Clark County-based organization offers area residents information on a number of bills that require scrutiny

Washington legislators have been busy in Olympia. With over 1,800 bills (and counting) submitted this session, it’s hard to keep track of them all, but here are 10 that deserve your attention.

Of note, HB means the bill originated in the House and SB means the bill started in the Senate.  Bills must pass both chambers and be signed by the governor before becoming law, so there is still time to make your voice heard on each bill.

The links provided will allow you to read each bill and track its progress. The links at the left of the page will allow you to sign up for email notifications, voice your opinion to your legislators, register your “con” against the bill, or testify at hearings.

HB 1178: REDUCING SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS FOR GUN CRIMES AND GANG MEMBERS

• Eases and even eliminates certain sentencing enhancements, including for: Sexually motivated crimes, crimes committed with a gun, parents who cook METH around kids, and gang members who recruit children to commit felonies.

HB 1125: JUDICIAL DISCRETION TO END PRISON SENTENCES EARLY

• Gives judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and murder.

HB 1296/SB 5181: ERODING PARENTAL RIGHTS

• Denies parents access to all curriculums.
• Codifies the right for teachers to keep secret files on students without parents being aware or having access.
• Penalizes teachers who refuse to teach gender ideology.
• Threatens the funding of schools that refuse to comply with the mandates of gender ideology.

HB 1217: RENT CONTROL

• Places limits on owners’ ability to raise rents, security deposits, and late and move-in fees.
• Rent control has historically led to substantial increases in housing and rental costs, limited housing supply, and a downturn in development.

HB 1334: INCREASING PROPERTY TAX REVENUE

• Changes how inflation is calculated and shifts the Consumer Price Index, which could lead to property tax increases of up to 6% per year.

HB 1163: PERMIT-TO-PURCHASE A FIREARM

• Prohibits the transfer of a firearm without a permit.
• Requires proof of completion of firearm safety training in order to obtain a permit to purchase a firearm.
• Applies application, transfer record, and recordkeeping requirements to all firearm transfers.

HB 1386: 11% TAX ON GUNS AND AMMO

• Imposes an 11 percent excise tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition.  This is in addition to current existing taxes.

SB 5126:  MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

• Establishes a comprehensive statewide network for student mental and behavioral health in public schools.
• Allows schools to provide legal and medical services to students without parental notification.

SB 5174: BANS WOOD BURNING STOVES

• Adopts and amends rules and statutes and sets state emission standards and other requirements for wood stoves, fireplaces, and forced air furnaces.
• Prevents the sale of homes if the standards are not met.

HB 1531: ALLOWS GOVERNMENT VACCINE MANDATES

• Mandates state and local health officials to implement and promote evidence-based measures, including immunizations and vaccines to control the spread of communicable diseases.
• Prohibits local governments from enacting rules/policies against the mandates.
• Contains an emergency clause, which means it would take effect immediately, and citizens would be prevented from pursuing a referendum against it.

Firmly Planted Action is committed to reviving a culture of passionate, informed civic engagement. For more information, go to Firmly Planted Action.

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