February 02, 2023

Committee passes Padden bill raising penalty for custodial sexual misconduct

A bipartisan bill that aims to impose longer sentences on sexually abusive jail and prison guards was unanimously approved today by the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Senate Bill 5033 would reclassify the crime of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct as a Class B felony, allowing a prison term of 10...
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January 30, 2023

Padden bill on pursuing active warrants for community-custody violators receives committee hearing

According to 4th Legislative District Sen. Mike Padden, one of the problems with Washington’s criminal-justice system is the state Department of Corrections’ failure to prioritize the pursuit of felons who have violated terms of their community supervision, which leaves them free to commit more crimes. A bill introduced by Padden...
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January 26, 2023

Democrats making extreme attempt to expand abortion

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers Jan. 26, 2023. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here. Dear friends and neighbors, One of the most controversial measures before this year’s Legislature received a public hearing Tuesday morning in the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee....
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January 24, 2023

Democrats should reconsider proposed ‘abortion anytime’ change to state constitution, says Padden, who notes strong opposition to proposal

State Sen. Mike Padden issued this statement following the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee’s public hearing today on Senate Joint Resolution 8202, a Democrat-sponsored proposal requested by Gov. Jay Inslee that could remove all limits on abortion through a change to Washington’s constitution. Padden, R-Spokane Valley, is a...
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January 19, 2023

Senate committee passes bill to combat impaired driving

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 Legislature is now in the second week of its 2023 session in Olympia. The focus early in this 105-day session is on committee meetings, where...
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January 19, 2023

Committee passes Padden bill to combat impaired driving

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...
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January 12, 2023

Back in Olympia for start of 2023 legislative session

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...
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January 08, 2023

Padden to honor student during Central Valley School Board meeting Monday

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, will help honor a local high school student for winning a national essay contest. The ceremony is Monday (Jan. 9) night. Central Valley High School student Lucy He will receive a legislative certificate of appreciation for winning the Chinese American History Month essay contest during...
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December 19, 2022

Good news for drivers and others affected by Pines Road traffic issues

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...
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