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WSCC 2016 Catholic Advocacy Bulletin, No. 3
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As the 2016 Legislature heads into its third week, the pace has quickened. This issue of the Advocacy Bulletin presents several new bills that have been scheduled for a committee hearing the week of Jan. 25. It also updates those bills mentioned in last week's Bulletin that received some legislative action during the week of Jan. 18. On a personal note, the WSCC staff enjoyed seeing so many of you at the annual Mass for Life and March for Life. We also expect to see many familiar faces at Catholic Advocacy Day, coming up on Monday, Feb. 8. |
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Toxic Flame Retardants
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A new bill has been introduced in the Legislature that would prohibit a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer from manufacturing, selling, or distributing for sale or for use in this state children's products or residential upholstered furniture containing any of five flame retardants. The House Health Care & Wellness Committee has scheduled a hearing on HB 2545 on Wednesday, Jan. 27. While similar to the Toxic Free Kids bills in the last several legislative sessions, this bill emphasizes the health protection of both children and firefighters. WSCC supports HB 2545. Please respond to the WSCC Action Alert that will be sent to you separately. |
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Oil Transport Safety
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The House Environment Committee will hear HB 2575 on Tuesday, Jan. 26. This bill directs the Department of Ecology to update and improve emergency planning to better respond to oil spills and fires. The transport of oil by train and vessel is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. |
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Transgender Facilities
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On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee has scheduled a hearing on SB 6443. The bill would address the State Human Rights Commission recent Rule allowing individuals the use of gender-segregated facilities (public bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms) "consistent with their gender expression or gender identity." This definition is so broad, that it could allow any individual to use an opposite-sex facility.
As Catholics, we recognize the God-given dignity of every human person and that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect. However, the current Rule of the Human Rights Commission fails to balance rights of accommodation and privacy and should be rescinded. SB 6443 would require the Human Rights Commission to repeal this Rule, and not initiate any rule-making procedure that involves the subject of gender-segregated facilities. WSCC supports SB 6443.
ACTION: Call 1-800-562-6000 and ask your Senator to support SB 6443.
HB 2589 was introduced in the House to address the use of gender-segregated facilities by allowing public and private entities to limit access to a private facility segregated by gender such as bathrooms, toilets, locker rooms, etc. HB 2589 will probably not be scheduled for a hearing. |
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Human Trafficking
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On Thursday, Jan. 21, the Senate Human Services and Mental Health & Housing Committee passed SB 6376. The bill would recognize January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Washington State. |
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Two-Thirds Majority for Raising Taxes
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On Thursday, Jan. 21, King County Superior Court Judge William Downing ruled I-1366 to be unconstitutional. Passed by voters in November, I-1366 would decrease the sales tax rate unless the legislature sends voters a constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes. An appeal to the State Supreme Court is expected. The Senate Government Operations & Security Committee heard three Senate Joint Resolutions, which WSCC opposes, (SJR 8208, SJR 8209, and SJR 8211) on Thursday, Jan. 21, requiring a two-thirds vote of the legislature to raise taxes. |
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Update on Bills from Previous Advocacy Bulletins
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Parental Notification
Thanks to your advocacy efforts, there was some positive activity on SB 5289, although it remains in the Rules Committee. WSCC supports SB 5289 which would require parental notification for a minor considering an abortion.
ACTION: Call 1-800-562-6000 and ask your Senator to support SB 5289.
Breakfast After the Bell
The House Appropriations Committee passed HB 1295 on Thursday, Jan. 21. The bill, supported by WSCC, would require each high-needs school to offer breakfast after the bell to qualified students, and provide adequate time for students to eat.
Charter Schools
SB 6194 passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee and has passed the Senate (27-20). The bill would address the Washington Supreme Court's concerns by designating charter schools as schools which are not common schools. WSCC is monitoring this bill.
Homeless Students
On Thursday, Jan. 21, the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee held a hearing on a bill that seeks to stabilize students who are homeless. SB 6298 would create a grant program for school districts to increase identification of homeless students. The bill would also establish a grant program to link homeless students and their families with stable housing. WSCC supports SB 6298.
Gun Control
The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Thursday, Jan. 21, covering several gun control bills. The hearing included testimony on the following two bills:
• HB 1747 seeks to improve the safety of stored firearms.
• HB 2372 revises requirements for the disposition of forfeited firearms in the custody of local law enforcement agencies and the Washington State Patrol.
Mental Health
The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee heard HB 2439 on Wednesday, Jan. 20, and is scheduled to vote the bill out of committee on Wednesday, Jan. 27. This bill would:
• Establish the Children's Mental Health Work Group to identify barriers to access of mental health services for children and families, with a particular focus on children ages birth to 5.
• Require annual reports on the access to behavioral health services for children and youth; and
• Provide for depression screening for children ages 11 to 21.
Voting Rights
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the House State Government committee passed HB 1745. The bill would protect the equal opportunity to participate in elections for minority groups by establishing a state voting rights act. HB 1745 would promote equal voting opportunity in certain political subdivisions by authorizing district-based elections, requiring redistricting and new elections in certain circumstances.
Click here to view WSCC bulletins on our website.
The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Bishops of Washington State. |
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