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Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| 2/16/2010 12:45:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article
Comment on this article | Washington Votes Roll Call Report
Y = Yes, N = No, E = Excused,
X = Not Voting
Senate Bill 6696, E2SSB 6696 - Providing education reform
E2SSB 6696 creates an accountability framework for the state's education system. E2SSB 6696 would require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to enact an accountability system for school districts where persistently low-achieving schools are located. Additionally the act establishes a four-level rating system to evaluate teachers and principals, which includes measurements of effectiveness in such areas as student achievement, teaching practices and fostering a safe learning environment. The bill also provides standards for encouraging innovation in science and mathematics, expands professional preparation options and requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt core standards that are universal for state education achievement. E2SSB 6696 passed the Senate by a vote of 41 to 5 and is now before the House Education Committee for further consideration.
Sen. Brian Hatfield, (D-Raymond) Y
Senate Bill 6345, SSB 6345 - Use of wireless communications while driving
SSB 6345 passed the Senate by a vote of 33 to 15 making it a primary offense to use a hand held cell phone while driving. Currently under state law, the use of a hand held cell phone is considered a secondary offense. SSB 6345 would cause a user of hand held cell device to be ticketed without committing any other traffic infraction. In addition, this bill prohibits a person with an instructional permit or intermediate license from using cell phones, including the use of hands-free devices, while operating a vehicle. The bill does provide exemptions for use during an emergency and by public servants. SSB 6345 is now before the House Committee on Transportation.
Sen. Brian Hatfield, (D-Raymond) N
House Bill 1956, ESHB 1956 - To allow homeless encampments
ESHB 1956, which passed the House by a vote of 57 to 39, would allow churches broad authority to provide shelter or housing for homeless persons on property owned or controlled by the church. ESHB 1956 also prohibits a county, city, or town from enacting an ordinance or regulation that unreasonably interferes with the decisions or actions of a church regarding the location of housing or shelter for homeless persons on property the church owns or controls. The act also clarifies that housing of homeless persons on church property cannot be prohibited based upon the property's proximity to a school or day care center. ESHB 1956 is now before the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee for further consideration.
Rep. Brian Blake, (D-Aberdeen) Y
Rep. Dean Takko, (D-Longview) Y
Senate Bill 6130, ESSB 6130 - Suspending provisions of voter approved I-960
ESSB 6130 would temporarily repeal provisions of the voter approved initiative 960 until after July 1, 2011. The provisions that are being repealed include: public notice and cost projections for bills which raise taxes or increase fees, the requirement to have a two-thirds majority vote to raise taxes by the legislature and the requirement to have a tax advisory vote for any tax increase not referred to voters or otherwise blocked from public vote. ESSB 6130 also includes an emergency clause which would prevent this act from being challenged through voter referendum. ESSB 6130 passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 22 and is now scheduled for public hearing in the House Finance Committee.
Sen. Brian Hatfield, (D-Raymond) Y
Senate Bill 6688, SSB 6688 - Filling vacancies for non-partisan elective office
SSB 6688, which passed the Senate by a vote of 37 to 12, provides that for any vacancy occurring in a non-partisan county elective office, the nonpartisan executive or chair of the council shall nominate three persons as candidates to fill the vacancy. The nominees must be from the same district as the county officer whose office was vacated. A majority of the county legislative authority members must agree upon the appointment of the candidate within 30 days the vacancy or the Governor will be authorized to fill the vacancy. The Governor would be required to choose from the list of nominees and will have 15 days to render a decision. SSB 6688 is now before the House for additional consideration.
Sen. Brian Hatfield, (D-Raymond) Y
SOURCE: WashingtonVotes.org, a free, non-partisan Web site to find plain-English explanations of bills and a record of each legislator's votes. Do you want to know more about your government? Visit (www.WashingtonVotes.org) today.
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