Y = Yes N = No E = Excused NV = Not Voting

Changing the Primary Election Date

By a vote of 37 to 11 on Feb. 1, the Senate approved SB 6236. The bill would change the primary date to the 3rd Tuesday in August (currently the state primary election is held either the third Tuesday in September or the seventh Tuesday before the general election, whichever is earlier). The bill would also move the candidate filing deadline to an earlier date, require overseas and absentee ballots to be mailed sooner, give counties more time to certify primary and special elections, and make other changes to election laws. The bill is now under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Sen. Erik Poulsen (D-West Seattle) - Y

Restricting Cell Phone Use

By a vote of 28 to 19 on Feb. 3, the Senate approved SB 5160, prohibiting the act of holding a wireless communication device to one's ear while driving. Infractions will not appear on driving records, nor will they be reported to insurance companies. There would be a six-month introductory period where verbal warnings can be issued. The bill is now under consideration in the House.

Sen. Erik Poulsen (D-West Seattle) - Y

"Cyberbullying" in Schools

By a vote of 32 to 15 on Feb. 3, the Senate approved SB 5849, which adds acts of harassment and intimidation committed via electronic communications to the definition of bullying. The bill would require school districts to adopt policies requiring parental notification of options if a student is "cyberbullied." The bill is now under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Sen. Erik Poulsen (D-West Seattle) - Y

Increasing Minimum Sentences for Sex Offenders (Democrat version)

By a vote of 97 to 0 on Feb. 1, the House approved HB 3277. The bill would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 25 years in prison for predatory child molestation, sexually-motivated kidnapping, as well as 1st and 2nd degree rape and child rape. The minimums would not apply to juveniles tried as adults, nor would it apply when the accused is a relative of the victim. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.

Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) - Y

Rep. Joe McDermott (D-West Seattle) - Y

Increasing Minimum Sentences for Sex Offenders (Republican version)

In a procedural vote of 43 to 53 on Fear. 3, the House defeated an attempt to move HB 3303 to the floor for amendment, debate, and a final vote. The move would have bypassed a committee hearing. HB 3303 would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 25 years in prison for predatory child molestation, sexually-motivated kidnapping, as well as 1st and 2nd degree rape and child rape. This bill imposes stricter standards and definitions than does HB 3277, which passed this week. The bill did not receive a hearing by the February 3 cutoff day, so it is a "dead" bill. A "yes" vote moves the bill to the floor for amendment, debate and final vote.

Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) - N

Rep. Joe McDermott (D-West Seattle) - N

WashingtonVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website to find plain-English explanations of bills and a record of each legislator's votes. Visit www.WashingtonVotes.org.