Today is Wednesday, Jan. 18, the 10th day of the 60-day legislative session in Olympia.
QUOTED
“Remember, it only takes 50 people in the House to say yes, and 25 in the Senate, and a governor that will sign that bill.”
– Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, to the crowd at Tuesday’s March for Life abortion protest at the Capitol
WEDNESDAY
The Association of Washington Business will lobby lawmakers for government reform and tax reform for businesses, and to get rid of unfunded laws. Private employers met with legislators and Gov. Chris Gregoire on Tuesday to hear about these issues.
A proposal to allow state-funded charter schools will have a public hearing at 9 a.m.
Senate Bill 6202 would limit the number of public charter schools and includes measures to manage the state’s lowest-achieving schools. The meeting of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee begins at 8 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the Cherberg Building.
Requiring higher-ed institutions to mandate quarterly meetings between students and academic advisers will have a public hearing. House Bill 2436 will be heard in the House Committee on Higher Education at 8 a.m. in Hearing Room C of the O’Brien Building.
A measure to formalize working relationships between Indian tribes and state agencies will have a public hearing. House Bill 2232 would require tribal liaisons with training to work with the tribes, as well as annual meetings between elected officials and tribal leaders. The meeting of the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Affairs will start at 8 a.m. in Hearing Room E of the O’Brien Building.
Exempting medical marijuana patients from being prosecuted for impaired driving based on having the drug in their system will have a public hearing. House Bill 2454 would require other evidence that the driver is impaired to prosecute. The House Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room A of the O’Brien Building.
The committee also will hold a public hearing on increasing the seriousness of vehicular homicide and assault. House Bill 2216 would increase the standard penalties for both offenses.
Making criminal gang intimidation of police officers a crime though House Bill 1913 will have a public hearing. The House Committee on Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness will meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room D of the O’Brien Building.
A public hearing on moving and managing nuisance beavers is set for today. House Bill 2349 will be heard in the meeting of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room A of the O’Brien Building.
BILLS INTRODUCED
Advertisements referencing a health care professional would need to clarify his or her certification under House Bill 2514.
House Bill 2516 would authorize same-sex marriage. Gregoire requested the measure. She expressed her support for same-sex marriage at the beginning of the month.
Music therapists would need to be certified with House Bill 2522.
Higher-ed institutions would need to give registration priority to eligible students who are veterans or national guard members under Senate Bill 6288.
Senate Bill 6297 would prohibit activities that disturb the spawning beds of salmon and other fish in rivers and streams.
Compiled by Alexis Krell
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