Protecting the Vulnerable

Legislature OKs Padden bill providing tax exemption for mobility equipment
April 17, 2023
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... Read More...
Padden bill to accommodate the hearing-impaired signed by governor
May 10, 2021
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... Read More...
Padden introduces bill to require training on human trafficking
January 17, 2020
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... Read More...
Message to Olympia: Stop ignoring the people!
January 16, 2020
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... Read More...
Padden bill banning organ-transplant discrimination signed into law
May 08, 2019
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,”... Read More...
Senate adopts Padden resolution honoring those with Down syndrome
April 10, 2015
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... Read More...
VIDEO: Senate honors those with Down syndrome
April 10, 2015
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. Read More...
Senate approves Padden bill to update mental-evaluation law
February 24, 2015
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... Read More...
Padden continues work to end human trafficking
February 16, 2015
Saying that there is still work to be done, today Sen. Mike Padden oversaw the Senate Law and Justice Committee’s review of several bills aimed at addressing human trafficking. “The Washington State Legislature has an excellent history of dealing with the issue of human trafficking,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley and... Read More...