org/post/cia-obtains-false-ids-washi...rrer=

"OLYMPIA, Wash. – In recent years, the state of Washington has issued nearly 300 fictitious driver licenses to the CIA. That's according to public records" mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/northwestnews/file...4/cia seal.jpg
https://chumly.com/n/1b8b27e

April 12th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 89

After spending the morning in Caucus discussing a number of bills, we broke for lunch and then considered several bills for passage.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5236 passed 53 to 42 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5797 passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5082 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5110 passed 57 to 37 with 4 excused.
Senate Bill 5302 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5316 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5324 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5332 passed 54 to 40 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5568 passed 94 to 4 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5615 passed 73 to 21 with 4 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5624 passed 57 to 38 with 3 excused.
Senate Bill 5692 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5723 passed 94 to 2 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5767 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5849 passed 84 to 12 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution 8401 passed 84 to 11 with 1 absent and 2 excused.

After debating and passing these bills, we returned to Caucus to discuss all the proposed amendments to the Democrat Operating Budget. There were 27 proposed amendments to the budget, with 10 of the proposed amendments ultimately withdrawn from consideration. The Democrat’s House Operating Budget is predicated on a $1.3 billion tax increase and $2.1 billion in growth, totaling a $3.445 Billion increase over the 2011-13 Biennium. Many of our citizens would enjoy a 1% increase to their personal budgets, yet the State Operating Budget is growing by approximately 11%.

The House Republicans put forth a series of amendments aimed at reducing regulations and increasing economic development, yet each and every one of those amendments were defeated. These amendments included 90-day permitting by state agencies and a rule-writing moratorium. I guess a rule-writing moratorium was acceptable to former Governor Gregoire (yes, she issued an Executive Order requiring as much), but not to the House Democrats.

I am saddened to report the House Democrat Operating Budget, tax increases and all, passed 54 to 43 with 1 excused. Folks the no votes on the budget represent a bipartisan"no” vote, while the"yes” vote was 100% Democrat.

April 11th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 88

We’re on the House Floor again this morning voting on a number Senate Bills.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5053 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5810 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5025 passed 89 to 8 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5142 passed 67 to 30 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5165 passed 72 to 25 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5212 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5215 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5235 passed 81 to 16 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5274 passed 96 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5308 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5389 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5267 passed 87 to 10 with 1 excused.

At 3:30 today, the House Appropriations Committee will begin considering the House Democrat Budget for Executive Action. We expect it to be a long hearing.

April 10th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 87

We spent the morning getting briefed on the proposed striking amendment to the Senate Operating Budget (ESSB 5034), which amounts to the House Democrat Majority’s proposed budget. We were also briefed on the latest draft of the Capital Budget, most of which remains unclear given the recent Federal District Court dealing with fish passage.

I’m now in the House Appropriations Committee meeting hearing the Democrat’s proposed Operating Budget, embodied in a striking amendment. The Democrat’s proposed budget totals $34,845.7 Billion for Fiscal Year 13-15, which is approximately $3,554.7 Billion more than the Fiscal Year 2011-13 budget or an 11% increase to the state General Fund. The Democrat’s proposed budget was released to the public at 12:30 PM this afternoon and three hours later we’re receiving testimony on it.

We’ve been told the Democrats plan on taking Executive Action to move the bill out of committee tomorrow (Thursday) with the plan being to pass the Operating Budget off the House Floor sometime on Friday. That means from the time the proposed budget was released to the public and subsequently passed on the House Floor, the total amount of time the public was provided to review and comment was less than 60 hours.

April 9th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 86

We’re on the House Floor today running a bunch of bills. For the most part, these all are Republican Senate bills.

Substitute Senate Bill 5021 passed 92 to 0 with 6 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5022 passed 92 to 0 with 6 excused.
Senate Bill 5046 passed 92 to 0 with 6 excused.
Senate Bill 5050 passed 92 to 0 with 6 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5077 passed 70 to 22 with 6 excused.
Senate Bill 5102 passed 92 to 0 with 6 excused.
Senate Bill 5114 passed 91 to 2 with 5 excused.

