Tag Archives: SB 5934

Sen. Padden’s office and Spokane Conservation District hosting pollinator-habitat workshop June 25 

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers June 18, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here.

Dear friends and neighbors,

Area landscapers, home builders and others who plant shrubs are invited to attend a free pollinator-habitat workshop on Tuesday, June 25, that the Spokane Conservation District and I are co-sponsoring. 

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Spokane Conservation District headquarters at 4422 E. 8th Ave. In the Spokane Valley. 

People interested in attending are asked to RSVP. For that or additional information, contact my district office at 509-921-2460. 

Here is the program for the pollinator habitat workshop on June 25. 

This workshop allows landscapers, builders and city officials to hear about ways to install pollinator habitats in new home developments. Pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture. We hope the workshop will help landscapers and others to learn ways to protect and enhance pollinators in our region, which is very important to both agriculture and the environment. 

“Pollinator-friendly spaces in urban landscapes offer tremendous benefits,” said Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter. “Not only do they contribute to the beauty of our communities, but they serve as educational platforms creating an awareness about the crucial role pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystems by preserving biodiversity and reducing resource-intensive practices.” 

Guest speakers will include Katie Buckley of the state Department of Agriculture, Beth Mort of Zinnia Designs, Aubrey Hoxie of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services and Kristen Zimmer from the city of Spokane. 

During its 2024 session, the Legislature approved Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure I introduced that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. The idea for the pollinator-habitat legislation came from Mount Spokane High School senior and Girl Scout Julia Costello, who requested that I sponsor the bill as part of a requirement for her to earn the Gold Award, which is the Girl Scout equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout as a Boy Scout. SB 5934 was signed on March 28 by Governor Inslee, with Julia and her parents in attendance. Julia will attend the workshop. 

Under the proposal, a local government may encourage applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area, and it may provide pertinent information about such plants.   

If you have questions about how to participate in state government this year or thoughts to share on anything in this e-newsletter, please give me a call or send me an email. 

Thank you, as always, for the honor of representing you in Olympia!

Best Regards,

Senator Mike Padden

Police-pursuit initiative takes effect, should help reduce traffic deaths 

Nearly two weeks ago, Initiative 2113, which restores police pursuits in Washington, went into effect June 6th. This initiative, which was approved by the Legislature last March, should result in fewer traffic deaths in the state. 

Washington state is experiencing an increase in fatal and serious-injury crashes on our roads and highways that is shocking and heartbreaking. I-2113 will help officers apprehend dangerous drivers and make our roads and highways safer.  

A recent Washington Traffic Safety Commission report revealed the state has reached a 33-year high for traffic fatalities. The report showed 810 people were killed in crashes involving a motor vehicle last year, an increase from 743 killed in 2022.  

Of these 810 traffic deaths, nearly half (400) involved a drug- or alcohol-impaired driver, while 251 involved excessive speed, 171 involved not wearing a seatbelt or other restraint, and 135 involved a distracted driver.  

There are several factors that have resulted in the high number of traffic fatalities in recent years, but a key one has been the inability for officers to pursue vehicles in many situations. With I-2113 in effect, officers can pursue drivers in more instances and remove them from our highways. 

I-2113 should help reverse the growing crime problem in Washington. Crime is a great concern for citizens and communities throughout our state. In fact, we have reached a crisis point in our state because of skyrocketing crime. 

After the Legislature passed laws a few years ago that restricted law-enforcement officers from pursuing suspects, criminals became more emboldened. They have acted in a more brazen manner as they commit crimes. The result has been a sharp increase in auto theft, retail theft, burglary and other property crimes. Making matters worse, many auto thieves have used their stolen vehicles to smash into ‘pot shops’ to steal cash, or they use these cars as battering rams to break into other stores to steal merchandise.     

With Initiative 2113 now in effect, law-enforcement officers again are able to pursue suspects instead of watching them drive away. 

The Washington State Patrol recorded nearly 8,000 incidents of drivers refusing to stop for troopers in the years after a controversial 2021 state law restricted police officers from chasing suspects.  

Sen. Padden receives award at “Energy Summit” 

Modern Electric Water Company’s Chelsea Martin presented me with the company’s Statesmanship Legacy Award June 4. 

