How did our lawmakers vote?

Published 1:54 pm Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Senate Bill 5735

Bill would provide incentives for carbon reduction investments. This is a renewable-energy proposal to give utilities credit for conserving energy, installing electric car charging stations and converting the state’s ferry fleet to run on natural gas. Supporters of the bill said it would cut carbon emissions, create jobs and lower electricity rates by allowing utilities to buy more of their power in Washington.

Passed the Senate on March 9 by a vote of 26-23

Sen. James Hargrove (D-Hoquiam) Y

Senate Bill 5735

This amendment states that human activity may contribute to climate change. Language in this amendment was changed from a statement that human activity significantly contributes to climate change to state that human activity may contribute to climate change.

Passed the Senate on March 9 by a vote of 29-20

Sen. Hargrove Y

Senate Bill 5899

Bill addresses small loans and consumer installment loans. This measure would allow lenders to replace two-week payday loans with installment loans that could be paid off over several months.

Passed the Senate on March 10 by a vote of 30-18

Sen. Hargrove N

Senate Bill 5748

Bill would clarify and strengthen the teacher and principal evaluation process. The measure would require that school districts include the results of federally mandated student assessment tests in the teacher and principal evaluation process. This educator-evaluation bill would allow the state to regain control over some $40 million in federal funds for education.

Passed the Senate on March 11 by a vote of 26-23

Sen. Hargrove N

House Bill 1646

Bill would establish the equal pay opportunity act. The measure would modify existing equal pay laws to include prohibiting less favorable employment opportunities based on gender, and enhancing enforcement of these provisions.

Passed the House on March 11 by a vote of 55-43

Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim) Y

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) Y

Senate Bill 5226

Bill would require public disclosure of public employee unions’ finances. It would extend the disclosure regulations that apply to private sector unions under federal labor law to public employee unions in our state.

Passed the Senate on March 10 by a vote of 26-22

Sen. Hargrove Y