News from the Caucus

OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today after the Pierce County medical examiner found the March death of a 5-year-old Puyallup boy was caused by acute fentanyl toxicity. The boy’s mother was arrested and  appeared in court yesterday on a charge of first-degree manslaughter after allegedly exposing him to the...

OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to escalating violence and harassment during protests at the University of Washington: “The events unfolding at the University of Washington have crossed every line of decency and legality. Last night, protesters threw human feces at attendees of a Turning Point USA...

OLYMPIA… On the final day for Senate bills to be considered by the House of Representatives, the majority Democrats in the House — including the Speaker of the House — fumbled a critical opportunity to alleviate dangerous overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities, leaving both residents and staff members in crisis. Senate Republican Leader John Braun,...

OLYMPIA – Legislation from Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, to address overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities and improve safety for both staff and inmates was passed by the Senate unanimously today. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 5278 responds to ongoing issues at institutions like Green Hill School in...

TESTIFY FOR EMERGENCY POWERS REFORM TOMORROW State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections 10:30 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 2 John A. Cherberg Building Capitol Campus, Olympia HOW TO TESTIFY A bill to reform gubernatorial emergency powers will receive a hearing tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee. Senate...

A bipartisan bill prime-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy to increase public safety by boosting the number of law-enforcement officers in Washington communities was approved by the Senate Law and Justice Committee today. Senate Bill 5060 would have the state Criminal Justice Training Commission develop and implement a grant program to help local and tribal governments...

CENTRALIA…Three infants in the Everett area overdosed on fentanyl over four days this week, including a 13-month-old who died. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following reaction to these preventable tragedies. “It’s completely indefensible when an infant or child gets sick or dies because someone in the household is using deadly drugs such...

CENTRALIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, released the following statement following the anti-Israel protest that blocked access to SeaTac Airport for several hours today. “People have the right to peaceably protest, but they don’t have the right to put themselves and drivers at risk by blocking access to our busiest airport. I understand that...

OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following sentiments after an announcement by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, saying he will not seek reelection to the 4th District Senate seat he has held since 2011. Sen. Padden is currently the lead Republican on the Senate Law & Justice Committee. He was previously the chair...

CENTRALIA… Efforts to build a behavioral-health treatment facility in Lewis County are being pushed back another six months by what Lewis County lawmakers say is another broken promise from Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration. Sen. John Braun and Rep. Peter Abbarno, both R-Centralia, are particularly frustrated because the governor’s office assured them an important cost-saving change...

OLYMPIA…The Washington State Legislature passed a compromise bill on the possession of hard drugs such as fentanyl today during a one-day special session. Senate Republican Leader John Braun and House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary provided the following comments in response: “This bill isn’t perfect, but it is a strong step in the right direction and...

CENTRALIA… State lawmakers have been called into a special session to continue work toward a new state law on the possession of controlled substances, after failing to come to an agreement before the regular legislative session ended April 23. Senate Republican Leader John Braun offered this comment following Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation that the Legislature...