Rep. Mena & Sen. Trudeau: Don’t believe the smears. A fact-based police pursuit law makes Washington safer
We have a duty to put people over politics and make fact-based decisions. The fact is that high-speed chases are inherently dangerous to everyone involved, including police officers, suspects and passengers, but most importantly the public. This is why, in 2021, the Washington Legislature passed House Bill 1054, creating uniform standards for pursuits. The safety of every person, in every neighborhood, must be at the center of each decision. However, we continue to hear a false narrative, meant to instill fear and provide a simple solution to a complex problem. Changes in Washington’s pursuit law are being blamed as solely responsible for the national spike in crime, auto theft, and the overall safety of our communities. Here are the facts. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Legislative Support Services)

A WA bill would lower the legal driving limit to .05% BAC
SB 5002 got off to a quick start, getting a public hearing and a bipartisan vote out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee at the start of the session. It then got its public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee, and awaits a vote there before it could go to a vote of the full Senate. The bill is a unique concept in the United States – only Utah has made blood alcohol levels above 0.05% illegal. Washington experienced 745 highway fatalities in 2022, with alcohol or drug impairment playing a role in more than half, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Sen. John Lovick, a former state trooper and SB 5002’s primary sponsor, believes people should not only be safe, they should feel safe. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Taija Perry Cook)

‘Nothing about us without us’ act would require more representation on legislative task forces, workgroups
A new bill being championed by self-advocates with disabilities and other marginalized groups would require more representation in legislative workgroups and task forces. House Bill 1541 would create the “Nothing About Us Without Us” Act. When a legislative workgroup or task force is working on an issue that “directly and tangibly” affects an underrepresented population, the legislature would be required to appoint a representative from that population to the workgroup. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Darya Farivar, D- Seattle, is optimistic it will pass. “If you’re living it and are experiencing it every single day you have valid lived experiences and I would argue the expertise that needs to be included,” she said. Continue reading at KING5.