Law and Justice

Committee passes Padden bill to combat impaired driving
January 19, 2023
For the third time in three years, and amidst an increase in traffic fatalities in Washington caused by alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, an anti-impaired driving bill from 4th District Sen. Mike Padden has been approved by the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Senate Bill 5032 would expand the period for... Read More...
Back in Olympia for start of 2023 legislative session
January 12, 2023
Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers Dec. 19, 2022. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, The 2023 legislative session is underway. The 105-day session began Monday with the traditional opening-day ceremony in the Senate chamber, in which new or recently reelected... Read More...
Good news for drivers and others affected by Pines Road traffic issues
December 19, 2022
Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers Dec. 19, 2022. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, For many years, one of the most troublesome traffic spots in the Spokane Valley has been where Pines Road (State Route 27) crosses Burlington Northern... Read More...
Senate Republicans unveil trio of bills to improve public safety
December 14, 2022
Two members of the Senate Republican Caucus have prefiled bills for the 2023 legislative session that aim to reverse recent criminal-friendly laws passed by Democratic majorities. “One of our main goals this session is to advance bills that will help make people and communities safer in our state,” said Sen.... Read More...
Padden to continue as lead Republican on Senate Law and Justice Committee
December 07, 2022
Sen. Mike Padden will serve another two years as the ranking Republican on the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Senate committee assignments were released today, five weeks before lawmakers convene at the Capitol for their next session. “Having served on the Law and Justice Committee since becoming a senator in... Read More...
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...