A Big Thanks

I want to thank everyone for their support in the 2014 Primary. I am honored to represent the 15th District in Olympia and humbled by the support we've received. November is 3 months away ... we have work to do.
https://chumly.com/n/27ba15a

www.yakimaherald.com/valleylife/unleashed/2198014-...jects

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence." --John Adams, A Defense of the American Constitutions, 1787

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 60

The House took action on the following bills on the Concurrence Calendar …
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2029 passed with concurrence 97 to 1.
Substitute House Bill 2175 passed with concurrence 95 to 3.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2572 passed with concurrence 70 to 27 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1260 passed with concurrence 53 to 44 with 1 excused.
The House receded from its amendment, returned to 2nd Reading, passed an amendment and passed Substitute Senate Bill 6283 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2746 passed with concurrence 92 to 4 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2335 passed with concurrence 86 to 10 with 2 excused.

The House also took action on the following Senate Bills on the Floor Calendar …
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2304 passed 91 to 7.
Engrossed House Bill 2397 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 5981 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6387 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5318 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5691 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5875 passed 74 to 22 with 2 excused.

The House took action on the following Senate Bills on the Conference Calendar …
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 passed 85 to 13.

With that, the 2014 Regular Legislative Session has Sine Died. I’d like to thank everyone for their questions, comments, support, and prayers throughout the session.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 59

We’re running the Concurrence Calendar in the House again today. The House must concur with the amended language in order to pass the bill to the Governor or they can"not concur” and send it back to the Senate for further deliberation.

The House took action on the following bills on the Concurrence Calendar …
Engrossed House Bill 1224 passed with concurrence 84 to 12 with 2 excused.
The House receded from its amendment, returned the bill to 2nd Reading, adopted a new amendment and passed Substitute Senate Bill 6312 75 to 22.

The House also took action on the following Senate Bills on the Floor Calendar …
Senate Bill 6505 passed 55 to 42 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6440 passed 87 to 11.
Senate Bill 6180 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6040 passed 97 to 1.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6552 passed 93 to 5.
Second Substitute House Bill 2207 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6518 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6573 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 58

We’re running the Concurrence Calendar in the House again today. As a reminder, the Concurrence Calendar are those bills that passed the House and were amended by the Senate. The House must concur with the amended language in order to pass the bill to the Governor or they can"not concur” and send it back to the Senate for further deliberation.

The House took action on the following bills on the Concurrence Calendar …

Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1117 passed with concurrence 91 to 7.
Second Substitute House Bill 1651 passed with concurrence 97 to 1.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2519 passed with concurrence 86 to 12.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2580 passed with concurrence 95 to 3.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2626 passed with concurrence 96 to 2.
Second Substitute House Bill 2627 passed with concurrence 97 to 1.
The House receded from its amendment and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5045 86 to 12.
The House receded from its amendment, returned the bill to Second Reading to pass an amendment and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6265 65 to 33.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2023 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2493 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Second Substitute House Bill 2616 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed House Bill 2789 passed with concurrence 77 to 21.
The House receded from its amendment and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6129 92 to 6.
House Bill 1287 passed with concurrence 61 to 37.

The House also took action on the following Senate Bills on the Floor Calendar …
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5972 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6001 passed 65 to 33.
Senate Bill 6570 passed 75 to 23.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 57

We’re running the Concurrence Calendar in the House today. The Concurrence Calendar are those bills that passed the House and were amended by the Senate. The House must concur with the amended language in order to pass the bill to the Governor or they can"not concur” and send it back to the Senate for further deliberation.

The House concurred with the Senate amendments for the following bills …

Substitute House Bill 1292 passed with concurrence 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2102 passed with concurrence 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
House Bill 2130 passed with concurrence 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2146 passed with concurrence 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2164 passed with concurrence 77 to 19 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2276 passed with concurrence 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 2296 passed with concurrence 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2363 passed with concurrence 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 2555 passed with concurrence 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1791 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Engrossed House Bill 2108 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2111 passed with concurrence 95 to 3.
House Bill 2253 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2315 passed with concurrence 96 to 2.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2463 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2569 passed with concurrence 94 to 4.
Substitute House Bill 2612 passed with concurrence 63 to 35.
The House receded from their amendment and passed Senate Bill 5141 91 to 7.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 11229 passed with concurrence 61 to 37.
Second Substitute House Bill 2457 passed with concurrence 89 to 9.
Substitute House Bill 2724 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
Second Substitute House Bill 1709 passed with concurrence 81 to 17.
Second Substitute House Bill 2163 passed with concurrence 86 to 12.
Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed with concurrence 98 to 0.
The House receded from their previous amendment, returned the bill to Second Reading, adopted a new amendment, and passed Senate Bill 6283 97 to 1.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 54

The following bills passed of the House Floor today ….

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5964 passed 66 to 31 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6115 passed 86 to 12.
Substitute Senate Bill 5360 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 5956 passed 95 to 3.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6031 passed 74 to 24.
Senate Bill 6284 passed 97 to 1.
Senate Bill 6321 passed 95 to 3.
Senate Bill 6328 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6458 passed 96 to 2.
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6126 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5064 passed 74 to 23 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6034 passed 79 to 18 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5123 passed 88 to 9 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6014 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6413 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6046 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6553 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6054 passed 96 to 1 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5859 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6219 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 6330 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6228 passed 91 to 6 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6415 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5969 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6065 passed 58 to 39 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6388 passed 94 to 2 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 6062 passed 91 to 5 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6074 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 54

Another Freedom Agenda win ... House Bill 2789, providing for the constitutional use of drones, passed the Senate 46 to 1 and is on its way to the Governor for signature. Thanks to Senators Padden, Dansel and Kline for their hard work on getting the bill passed and a special thanks to Senator Benton for helping ensure final consideration of the bill. Wow, what a day!

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session

It's a great day for freedom and liberty in Washington State. Senate Bill 5956, allowing the public to own short-barreled rifles, passed the House and is on its way to the Governor for signature.

apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bil...enate Bills/5956.pdf

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 54

"Let us disappoint the Men who are raising themselves on the ruin of this Country. Let us convince every invader of our freedom, that we will be as free as the constitution our fathers recognized, will justify." --Samuel Adams, A State of the Rights of the Colonists, 1772
https://chumly.com/n/23acf39

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 54

The following bills passed of the House Floor today ….

Senate Bill 6201 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6216 passed 93 to 0 with 4 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6226 passed 93 to 1 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6242 passed 86 to 9 with 3 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6272 passed 94 to 2 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 6514 passed 85 to 12 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6517 passed 91 to 6 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6522 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6442 passed 86 to 10 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6511 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2798 passed 85 to 11 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5173 passed 64 to 32 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5310 passed 84 to 12 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 5775 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5977 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 6035 passed 84 to 12 with 12 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6124 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 6163 passed 87 to 9 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6273 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 6405 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Senate Bill 6424 passed 69 to 27 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6431 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6446 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Concurrent Resolution 4416 passed 69 to 27 with 2 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 5467 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5999 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6333 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5045 passed 78 to 19 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6093 passed 85 to 12 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6128 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6129 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6436 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8007 passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.

"We lay it down as a fundamental, that laws, to be just, must give a reciprocation of right; that, without this, they are mere arbitrary rules of conduct, founded in force, and not in conscience." --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the state of Virginia, 1782
https://chumly.com/n/23a428d

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 52

The following bills passed of the House Floor today ….

