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We’ve made it to cutoff!
It’s hard to believe that we’re one-third of the way through this year’s legislative session. While things definitely look different in 2021, the legislative process is still the same and this Monday was the policy “cutoff.” This means all Senate bills that are policy-related and don’t affect the budget must be passed out of committee in order to still be considered “alive” this year.
Good, Interesting, and Controversial bills
Now that we’ve reached our first cutoff, I hope you enjoy my annual update on some of the good bills, interesting bills, and controversial bills being considered by the Senate this year.
Good Bills
Senate Bill 5358 – This proposal would provide a tax incentive to businesses that hire hard to place job seekers such as individuals who are homeless and those with a prior felony conviction. It creates a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.
Senate Bill 5359 – This bill weans us off the gas tax and funds construction of our transportation infrastructure without raising taxes. Specifically, it re-directs existing taxes on the sale of motor vehicles to the transportation budget as opposed to the operating budget. It just makes sense.
Senate Bill 5283 – Remember the title-only bills from two years ago that contained all the last minute surprise taxes? This prohibits that practice and ensures you have a chance to voice an opinion before the legislature votes.
Senate Bill 5039 – This legislation brings a balance of power back to Olympia. Specifically, it requires the legislature to approve the extension of all gubernatorial emergency proclamations that go beyond 30 days.
Senate Bill 5000 – This bill would establish a pilot program to encourage the use of zero emission hydrogen vehicles by offering the same tax exemption as that received on the purchase of an electric vehicle.
Controversial
Senate Bill 5176 – This would require getting a boater safety card or a human-propelled boater education card to operate canoes, kayaks, rafts, paddleboards, or vessels with 15 or fewer horsepower. Boater safety cards currently cost $10.
Senate Bill 5160 – This bill extends the evection moratorium for two years after the pandemic is over. Taxpayers would cover the cost of any legal representation for tenants during any eviction proceedings. Homeowners would pay for their own representation.
Senate Bill 5096 –This imposes a 7% tax on the selling of long-term capital assets, or on receiving Washington capital gains. It also includes an emergency implementation clause even though it does not begin until Jan 1, 2022. This emergency clause is not necessary and is only included to prevent a referendum vote next November. Voters have previously turned this down 10 times.
Senate Bill 5185 – This bill would allow adolescents who are of the “age of consent” to make health care decisions without notification of parents or guardians. The age of consent is 13 for mental health treatment, 14 for STD testing, and any age for birth control, abortion, or prenatal care.
Senate Bill 5078 – This bill bans magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
Interesting
Senate Bill 5382 – Called the State Elections Confidence Using Rigorous Examination Act (SECURE Act), this proposal would require the Secretary of State to contract with individuals to test the security of our voter registration system. If you’ve been looking for a job and want to try and commit election fraud, this could be for you!
Senate Bill 5300 – This bill prohibits feeding garbage to swine. Is this really a thing?
Senate Bill 5174 – This bill creates a wind turbine blade stewardship program. Evidently these huge blades are very difficult to recycle and have been filling landfills so much that Europe already banned them from landfills! Unintended consequences…
Senate Bill 5135 – Prohibits unlawfully summoning police. Why do people even do this? Don’t call the cops if you don’t need them!
Senate Bill 5056 – Creates a state licensing requirement for wilderness therapy programs. Many of these programs already exist and are successful. This just creates a state licensing requirement. More government bureaucracy.
I do hope you have enjoyed seeing some of the bills that normally don’t garner the headlines and remember that not all of these bills will make it to the governor’s desk. If there are bills of concern to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (253) 840-4523 or by email at Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov. Now, more than ever, it is vital that you are connected with the decisions being made by lawmakers.
It is an honor serving you!
 Chris Gildon
Senator, 25th LD
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