On June 4, I was honored and humbled to receive an award while attending the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Energy Summit in Coeur d’Alene. 

Chelsea Martin, the government affairs manager for Modern Electric Water Company, presented me with the company’s Statesmanship Legacy Award “in recognition of his 28-year tenure in the Washington State Legislature.” 

In it’s news release about the award, Modern Electric CEO Joe Morgan said, “Senator Mike Padden’s unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for the people of Spokane Valley and the state of Washington have left an indelible mark on our community.” 

Thanks to Modern Electric for this special award!  

Little progress made on retail theft 

Capitol Lake with the Legislative Building in the background. 

One of the most serious crime problems in our state, as well as America, is organized retail theft, which hurts businesses, workers and consumers in Washington. 

The Washington Retail Association last year said theft costs businesses $2.7 billion a year statewide. 

Earlier this month, the (Vancouver) Columbian published an editorial that focused on organized retail theft and the state’s efforts to combat it. Two years ago, the state Organized Retail Crime Theft Task Force was created. So far, the task force has announced only one prosecution – last November. One can only hope this task force will produce more prosecutions than just one. 

Organized retail theft is an issue that has been on the Legislature’s radar screen, but Democrats have refused to pass Senate Republican bills to address it, including my Senate Bill 5056, which would have allowed a court discretion to sentence a person found beyond a reasonable doubt to be a habitual property offender to an additional 24 months for a Class B felony, and an additional 12 months for a Class C felony. The Senate this year passed it 38-10, but the House refused to give it a vote. 

Another Republican measure that was not passed by the Legislature this year was Senate Bill 5160, prime-sponsored by 15th District Senator Nikki Torres, R-Pasco. Under Senate Bill 5160, a person would be guilty of second-degree organized retail theft for stealing property with a cumulative value of at least $750 with two or more accomplices who enter the store within five minutes of one another. 

The Legislature next year needs to take stronger steps to stop organized retail theft in our state. 

New 4th District Government Guide still available at many locations 

As mentioned before, there is a new 4th District Government Guide for districts residents to use. The free guide includes names and contact information for officials at the federal, statewide, legislative and local government levels. It also provides other helpful information. If you would like to have a copy of the new government guide mailed to you, please call my legislative assistant, Annalise Hemingway, at 509-921-2460 or email her at annalise.hemingway@leg.wa.gov. 

There also are copies of the updated government guide at these locations: 

  • Millwood City Hall (9103 E Frederick Ave., Spokane) 
  • Argonne Library (4322 N Argonne Road, Spokane) 
  • Spokane Valley City Hall (10210 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley) 
  • Spokane Valley Library (22 N. Herald Road, Spokane Valley) 
  • Liberty Lake City Hall (22710 E Country Vista Drive, Liberty Lake) 
  • Liberty Lake Library (23123 E Mission Ave., Liberty Lake) 
  • Otis Orchards Library (22324 E Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards) 
  • Spokane Valley Senior Center (2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley) 

Radio interview with Lars Larson

Last Tuesday, I did a live interview with Portland-based radio talk-show host Lars Larson, whose show is carried by many stations throughout the Northwest. We discussed two of the initiatives passed by the Legislature earlier this year – police pursuits and parental rights – and what the Legislature has and hasn’t done in addressing the fentanyl crisis. You can listen to the interview here.  

Local school district faces menu limits, thanks to the state 

Last week, The Center Square ran a story that should make many Valley residents take notice. The article was about how the Central Valley School District might raise the price of its breakfast and lunch options for the upcoming school year. 

This part of the article explains the state’s role in the potential cost increase for meals for students in the school district: 

The district’s Nutrition Services program relies on meal revenue and funding from state and federal programs to support itself, including the Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, implemented last school year to provide free meals to qualifying students and schools.  

Groh said CVSD currently uses CEP to provide free meals to all students at 13 of its 27 schools and program sites, with one more location expected to join next year. However, the downside is that CEP limits the district’s ability to generate additional revenue through raising meal prices.   

Upon the end of the school year, CVSD estimates it will have served approximately 350,000 breakfasts and 1,012,383 lunches, including the meals of qualifying CEP students and schools and those who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals through other programs. 

The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction estimates that CEP alone will cost taxpayers approximately $71 million annually for the over 575,000 students who qualify.  