Engrossed House Bill 2335 passed 85 to 12 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 5931 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6013 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6095 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6137 passed 92 to 4 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6265 passed 67 to 30 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6283 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6299 passed 88 to 9 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6419 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Substitute Senate Bill 6453 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6479 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5048 passed 96 to 2.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5889 passed 75 to 23.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5958 passed 91 to 7.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 5973 passed 81 to 17.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6041 passed 76 to 22.
Substitute Senate Bill 6069 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute Senate Bill 6078 passed 93 to 5.
Substitute Senate Bill 6086 passed 62 to 36.
Substitute Senate Bill 6199 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 6208 passed 97 to 1.
Substitute Senate Bill 6279 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute Senate Bill 6339 passed 83 to 15.
Senate Bill 6358 passed 97 to 1.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6450 passed 88 to 10.
Engrossed Senate Bill 6501 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Joint Memorial 8003 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 8409 passed 94 to 4.
House Bill 2517 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6016 passed 92 to 6.
Second Substitute House Bill 2041 passed 54 to 44.
House Bill 2794 passed 55 to 43.
Senate Bill 5141 passed 90 to 8.
Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5785 passed 95 to 3.
Substitute Senate Bill 6007 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 6134 passed 97 to 1.
Senate Bill 6135 passed 98 to 0.
Senate Bill 6141 passed 96 to 2.
Second Substitute Senate Bill 6312 passed 69 to 29.
Engrossed House Bill 2335 passed 88 to 10.
Substitute Senate Bill 6145 passed 94 to 4.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 52

"But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed." --George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 51

The following bills passed of the House Floor today ….

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6020 passed 92 to 4 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2797 passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2762 passed 73 to 24 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 passed 53 to 44 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 50

Welcome to Monday, Day 50 of the 2014 Legislative Session. Today begins the stop and go Floor action leading up to Sine Die. We passed the following bills out of the House today …

Second Substitute House Bill 1574 passed 66 to 31 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2634 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2748 passed 57 to 41.
House Bill 2790 passed 75 to 23.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 48

Welcome to Saturday and the House Appropriations Committee Meeting. We’re accepting testimony on eight bills and may take Executive Action on eighteen bills. HB 2791 adjusting timelines relating to the hospital safety net assessment.

HB 2792 implementing the state's education funding obligation by increasing allocations to school districts, which include materials, supplies, and operating costs, all-day kindergarten, and class size reduction in kindergarten through third grade.

HB 2794 adjusting the state expenditure limit to accommodate enhancements to the prototypical school funding formula.

HB 2798 concerning payments made by the health care authority to managed health care systems.

SSB 5859 providing enhanced payment to small rural hospitals that meet the criteria of a sole community hospital.

E2SSB 6126 concerning representation of children in dependency matters.

2SSB 6163 concerning expanded learning opportunities.

SB 6519 concerning public school employees' insurance benefits reporting.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 47

The House Appropriations Committee passed the proposed Supplemental Budget out of committee today with a 17 to 14 vote. There are several areas of the budget that are problematic, so I voted no on the proposed budget amendment

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 47

Engrossed House Bill 2789, our bill that requires the constitutional use of unmanned aerial vehicles, passed out of the Senate Law and Justice Committee this morning. Time to call your Senator and ask them to support HB 2789.

"The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought." --Samuel Adams, Essay in the Boston Gazette, 1771
https://chumly.com/n/2378e11

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 46

In the Appropriations Committee meeting today, we’re hearing testimony on nine bills and make take Executive Action on two. SSB 5173 respecting holidays of faith and conscience.

SSB 5360 addressing the collection of unpaid wages

ESSB 6040 concerning invasive species.

SSB 6105 concerning school library information and technology programs.

ESSB 6228 concerning transparency tools for consumer information on health care cost and quality.

2SSB 6312 concerning state purchasing of mental health and chemical dependency treatment services.

SSB 6387 concerning individuals with developmental disabilities who have requested a service from a program that is already at capacity.

E2SSB 6552 improving student success by modifying instructional hour and graduation requirements.

SSB 6558 - Concerning intensive home and community-based mental health services for medicaid-eligible children.

The two bills we may take Executive Action on are House Bill 2790 and Senate Bill 6328.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 46

We were called back into the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology Committee to hear testimony on ESB 6149 providing a process for county legislative authorities to withdraw from voluntary planning under the Growth Management Act and SHB 2517 concerning wildlife conflict funding to encourage proactive measures. Both bills may also receive Executive Action.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 46

In the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology Committee today, we’re hearing seven bills and may take Executive Action on seven bills. ESSB 5045 creating a permit to allow day spas to offer or supply without charge wine or beer by the individual glass to a customer for consumption on the premises.

2SSB 5064 concerning persons sentenced for offenses committed prior to reaching eighteen years of age.

SB 5981 increasing the number of superior court judges in Mason county.

SB 6415 concerning consecutive sentences for driving under the influence or physical control of a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug.

ESSB 6388 concerning pass-through food distributors.

ESB 6549 -creating demonstration projects for preserving agricultural land and public infrastructure in flood plains.

E2SSB 5540 expanding opportunities to purchase health care coverage from out-of-state carriers.

The seven bills that may receive Executive Action include Senate Bills 5045, 5540, 5064, 5981, 6415, and 6549.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 45

The Appropriations Committee is meeting tonight at 6:30 PM to hear testimony on the House Proposed Operating Budget. The current proposal (it’s subject to amendment) is expected to receive Executive Action on Friday of this week and may see Floor Action as early as next Tuesday.

You can review the proposed budget and other documents here … leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2014/ho2014p.as...p.asp

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 44

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee meeting today, we’re hearing testimony on four bills and may take Executive Action on six bills. SSB 5676 protecting personal voter signatures.

SSB 5872 creating a state agency innovation and efficiency grant program.

SSB 6250 requiring submission of digital copies of public employees' collective bargaining agreements.

ESSB 6517 exempting agency employee driver's license numbers and identicard numbers from public inspection and copying.

The six bills that may receive Executive Action are Senate Bills 5872, 5964, 6059, 6141, 6250, and 6517.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 45

In the Local Government Committee meeting this morning we’re completing a hearing on Senate Bill 6194 which provides a process for county legislative authorities to withdraw from voluntary planning under the Growth Management Act.

We may also take Executive Action on seven Senate Bills which include 5514, 6007, 6008, 6031, 6060, 6114, and 6194.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 44

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee meeting today we heard testimony on five bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. ESB 5964 concerning training public officials and employees regarding public records, records management, and open public meetings requirements.

SB 6045 promoting economic development through enhancing transparency and predictability of state agency permitting and review processes.

SB 6059 - Concerning charges for scanning public records.

SB 6141 concerning the confidentiality of certain records filed with the utilities and transportation commission or the attorney general.

SSB 6145 declaring the Ostrea lurida the official oyster of the state of Washington.

The four bills that may receive Executive Action are Senate Bills 6005, 6045, 6094, and 6145.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 43

In the Appropriations Committee meeting today, we heard testimony on five bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. House Bill 2790 adjusting timelines relating to the hospital safety net assessment. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill.

5889 modifying snowmobile license fees.

Senate Bill 6201 creating an optional life annuity benefit for plan 2 members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system.

Senate Bill 6321 removing the statutory provision that allows members of plan 3 of the public employees' retirement system, school employees' retirement system, and teachers' retirement system to select a new contribution rate option each year.

Senate Bill 6328 concerning deferred compensation plans.

The four bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bill 2790 and Senate Bills 5889, 6201 and 6321.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 43

In the Local Government Committee meeting today, were hearing five bills and may take Executive Action on two bills. ESB 5514 concerning utility rates and charges for vacant lots in manufactured housing communities. ESSB 6008 modifying water-sewer district provisions. SSB 6060 concerning certain public water systems. SB 6114 - Revising local government treasury practices and procedures. ESB 6194 - Providing a process for county legislative authorities to withdraw from voluntary planning under the growth management act.

The two bills that may receive Executive Action are Senate Bills 6007 and 6031.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 40

www.dailysunnews.com/news/2014/feb/20/drone-bill-p...house

www.politico.com/story/2014/02/national-education-....html
https://chumly.com/n/23374e6

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 38

In the Local Government Committee this morning, we heard two Senate companion bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6007 clarifying the exemption in the public records act for customer information held by public utilities. Engrossed Senate Bill 6031 concerning lake and beach management districts.

