Legislative Update from Sen. Ann Rivers

January 24, 2014

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am back in Olympia for the 2014 legislative session, which began on Monday, January 13.

 Since this is an even-numbered year, this year’s regular session is considered a “short” session and is scheduled to last only 60 days. This means that we are on a much tighter timeline and have less time to introduce new legislation, hold public hearings, and vote on bills.

 Luckily, we aren’t faced with a budget deficit this year thanks to the balanced and sustainable operating budget approved last year. Not only was it reform-focused, it was the most bipartisan budget our state has seen in 20 years!

Below I highlight two of my bills, which received public hearings this week, and I’ll introduce you to my first Senate page of the year – she’s a high school student from Vancouver. Also, I’ll give you an update about where things stand with the transportation project between Washington and Oregon.

 You are never far from my heart while I am here in Olympia. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you and your views. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 Sincerely,

 

  

  

Meet My Senate Page

Last week, high school student Becky Martin joined me in Olympia while she participated in the Senate Page Program. I’ve known Becky for many years because she used to raise the goats that I purchased at the Clark County Fair.

I’m so glad that she took advantage of the great opportunity to spend a week in Olympia learning about the Legislature. Becky lives in Vancouver and enjoys photography, raising livestock, and volunteering at the local food bank.   

* If you know of any students ages 14-16 who are interested in applying for the Senate Page Program, please visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.

Transportation Update

I met with policy makers from Washington and Oregon last week to continue the discussion about the transportation needs between the two states. I put forth a proposal and many other proposals have come in since the meeting.

 After last year, I really feel like the community needed time to heal. Time has passed and I think we are ready to continue discussions to try to find a solution that works for all of us.

I’ll continue to keep you updated as details unfold.

 

Our Senate Majority Grows By One

As you know, I am a part of the Senate’s Majority Coalition Caucus. This year our majority has grown to 26-23 thanks to the addition of newly elected Senator Jan Angel from the 26th District. 

 She has represented Port Orchard and Gig Harbor in the state House of Representatives since 2009 and served as a Kitsap County Commissioner for eight years before joining the Legislature. She is a welcomed addition to our caucus and I look forward to working with her.

 

 Protecting Victims of Sexual Abuse

I am sponsoring a bill this year that originated from a conversation I had with a constituent who along with her younger sister had been sexually abused by their father for many years. He was convicted and spent time in prison, but was released early. He tracked down his two victims before they even knew he had been released.

The bill provides an extra layer of protection and notification for victims of sexual abuse. Under the measure, victims would be able to request (through the state Department of Corrections) that the offender refrain from any contact. DOC must also provide notice of the offender’s proposed residence.

The bill, Senate Bill 6069, was heard before the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee on Monday.

 

Medical Marijuana

You may remember that I introduced legislation last year regarding the medical marijuana market. Because the bill was not approved last year, it is still in play for consideration this year.

Senate Bill 5887 originated out of a concern for patient and public safety. After Initiative 502 was approved by the voters in 2013, it became imperative that we reconcile medical and recreational marijuana use.

All legislation is a work in progress and I think my measure will continue to evolve based on feedback from the public. However, I think my bill truly meets the spirit of the medical marijuana initiative because it is patient-focused and will help put the proper parameters and protections in place.

This bill also received a public hearing on Monday in the Senate Health Care Committee. You can watch coverage of the hearing and public testimony by clicking HERE.  

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Stay Connected!

Legislative E-mail: Ann.Rivers@leg.wa.gov

Visit my website: www.SenatorAnnRivers.com

Olympia Phone: (360) 786-7634

Toll-Free: 1 (800) 562-6000

Olympia Address:

405 Legislative Building
P.O. Box 40418
Olympia WA 98504-0418