Human Services

April 17, 2023

Legislature OKs Padden bill providing tax exemption for mobility equipment

People buying motorized wheelchairs or other mobility-improving equipment could pay less thanks to a bill that has been approved by the Legislature. Senate Bill 5218, from 4th District Sen. Mike Padden, would make such equipment tax-exempt. The House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure today after the Senate unanimously passed...
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May 10, 2021

Padden bill to accommodate the hearing-impaired signed by governor

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed Sen. Mike Padden’s legislation to help people with hearing impairments by increasing the availability of closed captioning on televisions in public places. According to Padden, Senate Bill 5027 is about addressing an important issue for the more than 20% of Washingtonians who suffer from some...
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January 17, 2020

Padden introduces bill to require training on human trafficking

Spokane Valley senator reminds public that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness month This week Sen. Mike Padden introduced a bill to help end the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults that occurs at hotels and motels in cities across Washington. The Spokane Valley Republican’s announcement of...
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January 16, 2020

Message to Olympia: Stop ignoring the people!

Monday was the start of the 2020 legislative session. With only 60 days during this short session to complete our work, lawmakers wasted no time getting down to business. Some legislators have returned to Olympia, determined to thwart the will of the people. They are content to leave the fate...
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May 08, 2019

Padden bill banning organ-transplant discrimination signed into law

Today Sen. Mike Padden’s anti-discrimination legislation to protect people with developmental disabilities who are seeking organ transplants was signed into law. Substitute Senate Bill 5405 cleared the Legislature on April 24 with unanimous support. “I am pleased that Washington has spoken clearly, with one voice, that all lives have value,”...
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October 17, 2018

Padden works with national experts to end sex-trafficking exploitation of minors

Today Sen. Mike Padden attended the international Juvenile Sex Trafficking Conference in San Diego, where he joined others in congratulating San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan on being awarded a Pathbreaker Award. “District Attorney Stephan has been a national leader in the fight to end sexual exploitation of children,”...
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April 10, 2015

Senate adopts Padden resolution honoring those with Down syndrome

Today the Senate adopted a resolution sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden, honoring people with Down syndrome and recognizing the efforts of people and organizations working on behalf of those with developmental disabilities. Padden shared his personal commitment to policies that recognize the rights of those with Down syndrome. “As a...
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April 10, 2015

VIDEO: Senate honors those with Down syndrome

Watch a video featuring comments from Sen. Padden and some of the Down syndrome self-advocates who attended today’s reading of Senate Resolution 8657, honoring those with Down syndrome and recognizing those individuals and organizations who advocate on their behalf.
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February 24, 2015

Senate approves Padden bill to update mental-evaluation law

Today the Senate approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden that would allow courts to order a mental evaluation of an offender, even if the Department of Corrections does not file a presentence report. While such reports are required, they are no longer routinely prepared by DOC. “One of...
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