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee meeting today, we’re considering two Senate companion bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6005 eliminating the position of human resources director. Substitute Senate Bill 6094 authorizing the use of jail data for research purposes in the public interest.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 38

One bill passed off the House Floor today. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2572 passed 55 to 41 with 2 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 38

So here's the article from the Yakima Herald yesterday regarding the passage of HB 2789. Interestingly, the article makes no mention that the Prime Sponsor of the bill is from the Yakima area and only quotes Representatives from the westside of the state. Oh well ...

www.yakimaherald.com/news/livenews/1939755-8/house...bills

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 37

Today is House of Origin cutoff, which means all bills that are not necessary to implement the budget (NTIB) must be passed out of the House today. The following bills were voted out of the House …

Second Substitute House Bill 1484 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2555 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2719 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2479 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2219 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2244 passed 87 to 11.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2536 passed 67 to 31.
Second Substitute House Bill 2166 passed 72 to 26.
Second Substitute House Bill 1709 passed 84 to 14.
Second Substitute House Bill 2383 passed 71 to 27.
Second Substitute House Bill 2540 passed 70 to 28.
Engrossed House Bill 2108 passed 86 to 12.
House Bill 2776 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2665 passed 56 to 42.
House Bill 2636 passed 94 to 4.
Substitute House Bill 2235 passed 98 to 0.
Second Substitute House Bill 2377 passed 64 to 33.
Second Substitute House Bill 2569 passed 92 to 5 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2341 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2201 passed 52 to 45 with 1 excused.
Senate Bill 6523 passed 75 to 22 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 37

Senate Bill 6523, the Real Dream Act, passed the House 75 to 22 with 1 excused. So much for Section 6 of the Washington State Republican Party Platform, which reads"Section 6: We believe our BORDERS are best protected by a fair and enforced IMMIGRATION policy. The United States government must protect all of our borders from illegal crossings; therefore, we support the enactment of a temporary guest worker program, which includes proper security measures, and that all existing immigration laws should be enforced immediately.”

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 36

It was a long day on the House Floor (over 15 hours), but we managed to get HB 1888 (Industrial Hemp) and HB 2789 (Constitutional use of drones) passed over to the Senate. In addition, the following bills were passed off the House Floor today …

Second Substitute House Bill 1773 passed 91 to 5 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2646 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2647 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2446 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1156 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1820 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2253 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2318 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1402 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2461 passed 82 to 14 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2440 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2556 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2205 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1118 passed 94 to 2 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2534 passed 59 to 37 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2705 passed 91 to 5 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2675 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2711 passed 61 to 35 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2752 passed 81 to 15 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2617 passed 56 to 40 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1841 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Third Substitute House Bill 1005 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1171 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1742 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2150 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2169 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2302 passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2420 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2567 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2585 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2598 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2642 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2691 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2744 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1013 passed 65 to 32 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1117 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2376 passed 89 to 8 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2594 passed 54 to 43 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2430 passed 81 to 16 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2315 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2618 passed 61 to 36 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2481 passed 57 to 40 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2706 passed 98 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2405 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1888 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2438 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2439 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2627 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1643 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2759 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2155 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2353 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2171 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2163 passed 91 to 7.
House Bill 2294 passed 81 to 17 passed.
House Bill 2674 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2741 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2639 passed 66 to 31 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2339 passed 89 to 8 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2530 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2777 passed 78 to 19 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1960 passed 67 to 30 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2552 passed 71 to 26 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2309 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2125 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2442 passed 84 to 13 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2436 passed 53 to 44 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2196 passed 75 to 22 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2197 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2231 passed 63 to 34 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2371 passed 77 to 20 with 1 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2789 passed 83 to 15 with 1 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2178 passed 92 to 8.
Second Substitute House Bill 2493 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2698 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2208 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2454 passed 93 to 5.
Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2414 passed 57 to 41.
Engrossed House Bill 2733 passed 89 to 8.
House Bill 2225 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2386 passed 57 to 40 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2457 passed 88 to 9 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2624 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2363 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2527 passed 59 to 37 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2146 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2482 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2463 passed 95 to 1 with 2 excused
Engrossed House Bill 2447 passed 73 to 23 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2229 passed 88 to 8 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2426 passed 52 to 44 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2524 passed 93 to 3 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2149 passed 67 to 29 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2643 passed 68 to 28 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2673 passed 82 to 14 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1224 passed 75 to 19 with 4 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2347 passed 57 to 37 with 4 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 36

House Bill 2789, concerning technology-enhanced government surveillance (i.e. drones), 83 to 15 with 1 excused.
https://chumly.com/n/23208b1

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 36

House Bill 1888, legalizing Industrial Hemp, passed the House 97 to 0. Congratulations, Rep. Matt Shea on getting this great bill passed.
https://chumly.com/n/231f509

www.yakimaherald.com/home/1936371-8/across-country...l-ban
https://chumly.com/n/231cf87

www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestnews/1937544-8/wha...s-the
https://chumly.com/n/231cf86

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 33

The following bills passed off the Floor today …

Substitute House Bill 2512 95 to 1 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1170 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2130 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2515 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2175 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2177 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1635 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2153 passed 85 to 11 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2378 passed 89 to 7 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2699 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1651 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2373 passed 92 to 4 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2553 passed 90 to 6 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2610 passed 72 to 24 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2725 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2535 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2626 passed 87 to 10 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2746 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1287 passed 63 to 34 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2474 passed 54 to 43 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2743 passed 53 to 44 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2334 passed 51 to 45 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2486 passed 59 to 37 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2694 passed 81 to 15 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2613 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2582 passed 91 to 5 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 2684 passed 55 to 41 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2359 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2404 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2192 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2298 passed 83 to 13 with 2 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1072 passed 82 to 14 with 2 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 32

The following bills were passed out of the House today …

Substitute House Bill 2739 passed 65 to 33.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2023 passed 89 to 9.
Substitute House Bill 2467 passed 85 to 13.
Substitute House Bill 2612 passed 75 to 23.
House Bill 1902 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2080 passed 92 to 6.
Substitute House Bill 2372 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed House Bill 2558 passed 56 to 42.
Substitute House Bill 2331 passed 54 to 44.
House Bill 2723 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2415 passed 90 to 8.
Substitute House Bill 2519 passed 90 to 8.
House Bill 2061 passed 94 to 4.
House Bill 2254 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2351 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2310 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2410 passed 91 to 7.
Substitute House Bill 2492 passed 93 to 5.
Second Substitute House Bill 2616 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2160 passed 92 to 6.
House Bill 2329 passed 85 to 13.
Substitute House Bill 2544 passed 93 to 5.
Substitute House Bill 2537 passed 53 to 45.
House Bill 2451 passed 94 to 4.
Substitute House Bill 2368 passed 62 to 36.
House Bill 2135 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 1286 passed 62 to 36.
Second Substitute House Bill 2333 passed 53 to 45.
House Bill 2099 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2456 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1892 passed 55 to 41 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1654 passed 71 to 25 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1298 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1367 passed 62 to 35 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2074 passed 84 to 13 with 1 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2111 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2126 passed 78 to 19 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2246 passed 56 to 41 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2306 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2365 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2407 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2408 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2437 passed 90 to 7 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2543 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2580 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2592 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2724 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 2029 passed 88 to 9 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2364 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 32

www.theolympian.com/2014/02/13/2983269/half-of-sen....html
https://chumly.com/n/2309c14

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 32

www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014...etire

Let the stampede begin.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 32

In the Local Government Committee today, we’re getting briefed on NoaNet, a federally financed broadband expansion program throughout WA State. We’re back on the Floor to vote on bills at 10:00 AM today.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 31

Today in the House, the following bills passed out to the Senate …

Second Substitute House Bill 1017 passed 57 to 41.
House Bill 1896 passed 96 to 2.
Second Substitute House Bill 2002 passed 77 to 21.
House Bill 2119 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2151 passed 97 to 1.
Substitute House Bill 2183 passed 82 to 16.
House Bill 2261 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2262 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2406 passed 95 to 3.
House Bill 2708 passed 97 to 1.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1563 passed 53 to 45.
House Bill 1179 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2018 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 1785 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2170 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2105 passed 85 to 13.
House Bill 2296 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2473 passed 73 to 25.
House Bill 1185 passed 83 to 15.
House Bill 1783 passed 82 to 16.
House Bill 1129 passed 62 to 36.
House Bill 1360 passed 72 to 26.
Substitute House 1674 passed 73 to 25.
Substitute House Bill 2098 passed 97 to 1.
Substitute House Bill 2121 passed 64 to 34.
House Bill 2157 passed 91 to 7.
House Bill 2215 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2278 passed 89 to 9.
House Bill 2301 passed 90 to 8.
House Bill 2374 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2433 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2448 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2547 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2593 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2682 passed 81 to 16 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1840 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2102 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1791 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2057 passed 93 to 4 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2195 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2518 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1684 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2381 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2644 passed 87 to 10 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2541 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2576 passed 83 to 14 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2590 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
House Bill 2680 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 30

