Crime in Washington state: 2012 snapshot
May 24, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Washington state has more than 6,800,000 people. Though we’re not a high-crime state, bad things do happen – but our law enforcers are getting better at tracking crime and responding to it. A big part of the effort is information. … Continue reading
Sweeping mental health care reforms approved by Governor Inslee
May 23, 2013 - WA House Dems
We’ve seen the tragedy that can occur when the mentally ill don’t get the care they need. Tuesday afternoon, Governor Inslee approved several measures to improve mental health care and make Washington a safer place. Among the reforms is Rep. … Continue reading
How safe are we?
May 15, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
This week, State Auditor Troy Kelley released a performance audit showing that our state’s background check system is severely lacking. The audit found we could do a better job protecting our state’s most vulnerable – children, disabled, and the elderly … Continue reading
We’re nearing wildfire season. Are you prepared?
May 7, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Images of a raging blaze that scorched 28,000 acres in Southern California over the weekend serve as a reminder that as temperatures rise in the Pacific Northwest, so does the risk of wildfires. In fact, in the past 48 hours … Continue reading
Legislature puts “Legitimate Rape” to bed for good
May 7, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
You may remember last year when Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin, in response to a question on a woman’s right to choose, said, “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing … Continue reading
Honoring law enforcement’s ultimate sacrifice: May 3
May 2, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
If you hear the crack of gunfire echoing across the Capitol Campus early on the afternoon of Friday, May 3, don’t be alarmed: It’s part of the annual ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial in honor of those officers who … Continue reading
Turning the screws on metal thieves
May 2, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Metal theft is huge problem that affects our entire state. Robbers are stealing everything: cemetery urns, farm equipment, copper from power lines and brass fittings on fire hoses. Metal is a hot commodity because it is valuable and not easily … Continue reading
2013 Regular Session Victories
April 29, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Education – Early Learning through Higher Education Integrating early learning (HB 1723) – Creates a framework for developing an integrated, high quality early learning continuum for low-income children ages birth to 5. Reforming Working Connections Child Care (SB 5595) – … Continue reading
Tri-City Herald: Governor signs ‘Safe Keys’ bill
April 27, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
Tyler Richardson with the Tri-City Herald wrote a great story today about my Safe Keys bill. One woman’s fight to take a stance against violent crime after being raped in her Richland apartment in 2009 has effectively helped change the … Continue reading
Governor Inslee signs Tarleton’s ‘Safe Keys’ bill
April 24, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1647 into law on Tuesday, which will require landlords to safely secure spare and master keys to rental units. State Representative Gael Tarleton (D-Ballard) introduced the measure after hearing Dana Widrig’s story. Widrig was … Continue reading
New protections enacted for stalking victims
April 18, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Stalking is a crime that affects approximately 3.4 million Americans each year. These perpetrators know no economic, racial, or societal bounds. Some stalkers are former spouses or boyfriends who are angry about child custody battles or embittered by breakups. But … Continue reading
Getting tough on drunk drivers
April 16, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Washingtonians are three times more likely to be injured or killed on the roads than at the hands of criminals. Drunk drivers are a major cause of the tragedies in our neighborhoods and on our highways. This afternoon, Governor Jay … Continue reading
Tarleton’s safe keys bill OK’d by Senate
April 12, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
State Representative Gael Tarleton’s (D-Ballard) bill requiring landlords to safely secure spare keys to their rental units was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 42-5. Tarleton introduced the measure after hearing Dana Widrig’s story. Widrig was brutally … Continue reading
Legislative Update from Rep. Eileen Cody
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Eileen CodyIn my last e-memo, I reported back on some bills we passed during the House of Origin cutoff week. I am proud of these legislative accomplishments and I look forward to seeing them advance through the Senate. However, there were … Continue reading
Rep. Green: We can prevent tragedies
March 22, 2013 - Rep. Tami Green
Here’s some media coverage of Rep. Tami Green’s legislation (House Bill 1777), which would reform how the state handles people who may be a danger to themselves or others. Q13 TV ran this story: The story said, in part: Green, … Continue reading
House approves latest Kagi road safety bill
March 13, 2013 - Rep. Ruth Kagi
A measure to help improve safety on roads and highways by requiring vehicles hauling sand, rock, gravel or dirt to cover those loads passed the state House over the weekend. Sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi (D – Shoreline), the bill … Continue reading
Orwall continues bringing help and hope to victims of human trafficking