A special anniversary 

In the area just outside my Olympia legislative office, I have several quotes by former President Ronald Reagan on the walls. Visitors to my office often paused to look at them before entering my office to chat with me about legislative matters. Last Wednesday marked the 37th anniversary of one of Reagan’s more famous quotes, which came from a speech he delivered at the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987, during the period when Berlin was divided, and the east side of the city was walled off by the Communists: “Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” As older readers will remember, Mr. Gorbachev was then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. 

Former President Reagan had a unique ability to eloquently and forcefully communicate his message. 

Contact us!

If you have a question or concern about state government, please do not hesitate to contact our office. During the interim we are conducting business from our district office in Spokane Valley. We are here to serve you!

Phone: 509-921-2460

Email address: Mike.Padden@leg.wa.gov

PLEASE NOTE: Any email or documents you provide to this office may be subject to disclosure under RCW 42.56. If you would prefer to communicate by phone, please contact Sen. Padden’s Olympia office at (360) 786-7606.

To request public records from Sen. Padden, please contact Randi Stratton, the designated public records officer for the Secretary of the Senate and Senate members.

Sen. Padden’s office and Spokane Conservation District hosting pollinator-habitat workshop June 25

Area landscapers and other businesses or people who plant shrubs are invited to attend a free pollinator-habitat workshop on Tuesday, June 25, sponsored by 4th District state Sen. Mike Padden and the Spokane Conservation District.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Spokane Conservation District headquarters at 4422 E. 8th Ave. in Spokane Valley.

People interested in attending are asked to RSVP. For that or more information, contact Padden’s district office at 509-921-2460.

“Pollinator-friendly spaces in urban landscapes offer tremendous benefits,” said Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter. “Not only do they contribute to the beauty of our communities, but they serve as educational platforms creating an awareness about the crucial role pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystems by preserving biodiversity and reducing resource-intensive practices.”

“This workshop allows landscapers, builders and city officials to hear about ways to install pollinator habitats in new home developments, said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “Pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture. We hope the workshop will help landscapers and others to learn ways to protect and enhance pollinators in our region, which is very important to both agriculture and the environment.”

Guest speakers will include Katie Buckley of the state Department of Agriculture, Beth Mort of Zinnia Designs, Aubrey Hoxie of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services and Kristen Zimmer from the city of Spokane.

During its 2024 session, the Legislature approved Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure introduced by Padden that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. The idea for the pollinator-habitat legislation came from Mount Spokane High School senior and Girl Scout Julia Costello, who asked Padden to sponsor the bill as part of a requirement for her to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout as a Boy Scout. SB 5934 was signed on March 28 by Gov. Jay Inslee, with Costello and her parents in attendance.

Under the proposal, a local government may encourage applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area, and it may provide pertinent information about such plants.

Padden bill requested by Girl Scout to help pollinators signed by Inslee

What began as a Mount Spokane High School student working to earn a major Girl Scout award is now a new state law, signed today by Gov. Jay Inslee, that will help bees and other pollinators.

Senate Bill 5934 is a bipartisan measure introduced by 4th District Sen. Mike Padden that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping.

“Pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts,” said Padden, noting that 75% of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators. “They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture.  Taking steps to protect and enhance pollinators is very important to both agriculture and the environment.”

Padden credits Mount Spokane High School senior and Girl Scout Julia Costello for asking him to sponsor the pollinator bill. Costello was in attendance when Inslee signed SB 5934 during a bill-signing ceremony in Kent.

“Julia is trying to finish requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill, which is why she reached to me last fall about this bill. Julia made a strong case why improving pollinators’ habitat is important and beneficial. It has been an honor working with her on this bill. I’m pleased the governor has signed her bill.”

Costello’s testimony in favor of the bill during its public hearing before the House Local Government Committee last month can be viewed here.

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter to Padden in January in support of the proposal. Part of Carter’s letter reads: “Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a fundamental role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their vital role in sustaining agriculture cannot be overstated, as approximately 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, taking steps to protect and enhance pollinator populations is essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Under the proposal, a local government may encourage but need not require applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area.

(CAPTION: Gov. Inslee shakes hands with Julia Costello after signing Senate Bill 5934, a measure that Costello asked Sen. Mike Padden to sponsor.)