Today is the first day of what could be a long week for Floor action in the House. The following bills passed out of the House today …

House Bill 1011 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2017 passed 94 to 4.
House Bill 2167 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2228 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2276 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2285 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2336 passed 95 to 3.
House Bill 2398 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2546 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2575 passed 92 to 6.
House Bill 2583 passed 94 to 4.
Substitute House Bill 2605 passed 93 to 5.
Substitute House Bill 2651 passed 97 to 1.
Substitute House Bill 2531 passed 78 to 20.
Substitute House Bill 1838 passed 76 to 22.
Substitute House Bill 2165 passed 93 to 5.
Substitute House Bill 2282 passed 90 to 8.
House Bill 2450 passed 93 to 5.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2191 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2722 passed 53 to 45.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1675 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 1027 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2162 passed 71 to 27.
Substitute House Bill 2164 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 1597 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 1814 passed 60 to 38.
House Bill 2332 passed 53 to 45.
House Bill 2100 passed 91 to 7.
House Bill 2137 passed 88 to 10.
House Bill 2140 passed 98 to 0.
Substitute House Bill 2255 passed 58 to 40.
House Bill 2700 passed 98 to 0.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1083 passed 98 to 0.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 30

washingtonexaminer.com/rand-paul-do-we-no-longer-h...43834

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 30

www.storyleak.com/wash-state-legislation-stops-ill...pport

House Bill 1771, the Constitutional Use of Drones, is on the Floor Calendar for possible action this week.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 29

Time to start calling your Sentaors and let them know what you think about the proposed fuel tax increase.

www.theolympian.com/2014/02/07/2972114/surprise-se...html#

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 29

Today is the cutoff for reporting bills out of fiscal committees, unless the bills are necessary to implement the budget (NTIB). In the Appropriations Committee today, we’re hearing testimony on twenty-six bills and may take Executive Action on six.

SHB 2572 - Concerning the effectiveness of health care purchasing and transforming the health care delivery system.
HB 2594 - Requiring the health care authority to develop a blueprint for the establishment of a federal basic health program.
HB 2617 - Regulating interpreter services.
SHB 2368 - Concerning a surcharge for local homeless housing and assistance.
SHB 2639 - Concerning state purchasing of mental health and chemical dependency treatment services.
HB 2725 - Concerning court review of involuntary treatment decisions.
SHB 2377 - Improving quality in the early care and education system.
SHB 2400 - Concerning mentoring and service learning opportunities in education.
SHB 2251 - Concerning fish barrier removals.
SHB 2347 - Enhancing the safety of the transportation of oil.
SHB 2457 - Concerning derelict and abandoned vessels.
SHB 2458 - Concerning invasive species.
SHB 2146 - Concerning department of labor and industries appeal bonds.
HB 2335 - Concerning extended foster care services.
SHB 2501 - Concerning registration requirements for contractors.
SHB 2519 - Concerning early education for children involved in the child welfare system.
SHB 2616 - Concerning parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities involved in dependency proceedings.
SHB 2432 - Concerning long-term planning for developmental disabilities services.
HB 2777 - Concerning a study to determine the feasibility of coverage for long-term care services and support needs.
HB 2281 - Addressing state lottery efficiency.
SHB 2207 - Eliminating the reduction in state basic education funding that occurs in counties with federal forest lands.
SHB 2743 - Protecting taxpayers by providing for accountability and transparency in government contracting.
2SHB 1285 - Concerning representation of children in dependency matters.
SHB 2202 - Concerning the establishment of an open data policy to facilitate sharing and publication of government data.
SHB 2214 - Concerning the training of code enforcement officials.
HB 2672 - Increasing the minimum hourly wage to twelve dollars over three years.

The six bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bills 1820, 2149, 2192, 2198, 2486, and 2746.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 27

As many of you know, I host a radio show Saturday mornings at 11:30 on 930 AM KYAK. One of the things I hope to include as a regular segment on the show is topics, questions, comments, and issues from our listeners. If you have topics you’d like to hear discussed, please email us at freedom4wa@gmail.com.

Also, if you’re not in Central or Eastern Washington, you can listen to the show online at www.acn.cc/ACN Listening Page.htm.

Thanks for listening.
https://chumly.com/n/22e63d2

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 26

In the Appropriations Committee hearing today, we’re hearing five bills and may take Executive Action on three bills. House Bill 2192 promoting economic development through enhancing transparency and predictability of state agency permitting and review process.

Substitute House Bill 2486 addressing the implementation of inmate postsecondary education degree programs to reduce recidivism.

Substitute House Bill 2149 concerning medical marijuana.

Substitute House Bill 2198 providing tax relief to qualifying patients for purchases of marijuana for medical use.

Substitute House Bill 2144 concerning the establishment of a dedicated local jurisdiction marijuana fund and the distribution of a specified percentage of marijuana excise tax revenues to local jurisdictions.

The three bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bills 1037, 2334 and 2378.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 26

On the House Floor today, we voted the following bills out …

House Bill 1064 passed 77 to 16 with 5 excused.
House Bill 1264 passed 94 to 0 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1634 passed 80 to 14 with 4 excused.
Substitute House Bill 2152 passed 93 to 1 with 4 excused.
House Bill 1486 passed 55 to 39 with 4 excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2500 passed 54 to 40 with 4 excused.
Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1467 passed 92 to 2 with 4 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 26

blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2014/02/washington-s...68750

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 26

After a long day in the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology Committee yesterday, we’re back in Committee this morning to hear House Bill 2549 and House Bill 2187. We’re likely going to take Executive Action on both bills this morning as well.

The big news from yesterday is the passage of House Bill 1888, allowing Industrial Hemp to be grown in Washington State, out of committee yesterday.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 25

Now that we’ve reached the cut-off for Policy Committees, the real grind begins. The cut-off for fiscal committees is next week and there are hundreds of bills that must be heard and acted on before February 11th. In the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology Committee meeting today, we have twenty-five bills scheduled for public hearing and twenty-five bills scheduled for possible Executive Action.

Here’s the full agenda … www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/APPG/Pages/Agendas....aspx

Let the fun begin.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 24

Time to start paying attention ...

www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/senate-rejects-...dment

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 24

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee today, I had the honor of presenting House Bill 2561, changing ballot tabulation and receipt provisions. This bill was brought to me by students from Snohomish High School for a Senior Culminating Project. I was happy to introduce the bill on their behalf and they were able to attend the hearing to testify on their bill.

We’re hearing testimony on two additional bills today as well; House Bill 2104, providing contract information online for state capital and transportation projects and House Bill 2750, allowing write-in candidates name to be printed on a general election ballot under certain conditions.

The Committee may also take Executive Action on five bills including House Bills 1298, 2552, 2578, 2617, and 2743.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 24

Today on the House Floor the following bills were passed onto the Senate …

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1448 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2148 passed 54 to 44.
House Bill 1607 passed 98 to 0.
House Bill 2127 passed 98 to 0.

Of particular interest is House Bill 2148, the abortion mandate bill, which I voted against. It will be interesting to see what the Senate does with the bill.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 24

In the Local Government Committee Meeting we’re considering thirteen bills for Executive Action. House Bills 1595, 1854, 2187, 2234, 2245, 2288, 2311, 2401, 2499, 2637, 2677, 2681, and 2682.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 24

In case you missed it last night, here's the latest Freedomcast.

soundcloud.com/freedom-agenda-washington/freeedomc...perty

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 23

In the Appropriations Committee today, we’re getting briefed on implementing the obligations created under the McCleary decision and hearing House Bill 2422 which restores the Initiative 732 cost-of-living adjustment, beginning in fiscal year 2015 and restores inflationary adjustments to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification bonus, beginning in fiscal year 2015.

