SB 5089

Conforming Washington's tax structure to the streamlined sales and use tax agreement. By a vote of 76 to 15 on March 16, the House approved SB 5089, which would conform Washington law to the national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. The bill requires that sales and use taxes to be collected under a destination based system. The bill also provides financial mitigation to small businesses and local jurisdictions that are negatively impacted from the change in sourcing. The bill has already passed the Senate and is now under consideration by the Governor.

Reps. Eileen Cody, Joe McDermott, Helen Sommers and. Mary Lou Dickerson all voted Yes.

HB 1289

Authorizing the issuance of enhanced drivers' licenses and identicards to facilitate crossing the Canadian border. By a vote of 43 to 3 on March 21, the Senate approved HB 1289, which would grant authority to the State Department of Licensing to create a new drivers' license to allow citizens to cross into Canada. The bill also grants the DOL the power to institute a fee to pay for the new license. Applicants for an enhanced license must provide proof of United States citizenship, identity, and state residency. The bill has already passed the House and is now under consideration by the governor.

Sens. Erik Poulsen and Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

HB 1214

Regarding the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle. By a vote of 73 to 23 on March 13, the House approved HB 1214, which would prohibit the use of a wireless device for sending a text message while driving. Exceptions are provided for emergency responders, or individuals reporting illegal activity, reporting an emergency, or trying to prevent injury to other people or property. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.

Rep. Joe McDermott voted No. Reps Eileen Cody, Helen Sommers and Mary Lou Dickerson voted Yes.

HB 1307

Regarding freedom of speech and press for high school and college students. By a vote of 58 to 37 on March 13, the House approved HB 1307, which would affirm and expand the activities of students in relation to freedom of speech and press. Among other guarantees, the bill limits a school's control on content in school sponsored media, regardless of whether the media is paid for by the school. The bill also provides legal protections for schools from liability regarding student expressions. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.

Reps. Eileen Cody, Joe McDermott, Helen Sommers and. Mary Lou Dickerson all voted Yes.

SB 5100

Regarding health insurance information for students. By a vote of 30 to 16 on March 13, the Senate approved SB 5100, which would force school districts to obtain whether a student has health insurance as part of the district's enrollment process. If the student does not have health insurance, the school district is required to provide the student information on the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance program. The bill is now under consideration in the House.

Sens. Erik Poulsen and Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

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