Senate approves O’Ban mental-health reform bills

Published on March 04, 2015
The Senate dedicated Wednesday afternoon to addressing reforms to the state’s mental-health system. Sen. Steve O’Ban, chair of the Senate Human Services, Mental Health, and Housing Committee has been working to change the way the state delivers essential services and provides mental he-lth treatment. With strong bipartisan support the Senate approved two of his reform... Read More

‘Joel’s Law’ voted out of Senate

Published on March 04, 2015
The Senate approved Senate Bill 5269, known as ‘Joel’s Law’ with strong bipartisan support. The law is named for Joel Reuter, a severely mentally-ill man who was shot and killed by police in Seattle in July 2013. Sponsor of the bill, Senator Steve O’Ban, chair of the Senate Human Services, Mental Health & Housing Committee,... Read More

Senate unanimously approves Dansel bill to help taxpayers and counties

Published on March 04, 2015
Today the Senate voted 47-0 to approve a measure sponsored by Sen. Brian Dansel that would give taxpayers more flexibility in how they can pay their tax bills. “There used to be a time when we all had to pay our car insurance in one lump sum and with one method of payment; that is... Read More

Senate passes Brown’s bills to encourage job growth

Published on March 03, 2015
Community Prosperity and Revitalization (CPR) Act will help resuscitate local economies, says Brown Today the Senate voted 30-19 to pass the Community Prosperity and Revitalization (CPR) Act, aimed at helping local communities create jobs by speeding up the permitting process for large-scale projects of statewide significance. Earlier today the Senate also approved a bill to... Read More

Kent lawmakers team up to protect Thunderbirds hockey

Published on March 03, 2015
For 37 years the Seattle Thunderbirds have hosted talented amateur hockey players competing in the Western Hockey League. The Thunderbirds, who have played in Kent since 2009, faced potential shutdown after a complaint filed with the state claimed players were professional athletes and therefore subject to certain wage and labor laws. The Senate today unanimously... Read More

Senate adopts Benton resolution honoring Boy Scouts of America

Published on March 03, 2015
On Friday the Senate adopted a resolution sponsored by Sen. Don Benton that honors and recognizes the service, character, and strong ethical standing of the Boy Scouts of America and its 105-year history. Benton, a longtime volunteer Scout leader, shared his personal experiences with scouting, including the role it has played in the life of his... Read More