There may also be Executive Action taken on four bills including House Bills 1574, 2479, 2485, and 2577.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 23

Well it's about two weeks after the rest of the country covered the bill, but thanks to the Yakima Herald for publishing an article on House Bill 2272, the 4th Amendment Protection Act.

www.yakimaherald.com/home/1878008-8/moxee-rep-tayl...t-nsa

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Sessionb Day 23

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee today, we’re hearing three bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. House Bill 2552 requires paid signature gatherers and signature gathering businesses that use paid signature gatherers to register with the Secretary of State and requires the declarations on petitions for recall elections, referenda, and initiatives be signed by the signature gatherer.

House Bill 2617 authorizes the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and Health Care Authority (HCA) to purchase certain spoken language interpreter services; requires the DSHS, the HCA, the L&I, and the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to purchase certain spoken language interpreter services directly from language access providers through scheduling and coordinating delivery organizations; requires the DES to develop and implement a model that all state agencies must use to procure spoken language interpreter services by direct purchase from language access providers or through contracts with scheduling and coordinating entities, or both; establishes the Spoken Language Interpreter Advisory Group; and makes modifications to collective bargaining statutes governing language access providers, including the establishment of three statewide units in place of the current single statewide unit.

House Bill 2743 requires agencies to prepare a written record of the basis of the decision and "comprehensive impact assessment" when contracting out to purchase services that were formerly provided by public employees; requires agencies to file with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) the written basis of decision and reports on contractor's performance; specifies inclusion of a number of contract terms in agreements to contract out; requires the DES to develop model terms for performance-based contracts, including a term to facilitate recovery of public employee staff time spent bringing a contract into compliance; mandates debarment of contractors under certain circumstances; makes changes to existing law requiring the DES to identify services that can be contracted out at reduced cost, authorizing this only when taxpayers will save 10 percent or more; amends a provision governing contractor ethics to provide that a contractor may not use public resources for private benefit or gain; and requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to review the performance of certain contracts in which public sector employee services have been outsourced.

The four bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bills 2192, 2293, 2578, and 2376.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 23

The Freedom Agenda Team had three bills heard in the Environment Committee today. House Bill 2090 is a true regulatory reform bill, which creates a categorical exemption under SEPA for projects deemed consistent with a locally adopted comprehensive plan, development regulations and shoreline master programs.

House Bill 2095 and 2269 are designed to create a"mitigation bank” from lands previously purchased by state agencies to mitigate transportation and other infrastructure construction projects. These bills would greatly reduce construction costs to the taxpayers.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 22

It’s a busy day for the Appropriations Committee today, where we’re hearing testimony on seven bills. Because the agenda is so long, I’ve included shorter bill summaries. Substitute House Bill 1037 establishes a cost recovery mechanism for public records sought for commercial purposes.

House Bill 1820 determining the average salary for the pension purposes of state and local government employees as certified by their employer.

House Bill 2122 concerning sexually violent predators.

House Bill 2334 simplifying and enforcing employee status under employment laws to ensure fairness to employers and employees and address the underground economy.

House Bill 2378 concerning practice settings for certified chemical dependency professionals and trainees.

House Bill 2736 addressing state retirement system employer participation in the states deferred compensation program.

House Bill 2746 refinancing of Medicaid personal care services for individuals with development disabilities and individuals with long-term care needs through community first choice option.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 22

In the Local Government Committee today, we’re hearing two bills and may take Executive Action on twenty bills. House Bill 2681 extends the date by which an annexation must commence in order to impose an annexation sales and use tax by two years to January 1, 2017; allows proceeds from an annexation sales and use tax to be used for a city's cost to prepare for annexation and modifies definitions related to the annexation sales and use tax provision.

House Bill 2682 increases the estimated cost threshold, above which all work ordered by a water-sewer district must be let by contract and competitive bidding, from $20,000 to $90,000.

The twenty bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bills 2187, 2218, 2234, 2245, 2278, 2288, 2298, 2311, 2401, 2433, 2442, 2481, 2499, 2547, 2593, 2618, 2637, 2677, 2681, and 2682.

With Policy Cut-off coming on Wednesday, expect to see more lists like this.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 22

I’m back in Olympia after a great weekend back home. We voted the following bill out of the House this morning …

House Bill 1063 passed 94 to 1 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1805 passed 92 to 3 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1173 passed 89 to 6 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1260 passed 56 to 39 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1292 passed 93 to 1 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1339 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1538 passed 63 to 32 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1593 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1724 passed 72 to 23 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1409 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1727 passed 54 to 41 with 3 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 22

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence." --John Adams, Defence of the Constitutions of the Government of the United States, 1787

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 19

On the House Floor today, we passed the following bills …

House Bill 2115 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1107 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1145 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
House Bill 1859 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Second Substitute House Bill 1909 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1858 passed 95 to 0 with 3 excused.

Have a great weekend everyone ... Go Seahawks.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 19

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee meeting this morning, we’re hearing four bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. House Bill 2192 requires state agencies to track and record data regarding permit timelines; requires agencies to post specific permit assistance information on agency's website; and starting in 2015 agencies will report annually to the Legislature about the data collected for the permit process.

House Bill 2293 requires the Joint Legislative Rules Review Committee to review certain agency rules and actions.

House Bill 2525 establishes a public funding program for Supreme Court campaigns.

House Bill 2578 exempts from disclosure proposals and related evaluation documents pertaining to competitive solicitations for alternative public works contracts.

The four bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bill 2202, 2403, 2514, and 2515.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 18

We’re getting briefed on three issues in the Appropriations Committee today. The first briefing was presented by the Gates Foundation regarding Early Childhood Education. The second briefing was also about Early Childhood Education, but focused on low-income students by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. The final briefing was presented by DSHS regarding Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Working Connections Child Care.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 18

In the Local Government Committee today, we’re hearing testimony on five bills and may take Executive Action on seven bills. House Bill 2499 requires counties that have a population of at least 500,000, abut at least five other counties, and are required or choose to plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA), to permit schools outside of designated urban growth areas (UGA) when specified criteria are met and establishes planning actions that counties must satisfy in complying with the requirement to permit schools outside of UGAs.

House Bill 2593 requires the county treasurer to keep "public funds," as that term is defined in statute, in his or her possession until disbursed according to law; requires at least 24 hours of continuing education annually for the following persons: (1) a county treasurer who performs daily investment activities of an investment pool; or (2) any person who is authorized by the county treasurer to manage the investment pool; modifies provisions related to transaction processing costs that may be charged to persons who make payments to county treasurers via electronic forms of payment; and incorporates certain provisions into a statute relating to issuance by a local government of duplicate warrants, bonds, or other instruments or evidence of indebtedness when one is lost or destroyed.

House Bill 2618 authorizes code cities with a population of 20,000 or more to have public works performed by city employees in any annual or biennial budget period at an amount equal to or less than 9 percent of the public works construction budget and increases the monetary limits for public works projects that city employees can perform in code cities with a population of 20,000 or more.

House Bill 2637 establishes voter approval requirements for certain annexation methods that may be employed by code cities in counties that have 400,000 or more residents and are bordered by the Columbia River.

House Bill 2677 obligates counties, cities, and towns to adopt deferral systems for the collection of impact fees from applicants for residential building permits through a covenant-based process, or through a process that delays payment until final inspection, certificate of occupancy, or equivalent certification; authorizes counties, cities, and towns to adopt alternative impact fee collection deferral systems if certain requirements are met; exempts counties, cities, and towns that have pre-existing impact fee delay processes that meet certain requirements from the obligation to establish an impact fee deferral system; and delays the starting of the six-year time frame for satisfying concurrency provisions of the Growth Management Act until after the county or city receives full payment of all deferred impact fees.

The committee may take Executive Action on the following House Bills 2278, 2298, 2433, 2547, 2593, 2618, and 2637.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 18

A little personal note for the day … I am so proud of my step-daughter, Tiffany Stewart, for not only lobbying for hearing on her bill, but actually getting a hearing on it. For her Senior Culminating Project, Tiffany decided to run a bill to remove Senior Projects from the state graduation requirements and leave it for local school districts to decide whether they want to require them. Rep Jason Overstreet is her mentor and the prime sponsor of the bill. The bill is House Bill 2402 and has a hearing this morning.

