Dear Neighbors,
The revenue forecast released this week projects $400 million in new revenue (you can read reports by the Seattle Times, the Everett Herald and the Associated Press), and while this is certainly welcomed news, it’s only half of the story as we still don’t know what the caseload will be. But this new information has gotten conversations started again among budget writers. I will keep you posted on any new developments regarding the state budget.
Over the past couple of weeks Governor Inslee has been busy signing lots of bills into law, including all of my remaining bills that were passed by both the House and Senate:
HB 1068, relating to testing of rape kits. Rapists who rape women and children they know often rape women and children they don’t know, and many commit up to eight to ten rapes before they are finally caught and put behind bars. This law will not only give victims a voice and bring them justice, it will also help keep our communities safe from these very violent offenders. Go here to learn more about this bill and access a story in the News Tribune on this issue.
HB 1069, concerning preservation of DNA evidence. The main point of this bill is the pursuit of justice. We need to make sure we are doing as much as possible to keep innocent people out of prison and criminals off the streets. More information on this new law, including a radio report and an AP story, are available here.
Washington is the first state in the nation to require medical staff to participate in suicide prevention training (including suicide assessment, treatment and management, pursuant to my HB 2315 last session). Now, with passage of HB 1424, we are the first to require that this training, to be developed in collaboration with federal experts, include a veterans training component.
SB 5740, the Senate companion bill of my bill relating to providing extended support for foster children with serious medical issues, HB 1735. Our foster youth, especially those young adults facing significant health challenges, need additional support to transition. I am glad we’re taking this important step to help some of the most vulnerable among us because it really will make a difference not only for them, but also for the entire community. You can read the press release on this measure here.
- SB 5884 was amended to include language from my bill concerning human trafficking of youth, HB 1139, which reauthorizes the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Statewide Coordinating Committee to continue their work studying human trafficking of youth issues.
- SB 5649 was amended to include the language of my bill, HB 1288, requiring a study to see if certain aspects of the Involuntary Treatment Act are implemented consistently throughout the state.
I was also pleased to attend the bill signing for Sen. Joe Fain’s SB 5501, relating to preventing animal cruelty. This new law creates a class 2 civil infraction that applies when an animal is confined in an enclosed space or vehicle creating a health or life-threatening situation, and allows law enforcement or animal control officers to remove the animal in order to keep it safe. Read the Associated Press story here.
Sincerely,
