Here’s a look at how South Sound members of the Legislature voted on a handful of bills last week:
House Bill 1024
Flame retarding chemicals
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 41-8 to prohibit the sale, manufacture or distribution of products that contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), chemicals found in certain flame retardants. The ban would take effect Jan. 1, 2008. The bill makes several exemptions, including products containing Deca-BDEs (except for residential upholstered furniture, televisions or computers), used vehicles containing PBDEs, and equipment used for military or federally funded space programs. The bill also requires an exemption for certain products if a safer alternative is not found by Dec. 15, 2008. The bill has already passed the House.
Voting yes – Senate
Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville
Karen Fraser, D-Olympia
Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup
Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor
Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma
Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood
Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma
Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way
Pam Roach, R-Auburn
Karen Keiser, D-Kent
Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent
House Bill 1094
Transportation Budget
On March 31, the Senate voted 44-3 to approve the bill that makes appropriations to the 2007-09 state transportation budget. The transportation budget is one of three budgets approved by the Legislature each year. These appropriations pay for transportation-related activities such as building and maintaining roads, operating the state ferry system and public safety.
Voting yes – Senate
Rasmussen
Fraser
Kastama
Kilmer
Regala
Franklin
Eide
Roach
Keiser
Kauffman
Not voting – Senate
Carrell
House Bill 1128
Operating budget
On March 31, the Senate voted 30-17 to approve the state operating budget for 2007-09. The operating budget is one of three budgets approved by the Legislature each year. These appropriations pay for general services such as state employee salaries, basic education and social services.
Voting yes – Senate
Rasmussen
Fraser
Kastama
Kilmer
Regala
Franklin
Eide
Keiser
Kauffman
Voting no – Senate
Carrell
Roach
House Bill 1458
Notice of condemnation actions
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 49-0 to approve a bill to require at least 15 days of public notice prior to any public meeting that will make a final decision on property condemnation. Notices must be sent to affected property owners by certified mail and published in local newspapers. Failing to comply with providing sufficient notice would void condemnation decisions affecting the specific individuals who were not properly notified. The bill has passed the House and is now under consideration by the governor.
Voting yes – Senate
Rasmussen
Fraser
Kastama
Kilmer
Regala
Carrell
Franklin
Eide
Roach
Keiser
Kauffman
House Bill 2171
Crane safety
On March 31, the Senate voted 39-8 to approve a bill that would address crane safety. The bill would require the Department of Labor and Industries to establish a crane certification program. It would also have to develop standards for designating a person as a qualified crane operator. Employers or contractors would be prohibited from allowing nonqualified crane operators to operate a crane except for training purposes. The bill has already passed the House and is now under consideration by the governor.
Voting yes – Senate
Rasmussen
Fraser
Kastama
Kilmer
Regala
Carrell
Franklin
Eide
Roach
Keiser
Kauffman
Source: WashingtonVotes.org, a free, nonpartisan Web site that provides explanations of bills and a record of each legislator’s votes
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