Legislature approves initiative restoring police pursuits, plus 2 other initiatives

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers March 7, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here.

Dear friends and neighbors,

This year’s 60-day legislative session is on track to end later today. During the past two days, the Legislature approved final versions of the state supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets. These spending plans make adjustments to the original two-year budgets enacted by the Legislature last spring. There is more information about the three budgets later in this e-newsletter.

Last Monday, a very historic event happened when the Legislature passed three initiatives that were sent to us in January.

I-2113 – restoring police pursuits

The Senate voted 36-13 to pass Initiative 2113, which would fully restore the ability of Washington police officers to engage in vehicular pursuits. The House then approved it 77-20.

I-2113 is a major step toward making Washington communities safer and reversing the growing crime problem in Washington.

Among the many problems plaguing Washington now, crime is perhaps the greatest concern for citizens and communities. In fact, our state has reached a crisis point because of skyrocketing crime.

Thanks to state laws like the one passed by majority Democrats in 2021 that placed tight limits on when law-enforcement officers can engage in vehicle pursuits of suspects, criminals have become more emboldened. They are acting in a more brazen manner as they commit crimes. The result is many people throughout Washington have been victims of auto theft, retail theft, burglary and other property crimes. Making matters worse, many auto thieves use the stolen vehicles to smash into “pot shops” to steal cash, or use these cars as battering rams to break into other stores to steal merchandise.

Fortunately, once I-2113 goes into effect on June 6, law-enforcement officers will once again be able to pursue suspects instead of helplessly watching them drive away.

According to the Washington State Patrol, between 2014 and 2020 an average of 1,200 suspects per year fled from police. In 2022, after the pursuit standard was changed to probable cause, 3,100 suspects fled — an increase of more than 150%. Before the change in the pursuit law, the statewide record for stolen cars in a single year was 30,000. That record increased to nearly 47,000 stolen vehicles in 2022. Washington is now fourth in the U.S. for auto thefts per capita.

As I noted during my floor speech in favor of this initiative, it’s not only the owner of the vehicle that suffers, it’s the victims of all the crimes that are committed with these stolen vehicles. Some of these crimes have led to the deaths of our citizens.

Many sheriffs and police chiefs throughout Washington have voiced their frustration about the tighter pursuit restrictions, to little avail. Although the Legislature last year passed a law restoring some ability for law-enforcement officers to pursue suspects, it was still far short of the pre-2021 police-pursuit policy. It is good to see that the state’s police pursuit law will return to where it was thanks to I-2113.

Several articles were published by Spokane-area media outlets about the Legislature passing I-2113, including stories by the Washington State Standard/Spokane Radio, KXLY-TV , KHQ-TV and Seattle-based Crosscut.

The other two initiatives that were approved by the Legislature on Monday are:

  • Initiative 2081, which would give parents the right to review K-12 instructional materials and require parental notification of school-provided medical services. It was passed by the Senate 49-0. The House later approved it 82-15.
  • Initiative 2111, which would ban any state or local income tax in Washington. The Senate approved I-2111 on a 38-11 vote. The House then passed it 76-21.

I voted for all three measures. As is the case with I-2113, Initiative 2081 and Initiative 2111 will go into effect June 6.

If you have questions about how to participate in state government this year or thoughts to share on anything in this e-newsletter, please give me a call or send me an email.

Thank you, as always, for the honor of representing you in Olympia!

Best Regards,

Senator Mike Padden

Legislature takes no action on three other initiatives

The Olympics appear to the north during a recent sunny morning at the Capitol.

The other three initiatives sent to the Legislature this session will not be passed by the Legislature before we adjourn and go home. They are:

  • I-2109, which would repeal the state capital-gains income tax that was passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature in 2021.
  • I-2117, which would repeal the state’s costly climate policy that was enacted by majority Democrats in 2021 and took full effect early last year.
  • I-2124 , which would allow individuals to opt out of the mandatory payroll tax for the state-run long-term care program called “WA Cares.”

These three initiatives did not even receive public hearings this session, which was very disappointing. Had they reached the Senate floor for votes, I would have voted for each of them.