We broke for lunch and are back on the House Floor voting on bills again.

Substitute Senate Bill 5135 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5148 passed 84 to 10 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5153 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Senate Bill 5161 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Senate Bill 5186 passed 89 to 5 with 4 excused.
Senate Bill 5207 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5210 passed 93 to 3 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5221 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5227 passed 94 to 4 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5282 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5352 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5355 passed 89 to 4 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5400 passed 92 to 1 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5417 passed 87 to 6 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5446 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5458 passed 65 to 28 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5459 passed 90 to 3 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5465 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5466 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5484 passed 83 to 10 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5507 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5517 passed 81 to 12 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5541 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5556 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5616 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5627 passed 71 to 22 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5674 passed 81 to 12 with 5 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5699 passed 87 to 6 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5712 passed 90 to 3 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5751 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5761 passed 57 to 36 with 5 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5774 passed 89 to 4 with 5 excused.
Senate Bill 5786 passed 90 to 3 with 5 excused.
Senate Joint Memorial 8005 passed 93 to 0 with 5 excused.

April 8th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 85

We received word today that the House Appropriations Committee will be hearing the Operating Budget on Wednesday at 3:30 PM. Here’s the best part … we’re not hearing the budget passed by the Senate last week, we’re hearing a striking amendment that encompasses the House Democrat’s budget AND the proposed striking amendment won’t be available for public review until 12:30 on Wednesday. This will be a 400-plus page bill and 3 hours for the public and legislators to review it. How’s that for open government?

April 8th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 85

Monday morning and we’re in the Appropriations Committee considering six bills for Executive Action. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5176, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5237, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5244, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5329, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5405, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5732. It could be a short day in Appropriations, but we’ll see how many new amendments pop up.

I spent the weekend in Olympia, while Molly and Tiffany were in Pullman for a volleyball tournament. I was able to get one budget read and a few errands ran, but I would have rather spent the weekend with my girls. With 21 days left in the 2013 Regular Legislative Session, we’re likely going to get pretty busy and we’re starting to hear rumors of a Special Session.

April 5th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 82

The six bills we will be considering for Executive Action in the Appropriations Committee are House Bill 2016, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5176, Substitute Senate Bill 5195, Senate Bill 5337, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5480, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5732.

April 5th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 82

The next six bills we will be hearing include, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5237 assigns responsibilities to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to continue implementation of a Comprehensive Literacy Plan and support school districts in reading and early literacy; requires school districts to provide a system of instruction and services in reading and early literacy that includes screening and diagnostic assessments, use of evidence-based instructional strategies, continuous use of data, partnerships with community organizations, and family engagement; makes the third grade reading assessment an accountability measure for these efforts; directs the State Board of Education (SBE) to monitor results and progress in third grade reading and submit its findings to the OSPI biennially; and requires the OSPI to submit recommendations based on the SBE report by December 1 of each even-numbered year.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5329 updates the criteria used by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to identify persistently lowest-achieving schools to conform to revised federal rules and guidance, to be applied equally to both Title I and non-Title I schools; permits state as well as federal funds to be used for school improvement in a Required Action District (RAD); replaces a requirement that a RAD use one of four federal intervention models with a requirement for use of a school improvement model approved by the SPI; authorizes the State Board of Education to designate a RAD that has implemented a required action plan for at least three years and has not made adequate progress to a new Level II RAD process; directs that the SPI work with the school board to develop a Level II Plan that includes specified interventions and conditions binding on the district; provides a process and authority for the SPI to direct actions if the school board does not agree to a Level II Plan, or if the Level II Plan is not implemented as specified; directs the SPI to design a system of support, assistance, and intervention that applies equally to Title I and non-Title I schools if funds are available, and is implemented in the 2014-15 school year; and establishes a legislative task force to oversee implementation and monitor outcomes from the educational accountability system.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5405 expands the criteria which allow youth who age out of foster care to become eligible for extended foster care services and makes the eligibility subject to funds appropriated; requires the Department of Social and Health Services to provide written notice of and explanation of availability of extended foster care services to youth in foster care between the ages of 17 years and 17 years and six months; and applies the provisions of the act prospectively.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5551 establishes standards for the appointment of an evaluator to conduct competency evaluations when performance targets for the completion of evaluations of in-custody defendants are not being met in a county; requires the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) to reimburse the county for the costs of the appointed evaluator in an amount that is at least equivalent to the amount for evaluations conducted by the Department, subject to amounts appropriated for this specific purpose; and requires the Office of the State Human Resources Director to gather and report on market salary data for psychologists and psychiatrists employed by the state.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5595 defines the Early Achievers Program and the program goals; requires the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to convene a parent and provider oversight board; outlines specific responsibilities of the DEL and the Department of Social and Health Services with regards to the Working Connections Child Care Program (WCCC); creates a legislative task force to examine certain components of the WCCC; and incorporates some of the recommendations from the Aclara Report into practice.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5794 defines Alternative Learning Experiences (ALE) by type of course rather than by type of program; defines site-based ALE courses as providing at least 20 percent weekly in-person instructional contact; defines remote ALE courses as providing less than 20 percent weekly in-person instructional contact; uses a current definition of an online ALE course but clarifies that the primary instructional contact must be with a teacher; allocates funding for ALE courses using the statewide average Basic Education rate for high school students; adjusts provisions of the school choice laws regarding transfer of students between resident and nonresident districts to enroll in online courses; and directs the Office of Financial Management to conduct a study and create a proposal for an efficient and sustainable funding alternative for the ALE with an increased focus on educational outcomes.

