Today, the 26th day of the 60-day session, was the cut-off date for policy committees in the Senate. February 9th is the cut-off date for fiscal bills in both the House and Senate.

The highlight of this week was on February 3rd when the state Senate and House ran floor resolutions honoring our fallen officers. Several members of the surviving families and officers from around the state were there to witness the heartfelt speeches from their elected officials. The House then passed a package of priority bills including HB 2519, LEOFF survivor benefits. This bill passed 93-3 with only Representatives Condotta, Flannigan, and Klippert voting no.

Full text of the resolutions can be found at the link below.
HR 4679 
SR 8687 

Today the House passed HJR 4220 that will amend the state constitution and modify the provisions relating to bailable crimes. Had these provisions been in effect, Maurice Clemmons could have been denied bail and the Lakewood tragedies could have been prevented.  The title of this act is the Lakewood Law Enforcement Memorial. Brian Wurts and the Lakewood Police Guild were very instrumental in it’s passage. Special thanks also go to Speaker Frank Chopp for running this bill and Representatives Hope and Hurst who negotiated this bill into language that could pass the House with a 80-17 vote. Supporter phone calls and emails gave this bill the extra push it needed.

See the WACOPS bill tracking for week four.