Since the Legislature did not pass these three initiatives this session, they automatically will be placed on the statewide ballot this fall for Washington voters to decide.

4th District projects funded in supplemental capital budget

The Legislature on Wednesday unanimously approved the compromise version of this year’s supplemental state capital budget. As was the case with the Senate version of the capital budget, this final version includes funding for several projects in the 4th District:

  • $975,000 to help with the recovery from last summer’s Oregon Road wildfire near the community of Elk, as well as the Gray fire near Medical Lake. The wildfire-recovery effort will be administered by the Spokane Conservation District.
  • $4.8 million to replace the boiler at the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Spokane Valley. This is about meeting state emission requirements, so this funding is a huge plus for Kaiser and its over 1,100 workers. Kaiser is matching the capital budget funds.
  • $2 million for Seven Nations Healing Lodge youth expansion.
  • $1 million for Broadway Senior Housing.
  • $300,000 in phase two funding for Spokane Scale House Market in Spokane Valley. The 2023-25 budget included $750,000 for Spokane Scale House Market, located at Spokane Conservation District.
  • $258,000 for a playground at The Intersection Preschool and Childcare on North McDonald Road.
  • $150,000 for the city of Spokane Valley Cross Country Course.
  • $32,000 for the West Valley Centennial Middle School baseball field’s fences and dugout.

It’s good to see taxpayers’ money coming back as investments in local projects.

Supplemental transportation budget includes 4th District projects

Earlier today, the Legislature passed this year’s state supplemental transportation budget. I voted for this budget, as it provides funding for several projects in the 4th District, including:

  • $24 million for improvements to Interstate 90 improvements to interchanges and nearby roads.
  • $10.4 million for Spokane Transit Authority’s Argonne Station park-and-ride.
  • $10.348 million for corridor design work on an Interstate 90 project between Sullivan Road and the Idaho state line.
  • $6 million for the Barker Road/Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad grade separation project.
  • $6 million for the Bigelow Gulch/Forker Road realignment project.
  • $5.8 million for the Millwood Trail project from Spokane Community College to Fancher Road. The overall plan is to eventually connect this new trail with the trail that starts just north of the West Valley High School sports fields in Millwood and then to the Centennial Trail.

Supplemental operating budget funds training for corrections officers

The Legislature today also approved the state supplemental operating budget. It provides funding to expand the state Corrections Academy so it can add additional classes. I’m working with state officials so that part of that funding can go to the new Spokane County Sheriff Regional Training Center, near Fairchild Air Force Base.

Legislature keeps Padden policy in bill passed to combat impaired driving

At a time when traffic deaths in Washington have reached their highest point in over 30 years, the Legislature took a major step toward addressing this serious problem last night by passing House Bill 1493, a measure that would combat impaired driving.

The passage of this bill is a major step toward making our roads and highways safer. It includes provisions that will keep more repeat impaired drivers off the road.   

HB 1493 includes policy that I have proposed the past four years. An amendment approved by the Senate last week added language from Senate Bill 5032, a measure that I introduced that would expand the period for reviewing prior convictions of impaired driving to 15 years, from the 10 years now in state law, when determining whether a new offense of impaired driving is charged as a felony.

The policy language from SB 5032 that is now part of HB 1493 also would increase the penalty to a felony offense, rather than a gross misdemeanor, for any person who has three or more prior DUI offenses within that “lookback” period.

Washington has seen a significant increase in traffic deaths over the past few years. Drunken driving and drug-impaired driving, especially by repeat offenders, are two leading causes. House Bill 1493 will help remove the most dangerous drivers from our roads and highways and get them into treatment or they will be held accountable by the state criminal justice system. This bill provides good balance, as it is strong on treatment while also being strong on accountability.

Many traffic fatalities in the state involve drivers who have had as many as eight DUI offenses, but the current 10-year lookback period is not long enough to allow the state to impose stronger punishment against such offenders.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there were 740 traffic deaths in the state in 2022 (the highest in over 30 years), including 389 fatalities involving drug- or alcohol-impaired driving. There were 674 traffic deaths in 2021, including 345 fatalities involving impaired driving. In 2020, Washington had 574 traffic fatalities, including 282 involving impaired driving.