April 5th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 82

My day today is filled with a House Appropriations Committee meeting where we’ll be hearing ten bills and considering six bills for Executive Action. The first five bills include, Substitute House Bill 1971 requires retailers of prepaid wireless telephone service to collect and remit the Enhanced 911 tax; repeals the taxes funding the Washington Telephone Assistance and Telecommunications Relay Service programs and requires the programs to be funded by State General Fund appropriations; repeals the state and local sales and use tax exemption for local residential landline service; and establishes a temporary state universal communications services program.

House Bill 2022 directs the Health Care Authority to require dispensing of contraceptive drugs with up to a one-year supply provided at one time; requires contracts with managed care plans to allow on-site dispensing of prescribed contraceptive drugs at family planning clinics; and requires dispensing practices for contraceptive drugs to follow clinical guidelines.

Substitute Senate Bill 5045 creates a special permit for day spas to offer a complimentary glass of wine or beer to customers for on-premise consumption and defines "day spa" for the purposes of the special permit.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5213 requires that contracts with managed health care systems under Medicaid include incentives for pharmacists and primary care providers to provide services to review the appropriateness and effectiveness of drugs for patients with medications for multiple chronic conditions.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5237 assigns responsibilities to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to continue implementation of a Comprehensive Literacy Plan and support school districts in reading and early literacy; requires school districts to provide a system of instruction and services in reading and early literacy that includes screening and diagnostic assessments, use of evidence-based instructional strategies, continuous use of data, partnerships with community organizations, and family engagement; makes the third grade reading assessment an accountability measure for these efforts; directs the State Board of Education (SBE) to monitor results and progress in third grade reading and submit its findings to the OSPI biennially; and requires the OSPI to submit recommendations based on the SBE report by December 1 of each even-numbered year.

April 4th - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 81

My only Committee meeting today is in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government where we’re hearing nine bills. House Bill 1888 authorizes the Director of the Department of Agriculture to issue licenses for the growing of industrial hemp; designates industrial hemp as an agricultural product which may be grown, produced, possessed, and commercially traded pursuant to the requirements of the act; creates an industrial hemp account in the State Treasury that is funded by licensing fees; and authorizes Washington State University to undertake research regarding industrial hemp production in this state.

Substitute Senate Bill 5369 recreates the Geothermal Account to receive and direct the distribution of all revenues related to geothermal resource extraction on federal lands located in Washington; updates the existing definition of "geothermal resources" to add specific inclusions and exemptions; and clarifies the relationship among geothermal resource wells and water wells.

