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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Tuesday, Feb. 13, was house of origin cutoff, meaning that was the last day for bills to be voted out of their respective chamber. We debated and voted on dozens of bills and passed many good pieces of legislation. We’ll spend the next week and a half in our respective committees considering bills that passed out of the Senate. The deadline to get those bills to the House floor is Wednesday, Feb. 21, except bills in fiscal committees, which have until Monday, Feb. 26.
Five Bills Approved by The House
I’m happy to report the House approved five of my bills, which are now being considered in the Senate, putting them one step closer to becoming law.
House Bill 2204 would allow beverage producers a temporary emergency permit – with no fees – to move their place of business to another beverage producing company in the event a natural disaster forces them to close. Click here to read more and here to watch my floor speech on final passage.
House Bill 2045 would facilitate the removal of fish barriers on lands owned by local governments by creating the “Adopt a Fish Barrier” program, through which local governments may receive private donations. The donors’ contributions would be recognized with a sign and/or plaque. Click here to read more and here to watch my floor speech on final passage. Click on the image below to watch a fun video I shot after the bill passed.
House Bill 1982 would strengthen rural broadband service in Washington by codifying the Community Economic Revitalization Board Rural Broadband program. This bill would have a big impact on our rural communities and tribes. Click here to read more and here to watch my floor speech on final passage.
House Bill 2255 would require the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to regularly audit the data in the Cannabis Central Reporting System, with a goal of identifying and preventing illegal inversion and diversion of cannabis into and out of Washington’s regulated cannabis system. Click here to learn more.
House Bill 2260, which has already passed its committee in the Senate, intends to bring fairness to a situation that lacks equity. Under current law, when a store clerk sells alcohol to a minor they can be charged with a criminal penalty. If a restaurant worker or someone that serves alcohol sells to a minor, they are given a fine. Under this bill, the LCB could impose a civil penalty for the store clerk instead of issuing a criminal citation. Click here to learn more and click on the image below to watch a lighthearted video I shot after the bill passed the House.
To watch more floor speeches and to keep up with other news going on in Olympia, please visit my News and Media page on my website.
Statewide Initiatives: There has been some movement on the six statewide initiatives certified by the Secretary of State and introduced into the Legislature last month. Democratic leaders announced that they will hold public hearings on three of the six initiatives. Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins announced Friday that public hearings will be held on I-2113 (police pursuits), I-2111 (state income tax) and I-2081 (parental rights).
The lawmakers also confirmed I-2117, a repeal of the Climate Commitment Act, I-2109, a repeal of the capital gains tax and I-2124, an opt-out of Washington’s long-term care retirement program that would effectively end the program, will not receive hearings or floor action, and will go directly to the November ballot. Keep checking back for more updates, please click here for some in-depth background and explanation of these initiatives.
Please Join Your 17th District Lawmakers at Our Virtual Town Hall
I’m excited for the opportunity to hear from you at our upcoming 17th District virtual town hall on Thursday, Feb. 22. I will be joined by my seatmates, Sen. Lynda Wilson and Rep. Paul Harris, for this meeting held on Zoom.
Town halls provide the perfect opportunity for you to connect directly with your state legislators to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. We want to ensure that your voices are heard as we work together to address the important issues facing our communities and our state.
Those who wish to participate in the meeting must register for the event online by clicking here or by scanning the QR code on the image above. Space is limited so be sure to sign up soon.
During this town hall, we will provide updates on various legislation and initiatives, and we’ll be available to answer your questions and listen to your feedback. Please join us next Thursday on Zoom.
Thank You and Please Stay in Touch
Thank you for your continued support as I serve you in Olympia. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
It is an honor to serve.
Kevin Waters
