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.
Friday, January 31, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
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.
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.
Great job Tiffany.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
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.
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.
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
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!
blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2014/01/2...hreat
blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2014/01/2...hreat
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 17
In case you missed it last night, here's the latest Freedomcast ...
soundcloud.com/freedom-agenda-washington/freedomca...-guns
soundcloud.com/freedom-agenda-washington/freedomca...-guns
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Monday, January 27, 2014
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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Friday, January 24, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
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.
(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.
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.
Monday, January 20, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
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.
Here's a local blog post about House Bill 2272, the 4th Amendment Protection Act.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
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.
Here's another article regarding HB 2272, 4th Amendment Protection Act. Thank you Dave Ross.
Friday, January 17, 2014
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
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.
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.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
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.
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.
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 2
My first committee meeting of the day is in Government Operations and Elections where we’re considering three bills. House Bill 2105 requires public agencies with governing bodies to post meeting agendas online at least 24 hours in advance of a regular meeting and exempts agencies that do not have websites or that have five or fewer full-time equivalent employees from posting agendas online.
Engrossed House Bill 1279 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote when applying for a driver's license or identicard.
House Bill 2121 requires training for members of a governing body of a public agency on the Open Public Meetings Act; requires training for elected state and local officials and agency public records officers on the Public Records Act; and requires training for elected state and local officials and agency records retention officers on the preservation and destruction of public records.
The Governor’s State of the State Address is scheduled for 12:00 PM today. I’ll be posting a response to the Governor’s statement later today.
Engrossed House Bill 1279 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote when applying for a driver's license or identicard.
House Bill 2121 requires training for members of a governing body of a public agency on the Open Public Meetings Act; requires training for elected state and local officials and agency public records officers on the Public Records Act; and requires training for elected state and local officials and agency records retention officers on the preservation and destruction of public records.
The Governor’s State of the State Address is scheduled for 12:00 PM today. I’ll be posting a response to the Governor’s statement later today.
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 2
I am please to announce I will be hosting a weekly radio show on KYAK 930 AM starting this Saturday at 11:30 AM. The show will be available throughout Central Washington and is the first time I have ever hosted a radio show. My goal is to have the listeners participate in setting the content and topics discussed each week and have established an email to accept comments, topics and show tips. The email address is freedom4wa@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from everyone.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 1
In today’s Appropriations Committee we’re getting briefed and hearing testimony on the Governor’s Supplemental Budget proposal … ugh!
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 1
My first committee meeting of the 2014 Legislative Session is the Local Government Committee where we’re hearing four bills. House Bill 2114 modifies an existing Public Records Act exemption for customer information held by a public utility to exempt from disclosure customers' telephone numbers, electronic contact information, and specific utility usage and billing information.
House Bill 1040 authorizes county assessors to combine or separately state land and improvement values on annual real property value notices that inform taxpayers of changes in real property and improvement values.
House Bill 2157 increases the per diem compensation of elected flood control zone district supervisors and requires the Office of Financial Management to adjust for inflation the per diem compensation every five years in accordance to the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.
House Bill 2189 modifies rules and requirements for flood control district contracts, including: (1) Authorizing installment payments for contracts for maintenance, similar to other types of district contracts; (2) creating a threshold of $50,000 over which certain contracts may only be let by contract and competitive bidding; and (3) modifying competitive bidding procedures; modifies requirements for performance bonds furnished by recipients of flood control district contracts, such as raising the threshold at which a performance bond for the full amount of the contract price is required to $50,000, and specifying that the bond must be furnished to the district, rather than to the state of Washington; and amends and consolidates provisions relating to the administration and operation of the flood control district board of directors, and specifies that the board must hold meetings in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
House Bill 1040 authorizes county assessors to combine or separately state land and improvement values on annual real property value notices that inform taxpayers of changes in real property and improvement values.
