Mike Padden

Of the 45 states that allow felony charges for those accused of driving under the influence, none is more lenient than Washington; Sen. Mike Padden’s effort to change that dangerous distinction received strong support during a Senate committee hearing today. Padden, architect of the sweeping anti-DUI legislation Washington lawmakers adopted...

Two Spokane-area residents are working at the Capitol during the 2014 legislative session as members of Sen. Mike Padden’s legislative team. Daniel Zapotocky is Padden’s aide for this year’s session; as a Gonzaga University student he had served an internship with another Eastern Washington senator in 2012. Daniel Condon, an...

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has named Sen. Mike Padden “Legislator of the Year” in recognition of his recent drive to strengthen state laws against driving under the influence. “The improvements the Legislature made this year by passing my bill were a long time coming,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley, who as...

A Vancouver-based organization at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate sex-trafficking has given Washington’s Legislature its highest marks. Shared Hope International today announced Washington now rates an “A” grade in light of stronger anti-trafficking laws created by the Legislature earlier this year. That’s one step up from the state’s...

Sen. Mike Padden today voted in favor of the pro-aerospace measures that prompted a quick special session of the state Legislature. Before doing so, however, the Spokane Valley Republican made a bid to give other Washington employers the same level of legislative consideration. “The same factors that drive up the...

Sen. Mike Padden is bringing the Senate Law and Justice Committee to Spokane for a public meeting Nov. 12. Padden, R-Spokane Valley, encourages area residents to come and participate as his committee continues leading the Legislature’s battle against the sex-trafficking industry in Washington. The Senate panel will meet from 1:30...

SPOKANE VALLEY… Sen. Mike Padden invites Liberty Lake and Greenacres residents to come and talk with him Saturday, Nov. 16 at a pair of area coffee shops. “There’s nothing like sitting down over a cup of coffee and listening to questions, ideas and concerns from the people I serve. It’ll...

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, responded to news today that his 4th Legislative District seatmate, Rep. Larry Crouse, will resign from the Washington State House of Representatives on Dec. 31 due to family health concerns. “I’ve known Larry for a long time,” said Padden. “I recruited him back in 1994...

Members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee will assemble Wednesday afternoon to discuss a trio of subjects and have public hearings on three nominations to the state Sentencing Guidelines Commission. The committee meeting is to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the state Criminal Justice Training Commission at 19010 1st...