The final version of the impaired driving measure, HB 1493, was passed last night by the House on a 69-27 vote. The Senate approved it 49-0 on February 29. It now goes to Governor Jay Inslee for final consideration.

Legislature OKs pollinator bill requested by Mount Spokane HS student

Last fall, Mount Spokane High School student Julia Costello approached me about helping her with part of her pollinator project, which she has been doing to earn a major Girl Scout award.

What began as her request became Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. It was passed by the Legislature this week and now goes to the governor for final consideration.

Pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Seventy-five percent of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators. They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture.  Taking steps to protect and enhance pollinators is very important to both agriculture and the environment.

It was an honor to work with Julia on this bill and to help her as she works to finish requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout. One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a strong case why improving pollinators’ habitat is important and beneficial.  I’m pleased the Legislature has passed her bill.

Julia’s testimony in favor of the bill during its public hearing before the House Local Government Committee last month can be viewed here.  

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter to Padden in January in support of the proposal. Part of Carter’s letter reads: “Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a fundamental role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their vital role in sustaining agriculture cannot be overstated, as approximately 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, taking steps to protect and enhance pollinator populations is essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Under the bill, a local government may encourage but need not require applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area. 

Legislature OKs second Padden bill removing red tape from construction of smaller condominiums

For the second year in a row, the Legislature has unanimously approved a bill of mine that helps encourage home ownership in Washington by making it easier to construct smaller condominium buildings. It now goes to the governor.

Senate Bill 5792 would exclude buildings with 12 or fewer units that are no more than three stories high from the definition of “multiunit residential building” if one story is utilized for above- or below-ground parking or retail space.

This bill builds on last year’s efforts to have more housing options for Washington’s middle class. The law created last year by Senate Bill 5058 exempts buildings with 12 or fewer units that are no more than two stories high from the definition of “multiunit residential building.”

When SB 5792 received a public hearing in the House Housing Committee last month, Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley and an official with the Building Industry Association of Washington testified in favor of it. During its public hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee early this session, Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson and Spokane Valley City Council Deputy Mayor Rod Higgins testified in support of the bill.

Condominiums provide an affordable path to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. The combination of SB 5058 and this year’s new bill should result in more homeownership in our state. Washington has one of the lower homeownership rates in the nation, and both SB 5792 and last year’s condo-building law can help our state address this problem. These smaller condominiums would still have the same building requirements that a townhouse or single-family house would have. 

Farewell to ‘Team Padden’ this year

A big thank-you goes to my Senate office staff this session for all of its terrific work, especially in responding to constituents’ emails and phone calls. Earlier this week, we gathered at my Senate floor desk for a group photo. From left to right are legislative assistant Annalise Hemingway, session assistant Ethan Mettlin and session intern Vandee Pannkuk. Annalise will continue as my legislative assistant and will work in our 4th District office during the interim months.  

Starting Wednesday, March 13, we will be back in the district office. The phone number is 509-921-2460. The office address is 5105 E. Third Ave., Ste. 102, Spokane Valley, WA 99212.  

Contact us!

If you have a question or concern about state government, please do not hesitate to contact our office. During the session we are conducting business from our Senate office in Olympia. We are here to serve you!

Phone: (360) 786-7606

Olympia Office: 215 Legislative Modular Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0404

Email address: Mike.Padden@leg.wa.gov

PLEASE NOTE: Any email or documents you provide to this office may be subject to disclosure under RCW 42.56. If you would prefer to communicate by phone, please contact Sen. Padden’s Olympia office at (360) 786-7606.

To request public records from Sen. Padden, please contact Randi Stratton, the designated public records officer for the Secretary of the Senate and Senate members.

Padden bill requested by Girl Scout to help pollinators passed by Legislature

Last fall, a Mount Spokane High School student working to earn a major Girl Scout award approached 4th District Sen. Mike Padden to help with part of her pollinator project.

Several months later, what began as a request is now a bill to help bees and pollinators that has been approved by the Legislature.

The Senate today voted 49-0 to concur or agree with the House of Representatives’ amendments to Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure introduced by Padden that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. The proposal now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for final consideration.

“Pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts,” said Padden, noting that 75% of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators. “They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture.  Taking steps to protect and enhance pollinators is very important to both agriculture and the environment.”

