WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Priority Legislation for Rep. Freeman Passes the House

Three pieces of legislation that Representative Roger Freeman has worked in support of this session have been approved by the House of Representatives

“I am passionate about these bills, and I believe they will have a strong, positive impact on our community. It is an honor to have been able to work with my colleagues to guide them through the legislative process,” said Freeman.

HB 1552 helps crack down on metal theft, which is increasingly a problem in Federal Way and across the state. It increases penalties for stealing metal or wire by adding the cost of damages resulting from the theft to the value of the stolen metal when determining sentences.

Further, the bill authorizes law enforcement agencies to inspect licensed scrap metal dealers inventory for stolen wares and implement an ongoing electronic statewide no-buy list of previous dealers who have violated the law. It also creates the Washington metal theft authority help implement these new crime-fighting measures.

HB 1413, known as the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2013, seeks to bring government closer to the people and improve representation of underrepresented groups in municipal governments. This is a concern in many of Washington’s more rural communities, where minorities make up a plurality or majority of the population but hold just a small fraction of public offices.

The legislation empowers local communities that have a demonstrated pattern of racially polarized voting that is disenfranchising minority voters to switch from at-large elections to smaller districted elections. It also provides citizens in larger communities the ability to bring action in state court if they feel their rights are being violated.

“The Voting Rights Act levels the playing field for historically underrepresented groups, said Freeman. “It provides a pathway for candidates to be elected based solely on their message, their character, and their passion for change.”

HB 1817, the Washington State DREAM Act, would make undocumented students who were brought here as young children and grew up in our communities eligible for the State Need Grant. With the dramatic tuition increases that have occurred in recently, access to financial aid is the only way many students can attend college. The DREAM Act ensures that every child, no matter where they were born, has a shot at the American Dream.

All three bills now go to Senate for consideration.