Legislative Accomplishments
Bills Sponsored
Saving Lives – Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Even with tougher punishments, ad campaigns, and numerous tragedies, drunk drivers continue to plague our roads. People need to know that when you drive drunk and put lives at risk, it won’t be tolerated. Strong sentences aren’t the only answer; you need innovative solutions to really save lives.
Alcohol-Detecting Devices in Offender Vehicles (HB 3254)
An estimated 100 lives would have been saved in 2006, had this law been in effect. Now signed into law, my proposal aims at known offenders, installing what are called ignition interlock devices in a DUI offender’s car. If they’ve been drinking, the car doesn’t move.
By getting the device installed, we allow them to get a special driver’s license, allowing them to drive to work or school. We’ve found that 75 percent of driver’s with a suspended license drive anyway. These are known drunk drivers and we’ll now be able to make sure they’re driving sober, saving scores of lives in the process.
Tightening Up the Felony DUI Law (HB 2130)
In 2006, the Legislature developed a felony DUI law for people who commit four offenses in 10 years. Previous to that, there was an escalating scale of misdemeanors. There’s no way around it, if you drive drunk four times you need to be locked up. My bill made sure the definition of 10 years didn’t allow people to get around the felony charge.
Emergency Planning and Response
As recent years have shown, our region experiences plenty of natural disasters. Wind and rainstorms have especially taken their toll on our communities. Through my work on the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I’ve been pushing for better planning and additional resources to be better prepared for disasters.
Emergency Generators for Gas Stations (HB 2053)
One of the most frustrating parts of the 2006 windstorm was the lack of open gas stations. Yes, the power was out, but a simple emergency generator would have kept many of these stations open after a storm.
This year, the Legislature passed my bill to provide tax credits to stations installing generators. In the first year, about 30 stations will be able to install back-up systems. I’d like to continue this program so fuel is available after a disaster to keep people mobile and home generators running.
Safety Standards for Emergency Kits (HB 2550)
A lot of us have gotten better about preparing for emergencies, including buying kits at the store. But there really aren’t any standards out there, kits and the products in them vary, and might not be safe or usable, right when you need them most.
To help people understand what to look for, I introduced legislation to direct the state to figure out what a safe and reliable kit should be. This way, other groups and families could model their kits off of their findings.
Improving Access to the Courts (HB 2557)
Last summer, several meetings were held about our local courts. We passed my bill to improve the local court process for citizens like you. It raises the financial amount district and small claims courts can handle, and seeks to limit the role of appointed commissioners in courts.
So, what is the effect of these changes? If you need to go to court, you’re more likely to deal with the matter locally. For victims, that means not traveling far from home. For those running afoul of the law, you’ll have local courts keeping you in line. As follow-up to this legislation, I am now working on improving access to the courts for victims of domestic violence. I’ll pursue this issue again next session as it is needed reform to help abused spouses and families.
Early Childhood Education (HB 3168)
Intervening early with children is the best way to ensure their successful future. This year the Legislature passed my early learning expansion bill creating the Washington Head Start program.
Studies have shown that for every dollar you invest in early learning, there is a nine dollar return to the community. This is not only a smart investment for the state, which stands to save in public service costs, but also the right thing to ensure that kids start school ready to succeed.
Expanding Children's Hospital (HB 3071)
This bill allows for the critical expansion of Children' Hospital, the region's flagship institution of its kind.
Funding
Pioneering Four-Year Program for Lake WA Technical College
Our area has a shortage of workers trained in technical disciplines, especially in high-tech and medical fields. The Senate version of my House Bill 1885 passed the Legislature this year, allowing Lake Washington Technical College to begin offering four-year degree programs in applied science, for which I secured the needed funding.
This successful program is already implemented at some community and technical colleges around the state. Adding our local technical college to the program will be the first of its kinds in our state and an opening for those working to pursue additional education., as well as helping local businesses by supplying new talent.