State lawmakers took their first recorded votes of this year’s session in the House of Representatives on Jan. 24, passing a resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 4401) regarding legislative conduct, and a compromise bill (House Bill 1064) to amend Initiative 940, which was approved by state voters last November.
Both measures passed unanimously on a recorded roll call vote of 98-0. It is customary to pass such unanimous consent legislation via a simple voice vote, but members called for a recorded vote in this instance.
House Concurrent Resolution 4401, Adopting the code of conduct of the Washington state legislature
Passed the House on Jan. 24 by a vote of 98-0
This measure sets forth a code of behavior for legislators, staff, lobbyists and members of the state capital community in general, requiring that they must: (1) Conduct themselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism; (2)Treat all others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and (3)Refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying. HCR 4401 is now before the Senate for further consideration.
Rep. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) Yes
Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim) Yes
House Bill 1064, Concerning law enforcement
Passed the House on Jan. 24 by a vote of 98-0
HB 1064 would modify the provisions of 2018’s Initiative 940 relating to deescalation training for police, investigations of deadly force incidents, and rendering of first aid. It would also require the state to reimburse a peace officer for reasonable defense costs when he or she is found not guilty or charges are dismissed in certain circumstances These modifications to Initiative 940 were included in a bill last session after agreement among law enforcement and community leaders, but the state Supreme Court last summer ruled it unconstitutional and ordered that the original measure be placed before voters. Washington state law provides that an initiative that was approved by voters can only be amended or repealed for two years by a two-thirds supermajority vote in both chambers. HB 1064 has met that requirement so far with its unanimous passage in the House. The bill is now before the Senate for further consideration.
Rep. Chapman Yes
Rep. Tharinger Yes
