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...

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....

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...

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...

Last year, the Democrat-led majority in the Washington State Legislature pushed a police-reform agenda that many in the public and law enforcement have argued is proving to be unworkable and dangerous. Law-enforcement agencies across the state have spoken out on how the new laws are making it difficult and, in...

Today, as the Senate wrapped up its work for the year on Senate-sponsored legislation, it gave its approval to a measure sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden that would make it a crime to interfere with a firefighter or emergency medical services provider in the performance of their duty. “I was...

Washington state House and Senate Republicans today unveiled their common-sense solutions to the public safety crisis ravaging communities and destroying lives across the state. “During the last legislative session, the majority dropped the ball on public safety,” said Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, ranking member of the Senate Law and...

Awards ceremony honors ‘epic fails’ of 2021 legislative session The new income tax passed by majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature earned top honors in the first annual Galloping Gertie Awards, presented by the Senate Freedom Caucus to honor the biggest fails of the 2021 legislative session. The income tax...

• Bill would prohibit discrimination based on COVID vaccination status • Proposals for ‘COVID passports,’ employer actions show urgency of issue • Leaves decision a matter of personal choice Discrimination based on vaccination status is a civil rights issue, and should be prohibited by law, say members of the Senate...