Mike Padden

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...

On Friday, January 28, which would have been Sen. Doug Ericksen’s 53rd birthday, the Senate took time to honor and remember his life and accomplishments. After representing Whatcom County’s 42nd District in the state House and Senate for a total of 23 years, Doug passed away in December after contracting...

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,...

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...

We’ve completed the first week of the 2022 legislative session. It’s already been an eventful start, with many challenges and achievements. As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the majority party has once again mandated a remote session, with highly restricted attendance by lawmakers and members of the public. While...

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...

This will be my final Report from Olympia for 2021, so allow me to take a moment to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. One unwanted gift this year is the rising cost of almost everything from gas to food and gifts of all...

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, released the following statement in response to oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The challenge to a Mississippi law restricting abortion after the 15th week of pregnancy could allow the Supreme Court to overturn previous decisions...

With Veterans Day being tomorrow, I wanted to begin this Report from Olympia by honoring those to whom we owe our freedom: the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. Between the chaotic finish to the Afghanistan war – America’s longest war – and...