Great job Tiffany.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

In the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology today we’re hearing five bills and may take Executive Action on five bills. Substitute House Bill 1438 creates a new process and new mechanism for calculating annual consumptive quantity for certain water users who have transitioned to a more efficient process for irrigation.

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1651 provides that juvenile offender records are confidential unless the juvenile has been adjudicated for a sex offense, a serious violent offense, or the offenses of Arson in the first degree, Kidnapping in the second degree, Assault of a Child in the second degree, Malicious Placement of an Explosive, or Leading Organized Crime; the court may release juvenile records for inspection upon good cause shown; provides that confidential juvenile offender records may not be published, distributed, or sold; provides that the provisions of the act are prospective and retrospective; and the act takes effect July 1, 2014.

House Bill 2125 removes the requirement that all fines collected by the Washington Horse Racing Commission (Commission) be credited to the Class C Purse Fund.

House Bill 2156 waives the penalty for failure to display a discover pass, vehicle access pass, or day use permit if the individual proves that he or she owned a valid pass at the time and allows the court to assess administrative costs of up to $25 if the penalty is waived.

House Bill 2307 requires receipts from penalties collected by the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) be deposited in the Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Account.

The bills that may be considered for Executive Action are House Bills 1438, 1651, 2125, 2156, and 2307.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

Today, in the Government Operations and Elections Committee, we’re hearing testimony on three bills and may take Executive Action on five. House Bill 2119 designates Palouse Falls as the official state waterfall.

House Bill 2387 designates the Ostrea lurida as the official oyster of the state of Washington.

House Bill 2622 designates the Central Washington State Fair as the official state fair.

The five bills that may receive Executive Action include House Bills 2248, 2376, 2202, 2119, and 2387.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

In the Washington State House of Representatives today, we voted on the following bills …

House Bill 1008 passed 94 to 3 with 1 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1047 passed 65 to 32 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1313 passed 52 to 45 with 1 excused.
https://chumly.com/n/22a701c

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

"A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever may be its theory, must, in practice, be a bad government." --Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

Standing strong for the Washington State Constitution!

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Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

Here we go again ...

washingtonstatewire.com/blog/governor-proposes-a-n...uling

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

In case you missed it last night, here's the latest Freedomcast ...

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Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17

My first meeting of the day is in the Local Government Committee where we’re hearing four bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. House Bill 2234 modifies provisions in the Growth Management Act to provide that, with certain exceptions, permit applications or permits based on an invalidated part or parts of a comprehensive plan or development regulation are void and do not confer vested rights.

House Bill 2245 delays vesting of certain development rights when territory has been added to an urban growth area (UGA): (1) until 60 days after adoption of the comprehensive plan, development regulation, or amendment that modified the boundaries of the UGA; or (2) until resolution of any petition for review to the Growth Management Hearings Board (Board) challenging the adopted comprehensive plan, development regulation, or amendment and provides that, if the Board issues a finding of noncompliance and an order of remand in response to a petition challenging an adopted comprehensive plan, development regulation, or amendment that modified the boundaries of a UGA, the validity of the plan, regulation, or amendment is affected during the period of remand.

House Bill 2288 prohibits the Growth Management Hearings Board from hearing petitions challenging the regulation of the public groundwater withdrawals that are exempt from permit requirements governing public groundwater withdrawals.

House Bill 2499 requires counties that have a population of at least 500,000, abut at least five other counties, and are required or choose to plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA), to permit schools outside of designated urban growth areas (UGA) when specified criteria are met and establishes planning actions that counties must satisfy in complying with the requirement to permit schools outside of UGAs.

The four bills that may be considered for Executive Action include House Bills 2298, 2278, 2433, and 2547.

Less Govenment, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 16

In the Appropriations Committee today, we’re hearing testimony on two bills and may take Executive Action on one bill. House Bill 2474 creates the Start Retirement Savings Plan (Start Plan) permitting private employers and employees to participate in retirement plans administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); empowers the Washington State Investment Board to invest the funds contributed by
participating employers and employees to the Start Plan; requires the Director of DRS to seek IRS approval to operate the Start Plan on a tax deferred basis; and provides for the termination of the plan if it does not reach a sufficient size to be self-supporting based on reasonable administrative fees.

House Bill 2577 permits members of Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2) to purchase actuarially equivalent life annuity benefits from the LEOFF 2 retirement fund and requires annuity purchases to be for a minimum of $25,000, and funds used for the purchase must be from a tax qualified plan offered by a governmental employer.

Executive Action may occur on House Bill 1574.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative SessioN Day 16

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee today, we’re accepting testimony on five bills. House Bill 2222 provides that legal services are not a contribution or an expenditure under campaign finance and disclosure laws.

House Bill 2239 exempts from public disclosure any information that would reveal the identity of a person who made a call to an enhanced 911 emergency communications system.

House Bill 2403 exempts from public disclosure and copying certain portions of records containing geographic information systems data for sewer mains, water mains, and manholes, to the extent they identify specific system vulnerabilities or where the disclosure may increase the risk to the agency's infrastructure assets from criminal terrorist acts.

House Bill 2514 eliminates statutory references to the Human Resources Director and transfers nearly all of its authority and functions to the Director of the Office of Financial Management, or the Director's designee and transfers the Human Resource Director's authority to adopt procedures for implementation of certain medical expense reimbursement benefit plans to the State Health Care Authority.

House Bill 2515 exempts enumeration data from public inspection and copying and requires the Office of Financial Management to destroy enumeration data after it is used to produce the required population estimates.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 15

In the Appropriations Committee today we’re hearing testimony on two bills and may take Executive Action on four bills. House Bill 2479 removes the ability for a retiree of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2) to return to work and receive a LEOFF 2 retirement allowance in a position that would normally be qualified for LEOFF 2 except for specified reasons and suspends a LEOFF 2 retiree’s pension, even if the position they are working in is not qualified for LEOFF 2 for additional reasons, including: (1) if a position is less than full-time, (2) if a position is less than fully compensated, (3) if a position is not fully commissioned, (4) if a position includes additional non-LEOFF duties, or (5) if a retiree is designated as an independent contractor.

House Bill 2485 provides the survivor of a member of the Public Employees’ Retirement System Plans 2 or 3 (PERS 2/3) that was a registered domestic partner of a member prior to December 1, 2008, was married to the member prior to January 1, 2013, was the designated beneficiary of the member, and was predeceased by the member prior to January 1, 2014, the option to designate themselves as a survivor beneficiary and receive a joint and 50 percent survivor benefit.

The four bills that may see Executive Action are House Bills 1072, 2408, 2436, and 2456.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 15

Hey, check this out!

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Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 15

In the Local Government Committee today, we’re hearing testimony on four bills and may take Executive Action on seven bills. House Bill 2298 expands the list of capital projects upon which specific real estate excise tax proceeds can be used to include technology infrastructure, including hardware and software.

House Bill 2442 authorizes counties, if they are disbursing employee salaries and wages electronically in accordance with written requests from 25 or more employees, to use an electronic payment method for all county employees and specifies that the use of an electronic payment method for all county employees must be approved, by ordinance, by the county legislative authority.

House Bill 2481 requires the State Building Code Council (Council) to adopt rules by December 1, 2014, that require space to be provided at new apartment houses, assisted living facilities, dormitories, and fraternities and sororities, for the collection and periodic transfer off-site of food and yard waste and requires the Council to exempt from the adopted rules new buildings located in areas that do not receive curbside collection service of food and yard wastes in accordance with a solid waste management plan.

House Bill 2547 authorizes, until December 31, 2020, the creation of less than countywide port districts in counties without port districts and specifies election provisions for the initial port district commissioners of the newly created district

The seven bills that may receive Executive Action are House Bills 1040, 2186, 2187, 2214, 2218, 2249, and 2301.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 15

Where's your Sheriff?

www.examiner.com/article/state-sheriff-s-associati...osals

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 15

After spending a great weekend at home, we’re voting on the House Floor this morning with the following bills passing over to the Senate.

Substitute House Bill 1103 passed 67 to 29 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1267 passed 59 to 37 with 2 excused.
Substitute House Bill 1413 passed 53 to 43 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1417 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
Engrossed House Bill 1279 passed 54 to 42 with 2 excused.
House Bill 2106 passed 86 to 10 with 2 excused.

nwnewsnetwork.org/post/online-gun-exchange-launch-.../1331ngton State.