Substitute Senate Bill 5289 authorizes the sale of the Discover Pass at a discounted rate for sales, bundling, and partnership opportunities and provides an exception for the Discover Pass requirements for motor vehicles operating on certain roads managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5540 allows the Insurance Commissioner to enter into reciprocal agreements to allow health insurance policies to be sold across state lines.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5603 establishes the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council within the Office of the Governor to serve as an advisory body and forum for communication on coastal marine waters issues and establishes the Washington Marine Resources Advisory Council within the Office of the Governor to coordinate and implement certain activities pertaining to the impacts of ocean acidification through June 2017.

House Bill 2024 provides that the Attorney General is not required to institute or prosecute actions on behalf of state officers against the state or a county in matters regarding the level or sufficiency of fiscal appropriations.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5105 requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to create a list of approved housing providers; limits payment of vouchers for offenders to the providers on the list, if more than two voucher recipients will be residing per dwelling unit; requires that the DOC limit the concentration of approved housing providers in a single neighborhood and consider a locally created community impact statement before approving a provider; creates a process for local governments to request removal of a housing provider from the list; and requires the DOC to provide transition support to verify that offenders who are using the vouchers in a home with four or more individuals are participating in programs or services.

Substitute Senate Bill 5437 makes it a gross misdemeanor offense (instead of a misdemeanor) to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any drug; provides that any person who operates a vessel is deemed to have given consent to a breath or blood test when an arresting officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person was operating the vessel while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any drug; provides that a person, believed to have committed certain boating violations, could be issued an infraction if he or she refuses to take the breath or blood test upon the request of a police officer; and establishes specific boating safety criteria for any person who has vessels for rent, lease, charter, or use and makes a violation of such criteria a civil infraction unless it is the person's third violation, in which case it is a misdemeanor offense.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5860 provides that the Attorney General (AG) is not required to institute or prosecute actions on behalf of Superior Court judges against the state or a county with respect to fiscal issues and provides that any duty on the part of the AG to continue to prosecute an action on behalf of Superior Court judges ceases after the effective date of the act.

We may also take Executive Action on nine bills … HB 2024, ESB 5105, SSB 5369, SSB 5437, 2SSB 5540, ESB 5603, SSB 5760, and ESB 5860.

Freedomcast with Matt Shea, Jason Overstreet and David Taylor

We were able to record a new Freedomcast today ... enjoy!



https://chumly.com/n/1b4a426

April 3rd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 80

On the House Floor today, we’ll be running approximately 15 bills on the Suspension Calendar. The Suspension Calendar is reserved for those bills which pass the committee unanimously AND approved by the Chair and Ranking Member for placement on the Suspension Calendar. That doesn’t necessarily mean the vote on the House Floor will be unanimous.

Senate Bill 5139 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5145 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5216 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5220 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5488 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5518 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5524 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5558 passed 59 to 38 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5563 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5620 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5634 passed 91 to 6 with 1 excused.

April 2nd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 79

In the Appropriations Committee meeting today we’re getting briefed on the Governor’s proposed budget. Unfortunately, the Governor wasn’t present to answer questions. It’s actually common practice to send staff to explain a bill or budget request, in order to limit the scope and tone of questions … what better way to avoid confrontation than to simply not show up and own your proposal.

We’re also hearing two bills today. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5244 prohibits student suspensions or expulsions of indefinite length; requires that student suspensions or expulsions not exceed one academic term unless given specific authorization by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); requires school districts to create a reentry and reengagement plan for longterm suspended or expelled students; directs the OSPI to convene a discipline task force to develop standard definitions for causes of student discipline and data collection standards for disciplinary actions that exclude a student from school and revise the statewide student data system to incorporate the recommendations; and prohibits disciplinary actions resulting in the suspension of educational services.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5656 requires cities to issue and provide for the renewal of their general business licenses through the web-based Business Licensing Service or "System" of the Department of Revenue (DOR) or a city-developed portal by July 1, 2019; authorizes delays or phasing-in of the city requirements beyond the July 1,
2019, date if funding or other resources are insufficient for the DOR or cities to meet the deadline; requires the DOR to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2017, on actions and costs associated with the license issuance requirements; and expires all provisions on July 1, 2018, and provides intent provisions for the expiration.