March 8, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Yesterday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure sponsored by state Rep. Tina Orwall to build on the progress made last year in the fight against human trafficking. “Unfortunately, SeaTac and surrounding areas have one of the highest rates … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 5, 2013
March 5, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
Dear neighbors, First, I want to thank all of you who joined our 19th Legislative District telephone town hall last Wednesday evening. Rep. Dean Takko, Senator Brian Hatfield, and I had a great time and really appreciated the chance to … Continue reading
House OKs bills highlighting public safety, consumer protection
March 4, 2013 - House Democratic CaucusOLYMPIA — Public safety and consumer protection took center stage earlier today (Monday, March 4, 2013) in a legislative package the House of Representatives OK’d and sent across the rotunda for Senate consideration. Topping the list was House Bill 1529, … Continue reading
House unanimously approves Tarleton’s safe keys legislation
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
State Representative Gael Tarleton’s bill requiring landlords to safely secure spare keys to their rental units was approved by the House of Representatives today by a vote of 98-0. Tarleton introduced the measure after hearing Dana Widrig’s story. Widrig was … Continue reading
Listen to Rep. Mary Helen Roberts on KUOW’s The Conversation
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Should minors convicted of crimes serve life sentences without parole? Some prisoners in Washington state are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for crimes they committed when they were under the age of 18. Is that just? … Continue reading
Rep. Orwall’s bill would compensate those wrongly convicted
March 1, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Can you imagine getting charged with a horrible crime that you did not commit? And what if the evidence that would prove you were innocent was not allowed in the court room and you spent almost two decades in prison? … Continue reading
Listen to Rep. Tina Orwall talk about her bill to help former prostitutes and sex-trade victims get a new start in life
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Radio report on Orwall’s HB 1292, which allows people convicted of prostitution, as a result of being victims of commercial sex trafficking-related crimes, to apply to vacate their criminal records.
GIVE JUVENILE OFFENDERS A CHANCE AT REDEMPTION – special to the Everett Herald
February 23, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
By Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, Rev. Paul Benz and Sr. Sharon Park The United States is the only country on earth that sentences children to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Washington is one of 29 states in … Continue reading
Bill would improve adoption process to protect children from abuse
February 21, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Do you remember the horrific story of Hana Williams, an adopted Ethiopian girl living in Sedro-Woolley? A couple of years ago her adoptive parents starved her, abused her, beat her repeatedly and left her outside on a cold night, which … Continue reading
‘Kelsey Smith Act’ featured in KIRO TV news story
February 20, 2013 - Rep. John McCoy
Prime-sponsored by state Rep. John McCoy, the “Kelsey Smith Act” contained in House Bill 1897 would require wireless-telecommunications providers to provide call-location information for cell phones in an emergency. Such information would be given out only to law-enforcement folks, and … Continue reading
Safe keys bill heard in House Judiciary Committee
February 14, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
Dana Widrig was brutally beaten and raped in her apartment complex three years ago. Her attacker was a maintenance employee who worked at Widrig’s apartment complex. He gained access to a spare set of keys to her rental unit because … Continue reading
Rep. Orwall’s E-Newsletter for February 8, 2013
February 8, 2013 - nietolDear Neighbors, Believe it or not, we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session. Only 11 more weeks to go! The session follows a cut-off calendar, which determines the deadlines for public hearings and executive action on bills, … Continue reading
“Lock them up, put them in a safe”
February 6, 2013 - mcvicaraA very brave woman, Dana Widrig, inspired me to introduce my first bill last week. She was brutally attacked in her apartment when a maintenance worker gained access to the landlord’s open lockbox and substitute keys. Since this tragedy took … Continue reading
Rep. Tarleton’s Feb. 5, 2013 E-Newsletter
February 6, 2013 - mcvicara
Friends and neighbors, I am excited to share with you my first e-newsletter. We are now starting the fourth week of the session, and I want to catch you up on how I’ve been working for you here in Olympia. … Continue reading
Scenes from opening day
January 15, 2013 - toyrab
The gavel has fallen in the House of Representatives and the 63rd Washington State Legislature is underway. State Representative Jamie Pedersen, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, wasted no time getting to work. Here we see him being interviewed by … Continue reading
Hudgins named chair of Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government
December 19, 2012 - bergstromg
Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila) will serve as the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. “Citizens need services that work for them and their families,” said Hudgins. “My job, as a citizen-lawmaker, is to be an advocate for … Continue reading
