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