Guns and Jobs in Washington

www.rlcwa.org/issues/guns-and-jobs-in-washington.a....aspx

"Conservative and Liberty activists have been great at helping to kill anti 2nd Amendment bills in Washington State. Most notably, activists were able to help kill HB 1588 (see here, and here). We should be equally fired up when a bill is introduced that needs to pass! A new bill introduced by several great legislators, HB 2020, is one such bill."
https://chumly.com/n/1b41bd5

April 2nd - 2013 Regular Legislative Session Day 79

My day is starting with a Government Operation and Elections Committee meeting where we’re hearing two bills and will consider one bill for Executive Action. Substitute Senate Bill 5160 establishes processes that an agency must use when administratively reassigning an employee to home during scheduled work hours and Senate Bill 5500 limits the replacement of ballots that are destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received through electronic means to service and overseas voters only.

Tomorrow is Policy Committee cutoff, which means we’ll be transitioning into a week of Fiscal Committee meetings. The Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, which means I’ll be spending another weekend in Olympia. I have to admit it’s pretty frustrating to have had four Appropriations Committee meetings canceled over the past couple of weeks and now face late nights and a Saturday meeting. Time management is not one of the Democrat Majority’s strong points.

Local students guests of 15th District lawmaker - Daily Sun News - Sunnyside, Washington

www.dailysunnews.com/DSNNews1.shtml

"Welcome to the online edition of the Daily Sun News."
https://chumly.com/n/1b3dda7

April 1st - 2013 Regular Legislative SessioN Day 78

It’s Monday in Olympia and in today’s Appropriations Committee Meeting we’re hearing eight bills. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5176 requires that evaluations for involuntary treatment of individuals who have had felony charges dismissed due to incompetency occur at state hospitals; modifies procedures and standards for involuntary treatment of persons who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial for violent felonies; and provides additional notification and review requirements for release of certain involuntarily detained people.

Substitute Senate Bill 5195 allows a nonprofit institution recognized by Washington to be eligible to participate in the State Need Grant program, effective August 1, 2013.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5243 encourages school districts to adopt a policy to automatically enroll a student who meets the standard on the high school state assessments or the Preliminary SAT in the next most rigorous advanced course in that subject, with the objective that students eventually enroll in dual credit courses; provides an incentive award to high schools based on student performance in specified dual credit courses, if funding is appropriated; creates a program to allocate one-time grants to high schools on a competitive basis to expand availability of dual credit courses, if funding is appropriated.

Senate Bill 5337 stays for five years the set decrease in the maximum amount of timber that can be sold by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through their contract harvesting program; stays for five years the set decrease in the maximum amount of money that can be held in the Contract Harvest Revolving Account; allows, for five more years, the DNR to set the final appraised value for the purposes of an auction based on the current market prices for the valuable material in question; and provides five more years of authority to the DNR to give consideration to requests from timber purchasers when the purchasers request timber sale extensions or other flexible options in the execution of a timber sale contract designed to avoid a contract default.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5480 accelerates implementation of provisions of 2010 legislation that expanded the factors that may be considered for detaining and committing persons under the Involuntary Treatment Act, from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2014.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5732 directs the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop a strategy for the improvement of the adult behavioral health system; requires the DSHS to issue a request for proposals for enhanced services facilities; and requires Regional Support Networks to develop an individualized discharge plan for certain patients and arrange for his or her transition to the community within 21 days of the determination that he or she no longer needs inpatient, active psychiatric treatment.

Substitute Senate Bill 5754 creates the Alliance for Student Success in Education and Training (ASSET) Program to increase access to work-integrated learning opportunities, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and requires the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to administer the ASSET Program.

Substitute Senate Bill 5834 allows businesses owned jointly by a veteran and his or her spouse or domestic partner to be certified as a veteran-owned business; requires that all veteran-owned businesses are located in the state, owned by a resident of the state, or that all corporate officers are residents of the state; and encourages state agencies to award 5 percent of all procurement contracts to veteran-owned businesses.