Rep. Moscoso to vice-chair Transportation Committee
December 18, 2012 - nietol
From the look of his committee assignments, Rep. Luis Moscoso’s second term in the House of Representatives will be very busy, but he’s no longer the new kid on the block. The Mountlake Terrace Democrat is no stranger to transportation … Continue reading
Roberts takes on new role in Olympia
December 11, 2012 - toyrab
State Representative Mary Helen Roberts (D-Lynnwood) received her committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session when the House Democratic Caucus released their committee structure this morning. Rep. Roberts, a longtime advocate for reforming the state’s criminal justice system, will serve … Continue reading
Goodman named chair of House Public Safety Committee
December 11, 2012 - bergstromgRep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) has been picked to chair the House Public Safety Committee. “In a heartbeat, a violent crime or a natural disaster can take away everything — your home, your family, your life,” Goodman said. “Our state laws … Continue reading
Hansen to serve as vice chair of Judiciary Committee
December 10, 2012 - robertsgRep. Drew Hansen of Bainbridge Island has been named vice chair of the influential House Judiciary Committee in the 2013 Legislature by the Democratic majority. Hansen, a practicing attorney in Seattle, is entering his first full term in the House. He … Continue reading
Rep. Goodman on cannabis legalization: The world is watching, and the hard work has just begun
December 7, 2012 - bergstromg
The voters of Washington state, who turned out in greater numbers — 81 percent –than any other state in the nation, did two brave things in approving marriage equality and ending cannabis prohibition. I am very proud of how many … Continue reading
Stiffer penalties for drunk drivers approved by governor
March 29, 2012 - bergstromgOLYMPIA — The penalties for driving drunk in Washington just got tougher now that Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed House Bill 2216 into law. The measure, sponsored by Representative Christopher Hurst (D-Enumclaw), ensures justice for families and friends who lose … Continue reading
Kitsap state Rep. Sherry Appleton retains key spots on state panels
March 23, 2012 - frizzelldOLYMPIA – State Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo, 23rd) was appointed this month to a fourth term as a legislative member of the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Appleton, the senior member of the 23rd-district legislative team, will also continue as … Continue reading
Rep. Hansen’s floor speech on SHB 2747 improving job training for firefighters at Fire Service Academies
February 11, 2012 - mcvicaraRep. Sherry Appleton reappointed to key state positions
June 27, 2011 - frizzelldRetains seats on Sentencing Guidelines Commission, Council on Aging OLYMPIA – State Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo, 23rd district) was reappointed this month to continue serving on the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission and the state’s Council on Aging. This will … Continue reading
Dickerson law targets pimps involved in child prostitution
May 3, 2011 - boyesrOLYMPIA—With a stroke of her pen today, Gov. Chris Gregoire gave law enforcement officials in Washington long-sought tools to investigate and prosecute pimps involved in child prostitution. The new law, proposed by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle), allows law enforcement … Continue reading
New law protects victims of serious domestic violence
April 20, 2011 - boyesrOLYMPIA—With a stroke of her pen on Wednesday, Gov. Chris Gregoire strengthened legal protections for victims of severe domestic violence by making it harder for their abusers to terminate or weaken long-term protection orders. “This law tells survivors of domestic … Continue reading
Video: Jinkins on clean water, public health
April 7, 2011 - waldrefjOn April 7, 2011, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, spoke on the House floor in support of Senate Bill 5364, dealing with public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Jinkins sponsored the House companion bill, HB 1468.
House advances set of public-safety measures
February 26, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA — Legislators centered their attention on public safety this morning, approving several bills meant to protect Washington residents. Safety improvements on roadways, in homes and neighborhoods, and even in cyberspace were the focus of today’s floor session in the … Continue reading
Van De Wege says drug companies should pay for safe drug disposal
February 3, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Washington is one of 16 states where accidental poisonings have surpassed auto accidents to become the number one cause of accidental deaths. Most accidental poisonings are from medications, which can be found in almost every household. In a … Continue reading
Legislation by Rep. Goodman would protect victims of stalkers
February 1, 2011 - bergstromgRep. Roger Goodman testifying in favor of House Bill 1180, which would strengthen protections for victims of stalking and harassment.
DNA bill to keep offenders from progressing to more violent crime, lower investigation costs
January 20, 2011 - waldrefjRep. Darneille and Sen. Fraser introduce legislation requiring DNA collection at time of arrest for the most serious of crimes; privacy safeguards in place OLYMPIA — Washington state Rep. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma, and Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, have introduced … Continue reading
