How did our lawmakers vote?

Published 12:27 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2015

House Bill 1559 — Authorizing Washington State University to establish a medical school

Passed the Senate on March 25 by a vote of 47-1

This bill repeals an existing law that limits publicly funded medical schools in the state to the University of Washington. Passage of the bill, which now goes to the governor for signature, brings WSU closer to plans for a medical school in Spokane, but funding still remains the larger issue, as the major state universities compete for money in a tight budget year.

Sen. James Hargrove  Y

House Bill 1610 — Changing jury service provisions

Passed the Senate on March 25 by a vote of 48-0

The bill changes the time period a person summoned for jury duty must be available. In large counties, the term is changed from one month to two weeks. In smaller counties it is changed from two weeks to one week. It also allows potential jurors to be excused if they have served at least on week of jury duty in the past 12 months.

Sen. Hargrove Y

House Bill 1989 — Relating to water storage asset management services

Passed the Senate on March 25 by a vote of 48-0

The bill gives explicit authority to cities and towns to contract for water storage asset management services, including maintenance, testing, inspections and cleaning. Water storage assets are structures and systems associated with municipal water distribution, such as a water tank, tower, well, meter or water filter.

Sen. Hargrove Y