With full control, D’s still release budget at last minute and swipe from reserves

Democrats waited until the very end of session – it’s scheduled to end today – to reveal their final budget plan. They’re working to jam through a last second gimmick which would, the Senate GOP’s budget chief says, violate “the spirit and intent of voter-approved protections” (Shift WA)

“I-1608 would make collective bargaining sessions between government and public employee unions open for public observation and recording, make bargaining proposals public, and establish an online library of public collective bargaining agreements.” Take a look back on editorials from major papers across the state regarding open government here. (Washington Policy Center)

The Seattle City Council may require landlords to separate rent from parking costs, something councilmembers say will provide more parking as well as lower rent prices in the city. Of course it’s Seattle, so there are transit and biking angles to the legislation. The proposed ordinance would discourage parking capacity by separating out the costs, allow park-and-rides to operate out of apartment garages, and require more bicycle parking in buildings. (MyNorthwest)

Seattle is appealing a recent ruling that a homeless man’s truck is his home and thus can’t be towed. King Superior Court Judge Catherine Shaffer ruled last week that towing the vehicle and selling it at auction violates the state’s homestead act. A deputy city attorney called the ruling “legally wrong and unworkable.” (The Seattle Times)

Former Spokane Police Sergeant Gordon Ennis was found guilty of raping a fellow female police officer in 2015. Ennis was detained following the proceedings. “Foremost as a department we will continue to support the officer involved and ensure she has all available resources to assist her on both a personal and professional level…She is a valuable member of our agency and we will ensure that we do everything in our power to help her in the healing process,” Police Chief Craig Meidl said. (Spokesman-Review)

The Chief Executive of Energy Northwest is retiring three months earlier than initially planned. The company, which operates the nuclear Columbia Generating Station north of Richland, will also be losing two of its top vice presidents in the coming months. (Tri-City Herald) 

A petition is circulating to block an adventure park from being built in Leavenworth. “We do not need a rollercoaster or a rock wall or anything like this because there [are] already mountains to climb, rivers to float, and trails to explore.” (MyNorthwest)

Concerning hospital notification of availability of sexual assault evidence kit collection | HB 2585 | passed House 98-0-0-0 (2/7), in Senate Committee | “To me, the most frustrating thing is not whether or not a piece of legislation passed. The reality is that the sexual assault survivors are going to have to testify all over again,” said bill sponsor, Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Port Orchard). (The Kitsap Daily News)

Raiding the rainy day fund for teacher salary increases | SB 6614 | “This proposal from the Senate majority creates a constitutional crisis by rejecting the overwhelming demand from 67 percent of voters for fiscal responsibility and accountability. It sets an incredibly dangerous precedent for future state budget decisions,” said Sen. John Braun (R-Centralia). (Washington State Wire)

Preserving and expanding rental housing options | HB 2578 | passed House 67-31-0-0 (3/6), passed Senate 36-13-0-0 (3/1) | “Would make it illegal for a landlord to deny housing to a present or potential tenant relying on income from such programs such as Social Security, veterans benefits and housing vouchers.” (The Seattle Times)

Bills regarding firearms (MyNorthwest):

Raising the age to buy a semiautomatic rifle to 21 | SB 6620 | in Senate committee | “I think if we put the bill on the floor we have the votes,” said Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle). (The Seattle Times)

Concerning concealed pistol license eligibility | HB 2519 | passed House 94-4-0-0 (2/14), passed Senate 44-4-0-1 (3/2), currently in dispute (3/7)

Prohibiting people charged with domestic violence harassment from possessing a firearm | SB 6298 | passed Senate 39-10-0-0 (3/5), passed House 94-4-0-0 (2/27)

Permitting the voluntary waiver of firearm rights | SB 5553 | passed Senate 36-13-0-0 (3/5), passed House 77-20-0-1 (2/23)

Relating to promoting student health through meal and nutrition programs | HB 1508 | passed Senate 43-5-0-1 (1/31), passed House 87-8-0-3 (2/19), signed (3/7) | effective 6/7/2018

Relating to the presumption of occupational disease for certain Hanford employees | HB 1723 | passed Senate 35-14-0-0 (1/25), passed House 74-21-0-3 (2/19), signed (3/7) | effective 6/7/2018

Strengthening oil transportation safety | E2SSB 6269 | passed House 62-35-0-1 (3/7), passed Senate 42-7-0-0 (3/3)

Increasing commercial fishing license fees for nonresidents | SSB 6317 | passed House 82-16-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 49-0-0-0 (3/3)

Expanding civics education in public schools | HB 1896 | passed House 95-3-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 49-0-0-0 (3/6)

Providing higher education support for gold star families | HB 2009 | passed House 98-0-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 48-0-0-1 (3/6)

Concerning election security practices around auditing and equipment | HB 2406 | passed House 98-0-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 48-0-0-1 (3/6)

Concerning procedures to automatically register citizens to vote | HB 2595 | passed House 50-48-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 27-21-0-1 (3/6)

Creating the hunger-free students’ bill of rights act | HB 2610 | passed House 69-29-0-0 (3/7), passed Senate 31-17-0-1 (3/6)

Increasing the availability of housing for developmentally disabled persons | SHB 2448 | passed Senate 48-0-0-1 (3/7), passed House 94-0-0-4 (2/1)

Concerning the Tacoma Narrows bridge debt service payment plan | SHB 2990 | passed Senate 47-1-0-1 (3/7), passed House 97-1-0-0 (2/28)

Concerning the sale of manufactured/mobile home communities | SB 5627 | passed Senate 48-0-0-1 (3/7)

Relating to law enforcement using deadly force | HB 3003 | passed House 73-25-0-0 (3/7)

Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2017-19 fiscal biennium | SB 6106 | passed House 96-1-0-1 (3/7), in dispute

Making supplemental operating appropriations | SB 6032 | passed House 50-46-0-2 (2/26), passed Senate 25-23-0-1 (2/23), in dispute

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