Law and Justice

Alarming statistics make case for property-crime crackdown, Padden says
April 19, 2022
As vehicle thefts double and property crimes spike, Spokane Valley senator proposes course correction on public safety, including longer sentences for habitual offenders OLYMPIA – The rate of car theft has nearly doubled in the past year, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and Sen. Mike... Read More...
Senate approves ‘assault on parental rights,’ says Padden
February 09, 2022
The Senate’s majority Democrats tonight voted to approve legislation that would allow a child of any age to provide consent for medical procedures and care without seeking the consent or even informing the child’s parents or legal guardians. The controversial measure would also grant blanket immunity to a health-care provider... Read More...
Trio of Padden bills advances in Law and Justice Committee
January 31, 2022
Measures would address rise in retail theft, contamination at state labs and increase police transparency and accountability. The Senate Law and Justice Committee last week acted on three public-safety measures from Spokane Valley Republican Sen. Mike Padden. Senate Bill 5710, which received a hearing in the committee on Jan. 24,... Read More...
Legislature’s 1st deadline kicks in!
January 26, 2022
In a short legislative session, there is no time to waste. Bills are receiving hearings and being voted out of committee – some have even made it over to the other chamber already. The deadline for policy bills to be voted out of their committee is February 3, a week... Read More...
Pair of Padden bills signed by governor
May 12, 2021
Measures would reduce barriers to condo construction and help protect free speech In a virtual ceremony today at the state Capitol, Gov. Jay Inslee signed two of Sen. Mike Padden’s measures from the 2021 legislative session. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5024, which cleared both the House and Senate unanimously after... Read More...
House passes Padden Anti-SLAPP legislation
April 10, 2021
Uniform Public Expression Protection Act would restore critical free-speech protections The House of Representatives voted 97-1 on Friday to approve Sen. Mike Padden’s measure to help protect citizens, whistleblowers and members of the news media from frivolous lawsuits aimed at stifling freedom of speech and the discussion of legitimate public... Read More...