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Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 12

The Washington House voted the following bills out today …

House Bill 1254 passed 96 to 0 with 2 excused.
House Bill 1669 passed 86 to 11 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1769 passed 97 to 0 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1843 passed 95 to 2 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1348 passed 63 to 34 with 1 excused.
House Bill 1251 passed 61 to 36 with 1 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day12

ACTION ALERT … Tuesday, January 28, 2014 the House Judiciary Committee is holding hearings on Initiative 591 and 594 at 1:30 PM. Now is your time to be heard. Don’t left the anti-2nd Amendment crowd be the only voice in the room.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 12

In the Government Operation and Elections Committee this morning, we’re hearing testimony on three bills and may take Executive Action on two bills. House Bill 2202 requires the Chief Information Officer to coordinate an Open Data Portal to facilitate open format publication of data maintained by, or on behalf of, executive branch state agencies; requires the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to publish draft uniform standards for the open format of data, implement an online public forum, post agency compliance plans, and provide technical guidance; and requires state executive branch agencies to designate a data coordinator and prepare a data catalog and proposed compliance plan.

House Bill 2248 allows state employees to accrue up to 45 days of annual leave.

House Bill 2376 exempts public agency employee and volunteer driver's license numbers, identicard numbers, and identification numbers from public inspection and copying.

The two bills that may be considered for Executive Action are House Bills 1510 and 2263.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 11

The Appropriations Committee is hearing testimony on four bills today. Substitute House Bill 1072 creates the Agricultural Labor Skills and Safety Grant Program, administered by the Department of Commerce.

House Bill 2048 removes the option of Plan 3 members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), and the School Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) to select a new contribution rate option each year for their individual defined contribution accounts.

House Bill 2436 creates the non-appropriated Public Employees’ Benefits’ Board (PEBB) Benefits Account and permits the Health Care Authority to contract for benefits or services directly using funds from the Benefits Account.

House Bill 2456 removes the July 1, 2023 expiration of the portion of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2) membership definition that includes qualified Emergency Medical Technicians in LEOFF 2.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 11

My first meeting of the day is in the Local Government Committee where we’re hearing testimony on four bills and may take Executive Action on six bills. House Bill 2249 establishes that the state's climate zones for building purposes are designated in statute and may not be changed by adoption of codes published by the International Code Council, Inc. and adds Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Skamania, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties to Climate Zone 2 in the Washington State Energy Code.

House Bill 2401 creates new requirements for all smoke alarms, with specified exceptions; requires all smoke alarms that are solely battery powered to contain a nonremovable battery capable of powering the alarm for a minimum of 10 years, beginning July 1, 2016; requires all smoke alarms or combination smoke alarms to display a manufacture date and a space for a written date of installation, and to have a hush feature, beginning on July 1, 2016; requires smoke alarms in all existing occupancies to be upgraded to comply with the new requirements upon the occurrence of certain specified events; and directs the State Building Code Council to update codes regarding solely battery powered smoke alarms in existing.

House Bill 1854 establishes additional property owner and registered voter approval requirements for certain annexation methods that may be employed by cities and towns.

House Bill 2433 expands the list of entities that must be notified by a city or town in the event of a city or town annexation of property within a road district, fire district, or library
District; increases the amount of time before the effective date of the annexation that annexation notices must be provided to delineated recipients; specifies that the county treasurer is only required to remit to the city or town those road taxes, fire district taxes, and library district taxes collected to 60 or more days, rather than 30 or more days, after receipt of the annexation notification; and specifies that light and power businesses and gas distribution businesses are only required to remit to a city or town those utility taxes collected 60 or more days after receipt of the notification.

The six bills that may be considered for Executive Action are House Bills 1040, 2186, 2187, 2213, 2214, and 2218.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 10

My final committee meeting of the day is in the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology where we’re getting briefed by the Department of Corrections. Among the issues being discussed is the DOC budget, implementation of the budget provisions contained in the 2013-15 Operating Budget, capacity and current prison population, and implementation of Senate Bill 6204 from 2012.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 10

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee we’re accepting testimony on five bills and may take Executive Action on six bills.

House Bill 1278 requires counties to include prepaid postage for ballot return envelopes for primary and general elections in even-numbered years and for special elections to fill unexpired terms of statewide elected officials and state legislators and requires the state to reimburse counties for the cost of return postage on ballot return envelopes for certain elections.

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1290 requires county auditors to place at least one ballot drop box at each public college, university, community college, and technical college, and at certain branch campuses; authorizes county auditors to install additional ballot drop boxes if the college's administration or a student body association agrees to jointly fund the installation; requires each county auditor to establish a ballot drop box advisory committee with student representatives and representatives from the college administration; requires reporting to the Secretary of State and the Legislature of ballot drop box placement and methods used to inform voters; requires consideration of Indian reservations in the placement of ballot drop boxes; and establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 for tampering or destroying a ballot drop box, in addition to any other penalties authorized by law.

House Bill 1510 requires write-in candidates to file a declaration of candidacy 18 days before a primary or election.

House Bill 2215 makes technical corrections to laws related to elections.

House Bill 2263 requires the state committee and county central committees to elect at least one female for the chair or vice chair positions.

The six bills that may be considered for Executive Action include House Bills 1290, 1449, 2105, 2215, 2374, and 2473.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 10

On the House Floor this morning, we voted five bills out of the House. These bills were …

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1294 passed 72 to 25 with 1 Excused.
Substitute House Bill 1038 passed 97 to 0 with 1 Excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1090 passed 97 to 0 with 1 Excused.
Substitute House Bill 1536 passed 58 to 39 with 1 Excused.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1950 passed 95 to 2 with 1 Excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 10

My first meeting of the day was in the Local Government Committee where we’re hearing testimony on four bills. House Bill 1595 grants the powers of initiative and referendum to all counties that are not home rule charter counties, and requires the legislative authorities of such counties to establish petition forms and procedures for circulating petitions; establishes requirements for proposing initiative and referendum measures, verifying petition signatures, and submitting petitions to voters of the county; and authorizes county legislative authorities to submit proposed and enacted ordinances to the voters of the county for approval or rejection.

House Bill 2296 provides that, for purposes of determining the sufficiency of petitions submitted to a city or town, duplicate signatures on the petition, if otherwise valid, must be counted once, rather than stricken.

House Bill 2278 authorizes all fire districts, rather than only fire districts in qualifying rural areas, to enter into contracts with a contiguous city for the furnishing of ambulance services by the city to the district.

House Bill 2297 Expands the definition of "public facilities" as defined in provisions governing the local sales and use tax to include roadway, traffic, and way-finding signage.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 9

In the Appropriations Committee meeting today, we’re accepting testimony on two bills. House Bill 2407 restores provisions allowing retirees of the Public Employees' Retirement System
(PERS) who return to work in positions covered by other Department of Retirement
Systems-administered plans to receive benefits for the first 867 hours of employment per year and applies the 867-hour return-to-work rules to PERS retirees only if hired into retirement benefits-eligible positions.

House Bill 2437 Clarifies that the Health Care Authority (HCA) may direct an employing state agency to make benefit eligibility determinations; clarifies HCA benefit eligibility for part-time and seasonal employees and registered domestic partners; provides a definition for "provider group" among entities that may participate in HCA insurance programs; provides coverage in HCA benefit plans for dependents up to age 26 in conformance with the federal Affordable Care Act; and provides eligibility in HCA-administered Medicare supplemental insurance policies to state registered domestic partners of emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty.

The Committee may also consider House Bills 1635, 2002, 2029, 2407, and 2437 for Executive Action.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 9

After joining Matt Shea for his live radio show and taping my show for Saturday, I had my first committee meeting of the day. In the Government Operations and Elections Committee we’re hearing three bills and may consider five bills for Executive Action. House Bill 1449 exempts victim impact statements from disclosure under the Public Records Act and exempts documents and other materials provided by the defense to the prosecution.

House Bill 2374 corrects statutory cross references, clarifies policy, and repeals outdated provisions of law pertaining to procurement.