House Bill 2157 increases the per diem compensation of elected flood control zone district supervisors and requires the Office of Financial Management to adjust for inflation the per diem compensation every five years in accordance to the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.
House Bill 2189 modifies rules and requirements for flood control district contracts, including: (1) Authorizing installment payments for contracts for maintenance, similar to other types of district contracts; (2) creating a threshold of $50,000 over which certain contracts may only be let by contract and competitive bidding; and (3) modifying competitive bidding procedures; modifies requirements for performance bonds furnished by recipients of flood control district contracts, such as raising the threshold at which a performance bond for the full amount of the contract price is required to $50,000, and specifying that the bond must be furnished to the district, rather than to the state of Washington; and amends and consolidates provisions relating to the administration and operation of the flood control district board of directors, and specifies that the board must hold meetings in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 1
The 2014 Legislative Session has officially began and the first bill considered this session was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1817 ... the Washington State Dream Act. This bill was pulled to the Floor for consideration without any hearing, debate or public discussion in this year's session. The bill passed 70 to 23 with 2 Excused from voting.
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 1
What a way to start the 2014 Session. In the six Opening Days of Regular Session I have been a part of, I don't recall EVER voting on a bill the first day. This year is much, much different as the House of Representatives will be voting on the Dream Act today. No public notice, no public debate and no public input. I don't believe having hearings on the bill a year ago mitigates the need to provide the public an opportunity to participate in the process of passing new laws.
Let the political games begin.
Let the political games begin.
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom - 2014 Legislative Session Day 1
The 2014 Legislative Session begins today at noon, but we have a Caucus meeting at 10:00 AM to discuss issues we anticipate being big this session. I've got two committee hearings this afternoon and will be posting bill numbers and summaries again this year.
Stay tuned ....
Stay tuned ....
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Side note ... from what I've seen Oklahoma and Arkansas are beautiful states.
https://chumly.com/n/21c7cc9
https://chumly.com/n/21c7cc9
Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -
2014 Legislative Session - T-minus 6 days
As we head into the 2014 Legislative Session and I prepare to head to Olympia later this week, I am thinking about the various bills we are likely to see. The rumor on the street is there won’t be much, if any, supplemental budget, which means 2014 could be a huge policy year with deferred implementation until 2015. As expected, there are already good bills and bad ones.
Among the good bills, there’s HB 2133 to maintain the privacy of student educational records which has already has a hearing scheduled, the 4th Amendment Protection Act to address warrantless surveillance and data collection and a few new regulatory reform bills to help promote economic development. On the other hand, it looks like both"firearms” initiatives to the Legislature have the requisite number of signatures for consideration and there’s HB 2124 related Continuity of Government (COG). We’re also hearing there are possibly bills allowing for random sobriety checkpoints and DNA collection upon arrest.
I’ll be making (sometime multiple) daily posts including bill summaries, commentary and floor action again this year. The Freedom Agenda Team will also be posting podcasts throughout the session with commentary on the day’s issues and happenings. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have this Legislative Session.
As we head into the 2014 Legislative Session and I prepare to head to Olympia later this week, I am thinking about the various bills we are likely to see. The rumor on the street is there won’t be much, if any, supplemental budget, which means 2014 could be a huge policy year with deferred implementation until 2015. As expected, there are already good bills and bad ones.
Among the good bills, there’s HB 2133 to maintain the privacy of student educational records which has already has a hearing scheduled, the 4th Amendment Protection Act to address warrantless surveillance and data collection and a few new regulatory reform bills to help promote economic development. On the other hand, it looks like both"firearms” initiatives to the Legislature have the requisite number of signatures for consideration and there’s HB 2124 related Continuity of Government (COG). We’re also hearing there are possibly bills allowing for random sobriety checkpoints and DNA collection upon arrest.
I’ll be making (sometime multiple) daily posts including bill summaries, commentary and floor action again this year. The Freedom Agenda Team will also be posting podcasts throughout the session with commentary on the day’s issues and happenings. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have this Legislative Session.
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