Legislative Briefs

MacEwen introduces bill to divest public funds from Russia

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has introduced a bill that would require state agencies in the state to cancel outstanding contracts with Russian companies.

Because the legislative session is slated to end March 10, the bill is unlikely to be heard this session.

According to a news release from House Republicans, MacEwen co-introduced the bill with Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. It would require the state investment board to divest from its pension and other investments Russian companies.

“Like the rest of the world, I am appalled by the actions of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin,” MacEwen said in a news release. “Invading Ukraine under false pretenses is an affront to human rights, attacks the principle of self-governance, and threatens the very existence of a free Ukraine. Washington state must immediately divest from Russia to the greatest extent possible. While we work to ensure Putin’s government does not profit from Washington taxpayers, I encourage all Washingtonians to join me in praying for a peaceful resolution to this unprovoked and unjust war — a resolution that restores Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.”

Money approved by Senate capital budget

The Senate capital budget plan approved Feb. 23 provides money for Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton and water-system improvements on the Skokomish reservation.

According to a news release from Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, the vote was approved 49-0 in the Senate and now moves to the House for further consideration. The proposal for public works spending supplements for the 2021-23 capital budget approved last year.

The budget provides $250,000 for improvements to the shelter’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Another $50,000 would go toward the Skokomish Nation’s water line extension project, which would provide a 1.7-mile connection between the reservation area and a nearby waterwell system.

Also in the Senate proposal is a $1.2 million interim mental health building at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton.

“It’s a slim budget this year, but it’s actually more than we usually get in a supplemental budget,” Sheldon said in a news release. “I’m especially glad we were able to get the Turning Pointe appropriation through this year. I’ve been a big supporter over the years, and state assistance for HVAC upgrades should save considerably on energy costs.”

Rep. Griffey is bill to open rest areas passes Senate

Rep. Dan Griffey’s bill to expedite the reopening safety rest areas throughout the state unanimously passed the Senate.

According to a news release, House Bill 1655 would reopen safety rest areas after the state government ordered the closing of state-owned rest areas in fall 2021 due to the pandemic. The bill would direct the state Department of Transportation to reconfigure its maintenance operation to assure state owned and operated safety rest areas are open except for seasonal closures, cleaning, maintenance and repairs.

“I’m very pleased to see this legislation move closer to becoming law. We need to resolve this issue as soon as we can, make our roads safer, and save lives,” Griffey, R-Allyn, said. “Our roadways have enough safety hazards already. We shouldn’t have to worry about semi-trucks parked on the side of busy freeways and highways. We need to support our truck drivers by allowing them to park safely and rest as mandated by law. Opening these rest areas will keep our economy moving and prevent additional serious and fatal injuries. Let’s get this signed into law.”

Sheldon’s fire district financing bill passes House

Sen. Tim Sheldon’s sponsored bill to streamline fire district financing passed the House March 3 and heads to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

According to a news release, Senate Bill 5565 was approved in the House 97-0 after a 46-0 vote in the Senate. The measure applies to fire districts and regional fire authorities with revenues in excess of $10 million annually.

“The bill passed without a dissenting vote — you have to love that,” Sheldon, D-Potlatch, said in a news release. “This bill takes care of an issue that occurs when populations grow and local government becomes more complex. Fire districts go through county and city treasurers’ offices for services related to bond issues and other financial needs. Today many fire districts have big and specialized needs and by combining to form regional fire authorities, they can rival the size of city and county governments. This bill allows fire districts and regional fire authorities to hire their own treasurers, takes the burden from county and city governments and allows fire districts to do the job themselves.”