House Bill 2473 requires employers to grant a temporary leave of absence without loss of job status or seniority to employees serving in the state legislature and authorizes a private right of action to receive an award for damages, reinstatement, and attorneys' fees and costs.

The five bills that may be considered for Executive Action are House Bills 1102, 1279, 2105, 2106, and 2121.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 8

It’s been a busy Monday morning here in Olympia. Today is Children’s Day where the children of the Representatives are allowed on the House Floor and are given the opportunity to vote on a Resolution. After a morning with my family at the Capital, I’m now my first committee meeting of the day.

The Local Government Committee is hearing testimony on five bills today. House Bill 2213 creates a 19 member joint legislative task force (task force) to determine the most effective delivery of electrical code adoption, rule-making, and inspection services and requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2014.

House Bill 2214 declares the Legislature's finding that support for technical training and the Code Officials Apprenticeship and Training Program will provide, among other things, consistent and equal access to training for code officials of all jurisdictions and establishes a $2.00 fee on each building permit issued by a city or county, which must be deposited in a Code Officials Apprenticeship and Training Account created in the state treasury and used for expenses of the program.

House Bill 2218 authorizes lake management districts and beach management districts to be created for the purpose of financing the acquisition of real property or property rights within or outside of a district; grants counties specific powers related to the acquisition of real property or property rights within or outside of a lake management district or beach management district; and authorizes counties to issue lake management district or beach management district revenue bonds.

House Bill 2311 finds that due process requires notice of certain land use decisions to be given to adjacent landowners and residents, and declares the Legislature’s intent that the Land Use Petition Act’s (LUPA) statute of limitations does not run until notice is provided; adds to the LUPA a new date of issuance, the date that notice of certain land use decisions is effective, that triggers the beginning of the 21-day statute of limitations under the LUPA; requires cities with a population of 500,000 or more to provide notice to adjacent landowners and residents of the following land use decisions: (1) applications for and approval of boundary line adjustments; and (2) applications for and approval of preliminary short plats of short subdivisions; defines the term"adjacent landowners and residents.”

House Bill 2301 authorizes county legislative authorities, during the period of time county appropriation accounts remain open after the end of a fiscal year, to make transfers, revisions, supplemental appropriations, and appropriations for emergencies occurring prior to the close of the fiscal year.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 7

Concerned About Your Right to Privacy? Representative David Taylor (R-Moxee) Has Your Back | The Applecart:: theapplecartblog.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/concerne...-back

Here's a local blog post about House Bill 2272, the 4th Amendment Protection Act.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 6

Will the states unplug the NSA? - Dave Ross Blog - mynorthwest.com:: mynorthwest.com/813/2435626/Will-the-states-unplug...e-NSA

Here's another article regarding HB 2272, 4th Amendment Protection Act. Thank you Dave Ross.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Sesion Day 5

After caucusing on bills today the House passed the following House Bill 1043 92 to 1 with 4 excused. This bill also passed out of the House in 2013 90 to 2 with 2 excused.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 5

In case you missed it last night, here's Freedomcast #3 for 2014 ...

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 5

My first meeting of the morning is in Government Operations and Elections Committee where we’re hearing testimony on two bills. House Bill 1102 requires county auditors to process ballots on the day of the primary or general election until midnight or until all ballots received up to and on that day have been processed and counted, whichever occurs first.

House Bill 2106 adds a provision to election law that if no more than one candidate files for any single county partisan office to fill an unexpired term, a primary for that office may not be held.

We’ll be on the House Floor later today and may take action on a handful of bills. Stay tuned for an update.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 4

Today has been an extremely busy and rewarding day. Thus far there have been six national stories on House Bill 2272, 4th Amendment Protection Act. I also was interviewed by two other national news organizations and one Seattle radio station. Rep. Matt Shea was also interviewed for TV on the bill. We’ve tried to share all the stories, but if we miss one please share it here.

It’s been an incredible day. Praise God.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 4

My final meeting of the day is the Appropriations Committee where we’re getting briefed on the implementation of ObamaCare, including the Medicaid Expansion and the Health Benefit Exchange. Much of the focus is on all the federal money coming to the state ... I guess someone forgot to tell them the federal government is broke.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 4

My first committee meeting today is in the Local Government Committee where we’re receiving testimony on HB 2170 which authorizes water-sewer districts that had annual operating budgets in each of the preceding three years, either between $250,000 and $5 million, or of $5 million or more, to adopt a policy to issue their own warrants for payments of claims and other obligations of the district. We may also take executive action on several bills we already heard this week.

Today looks to be a very busy day for me. After a couple of meetings, a radio interview and a committee meeting this morning, I’ve got several more meetings and interviews this afternoon. Day 4 of the 2014 Legislative Session feels more like day 40.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 3

My final meeting of the day is in the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Information Technology where we’re getting briefed on the State Data Center Business Plan, Information Technology priority ranking, technology funding needs for the judicial branch, and the Attorney General’s Office pilot project for personal computer acquisition and replacement.

Generally speaking, the Appropriations Committee and the various sub-committees spend the first couple meetings getting briefed on agency requests, program updates and reports on legislative directives

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 3

In the Government Operations and Elections Committee today we’re only considering one bill … House Bill 2128 exempts from public disclosure global positioning system data that show the residence of an employee or agent of a criminal justice agency.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 3

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence; true friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks and adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." --George Washington, Letter to Bushrod Washington, 1783

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 3

Today is going to be a long and busy day for me with three committee meetings and caucus time on my schedule. My first meeting is in the Local Government Committee where we’re hearing three bills. House Bill 2186 authorizes counties and cities to allow approved on-site sewage systems for sites located in existing developments in urban growth areas if connecting to a sanitary sewer system is cost prohibitive to a property owner and defines related terms, including "cost prohibitive."

House Bill 2187 extends the date by which certain counties participating in the Voluntary Stewardship Program of the Growth Management Act must review and, if necessary, revise development regulations to protect critical areas as they apply to agricultural activities.

House Bill 2188 authorizes diking districts to annex territory that is contiguous to and receives services from the district and establishes related annexation provisions and requirements.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 2

In the Appropriations Committee today we’re getting briefed on four separate issues that have budgetary impacts. First, OFM is presenting the Governor’s proposed Supplemental Operating Budget. Next is a briefing regarding the Governor’s proposal regarding the purchasing of behavior health services. The third briefing is related to the Governor’s State Health Innovation Plan. The final briefing of the day relates to changes to the Children’s Long-term Impatient Program.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 2

Here are my comments to Governor Inslee’s State of the State Address …

Governor Inslee: The Supreme Court ordered the Legislature to fully fund education and the Legislature has failed to make adequate progress. The court expects immediate concrete action … Governor Inslee agrees.

Response: Governor, the WA State Supreme Court’s order ignores Separation of Powers under the Constitution. The Legislature, not the court, holds the power of the purse.

Governor Inslee: The House passed the Dream Act yesterday and now the Senate must pass the bill.

Response: The Dream Act, the bill that was acted on the first day of session without the benefit of notice, hearing or public comment this year.

Governor Inslee: We must have a Transportation Funding package.

Response: How much is enough? The Legislature should focus on reforming the system, not raising taxes. The Freedom Agenda Team has introduced several bills aimed at saving taxpayers money and reforming the way government operates to the tune of $2.3 billion in savings over ten years.

Governor Inslee: The Senate must pass a Transportation Funding package. It’s time to stop focusing on what we want and start focusing on what the state needs.

Response: Uh, Governor, my constituents don’t want nor need a 13 cent gas tax increase.

Governor Inslee: Governor Inslee calls for an increase to the state’s minimum wage.

Response: Washington already has the highest minimum wage in the nation. Increasing the minimum wage will do nothing to create jobs and ultimately lead to fewer people being employed.

Governor Inslee: We must take additional action to reduce carbon pollution. I am committed to addressing climate change.

Response: How much will this cost? It’s estimated to be as high as $1.09 per gallon of fuel. So on top of the 13 cent gas tax increase, the Governor now wants another $1.09 per gallon of gas? When is enough, enough?

All in all, the Governor’s speech was long in rhetoric and short in content. Climate change, gas tax, minimum wage … we’ve heard all this before. I stand for less government, lower taxes and more freedom … the Governor’s speech represents the complete antithesis of all I believe in.