Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re already 25% of the way through the 2023 Legislative Session and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, and excited for what’s to come!
As a brief legislative update, this week, my first bill has already passed off the house floor! HB 1352 authorizes investments from tribal governments in investment pools operated by county treasurers to be allowed on the same terms and conditions as local governments’ investments in the pool. This bill will now be considered in the Senate. To submit a comment on this bill, click here!
Transforming Lives
I am honored and delighted to have been invited to the Transforming Lives Award Dinner, put on by the Association of College Trustees (ACT) to recognize current and former students whose lives were transformed by attending a Washington State community or technical college. Nominees overcame significant barriers to achieve their higher education goals, demonstrating how Washington community and technical colleges can help transform lives through education. Bessie Gordon-Verrett was nominated by the Green River College Board of Trustees. She shared how her own experience in the education system continues to inspire her work: “I want to target those with the longest odds and the most complex challenges. It’s the gap where education justice lives and where I call home. For those that are in this gap, I encourage you to be open to self-discovery and trust. There are champions, allies, and accomplices who are working in their vocation and see your success as their own. They are village builders waiting to co-design success with you.”
Improving public safety & law enforcement accountability
When law enforcement officials wear their body cameras, events are recorded, protecting both officers and civilians—however, it’s critical that access to unredacted copies of the recording are granted. Footage requires that everyone involved is held accountable for their actions, and can be used by defense attorneys in court as evidence to help protect the defendant’s rights. That’s why I’ve co-sponsored HB 1080, which authorizes law enforcement and corrections agencies responding to a public records request to provide an unredacted copy of a body camera recording. Body-worn cameras improve officer safety, reduce agency liability, increase evidence quality, and require greater law enforcement accountability. This bill has already passed on the House floor!
Community support for problem gambling
Problem gambling and gambling disorder contribute to family disintegration, criminal activity, and financial insolvencies. People experiencing problem gambling are at significantly increased risk for other disorders, such as substances use disorder and other behavioral health concerns. That’s why I’ve sponsored HB 1681, which doubles the funding for our state’s problem gambling program, creates a permanent problem gambling advisory body that can track advances in research and recovery, and will lead to an increase in the availability of treatment services.
Ending Animal Abuse and Predatory Lending
Across the country, puppy-breeding farms practice high-volume dog breeding to churn out puppies for profit in cruel, abusive, inhumane environments. Puppies from mills are often sick, unsocialized, and have physical problems, and their mothers often spend their lives in cages. The puppies are then shipped all over the country to be sold in stores, offering predatory financing practices leaving many thousands of dollars in debt.
This is obviously inhumane to the puppy and exploitative to the consumer—and so many of you have reached out to say something. I’m proud to support HB 1424 to end the puppy mill to pet store pipeline and restrict pet stores from offering predatory financing. As written in the Seattle Times, “Enacting HB 1424 would surely prevent a lot of unnecessary misery — for humans and our furry friends.”
I’m also proud to support HB 1234, which clarifies the authority for law enforcement agencies and local animal care and control agencies to take possession of abused and neglected animals. It is our objective to care for an prevent their unnecessary suffering. If a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer has probable cause to believe that an animal is in imminent danger, is suffering serious physical injury, or needs immediate medical attention, we should have a framework in place to allow for the protection of this animal. This bill has already passed out of the House and will be considered in the Senate.
It’s an honor to represent the 47th Legislative District. I look forward to hearing your continued advocacy, feedback, and engagement throughout the 2023 Legislative Session–please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a call at (360) 786-7858.
Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Rep. Chris Stearns
State Representative Chris Stearns
47th Legislative District