Happy Fantastic Friday!
It has been a busy week passing bills off the floor, here is an update of what we have been up to.
2019 recognized as International Year of the Salmon
This week, the states of Washington, Oregon and Alaska all honored 2019 as the International Year of the Salmon. Learn more about it in my video update.
Bill status update: a signature away from law
It has been an exciting week. Two of my bills passed the Senate, and remain just a signature away from becoming law. House Bill 1485 makes religious faith practice more inclusive for people in state custody. Currently, chaplains serve the religious needs for all people under state custody, however, the title is not encompassing of all religious faiths. By changing the employee title of “chaplain” to “religious coordinator,” in state agencies, including the Department of Corrections, Department of Children, Youth and Families and Department of Social and Health Service, people can choose the religious practice that works best for them to heal. House Bill 1849 simplifies lease term limits for state-owned first class tidelands and shorelands to allow for marina and dock owners with leases on state aquatic lands to more easily obtain financing for improvements needed to protect and restore habitats. This bill also ensures people who have leases on state owned aquatic lands that are located on unplatted tidelands and shorelands will have the same lease terms as those who have leases on platted tidelands and shorelands. |
Make Gold Star license plates permanent
Gold Star families are those whose loved one died while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces. These family members are eligible for special vehicle license plates, for which they must initially provide certain documentation in order to receive the plates.
When it comes time for renewal, it is usually a simple online process, but a recent computer glitch forced some families to re-verify their Gold Star qualifications. This was an inexcusable error that put families through unnecessary pain. Our Gold Star families have already sacrificed so much, and the state should be compassionate in its processes, not bureaucratic.
To ensure this never happens again, the Legislature has passed House Bill 1197. The bill makes Gold Star license plates permanent, eliminating the need for renewal.
Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday.
Please feel free to reach out to me using the information below, with any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.
I am here for you!
All best wishes,
Rep. Debra Lekanoff