Padden credits Mount Spokane High School senior Julia Costello for asking him to sponsor the pollinator bill.

“Julia is a Girl Scout working to finish requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout,” said Padden. “One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a strong case why improving pollinators’ habitat is important and beneficial. It has been an honor and pleasure working with her on this bill. I’m pleased the Legislature has passed her bill.”

Costello’s testimony in favor of the bill during its public hearing before the House Local Government Committee last month can be viewed here.

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter to Padden in January in support of the proposal. Part of Carter’s letter reads: “Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a fundamental role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their vital role in sustaining agriculture cannot be overstated, as approximately 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, taking steps to protect and enhance pollinator populations is essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Under the proposal, a local government may encourage but need not require applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area.

(CAPTION: Mount Spokane High School student Julia Costello testifies in favor of Senate Bill 5934 earlier this legislative session.)

Public pressure helps kill bill raising property tax cap

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers February 15, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here.

Dear friends and neighbors,

A key deadline has been reached as the 2024 legislative session enters its final three weeks.

Tuesday was “Senate floor cutoff,” the last day for the Senate to vote on bills that originated in our chamber. Bills that are considered necessary to implement the upcoming state supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets are exempt from it, meaning we may consider them anytime before the Legislature adjourns March 7.

Now the session shifts into its next phase, in which the Senate is again devoting much of its time to committee meetings, and public hearings on bills passed by the House prior to its own floor cutoff.

Many bills, both good and bad, “die” when floor cutoff arrives due to a lack of support. Those that died include what many Republicans viewed as the worst bill of this session: Senate Bill 5770, which would have tripled the allowable growth rate of annual property taxes collected by local governments in Washington.

Cities, counties and other local governments currently may collect an additional 1% annually in property tax without having to seek voter approval. This limit was set by the voters in 2001’s Initiative 747 and confirmed by the Legislature in 2007, after I-747 was invalidated by the state Supreme Court. SB 5770 would have raised the annual cap from 1% to 3%. The most recent estimate provided by our budget and tax policy expert was that SB 5770 would cost Washington taxpayers $6 billion over 12 years and would compound from there.

The Legislative Building rotunda.

When SB 5770 received a public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee a few weeks ago, more than 9,300 people signed in to testify. Over 92% of them were against the bill, a clear sign of how unpopular it is with Washingtonians.

Despite the strong public opposition to the tax increase, Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee passed it out anyway. However, a continuous wave of calls and emails to senators demanding that the bill not be passed led the prime sponsor of SB 5770, 43rd District Senator Jamie Pedersen of Seattle, to announce late last week he would not seek further passage of the bill this session.

This is a huge win for taxpayers! But don’t be surprised if Democrats bring this bill back next year or sometime in the future.     

If you have questions about how to participate in state government this year or thoughts to share on anything in this e-newsletter, please give me a call or send me an email. 

Thank you, as always, for the honor of representing you in Olympia!

Best Regards,

Senator Mike Padden

Senate budgets to be considered soon

This is the time of the legislative session when state budget proposals are unveiled and considered. 

The Senate is expected to unveil its supplemental operating, capital and transportation budget proposals over the next several days after budget writers have worked closely with Senate staff the past several weeks in crafting these spending plans. 

In fact, the Senate capital budget will receive its public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee this afternoon.

The Senate operating and transportation budgets are expected to be unveiled early next week. 

Budget writers in the House of Representatives also will come out with their operating, capital and transportation budget proposals. After the Senate and House each passes its own versions of these three budgets, leaders from each chamber will meet to work on compromise versions for the Legislature to consider in the final week of session.  

Senate passes bill helping bees and other pollinators

A bill I introduced that was requested by a Mount Spokane High School student to help bees and other pollinators cleared the Senate this week.

The Senate voted 48-1 to pass Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. The proposal now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

During my floor speech on the measure, I told Senate colleagues how pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. In fact, 75% of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators. Taking steps to protect and enhance pollinators is very important to the environment but also important to agriculture practices.

Mount Spokane High School senior Julia Costello approached me this past fall about sponsoring the bill.

Julia is a Girl Scout working to finish requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout. One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a compelling case why improving pollinators’ habitat is beneficial. I’m pleased the Senate passed this bill. Hopefully, Julia will be able to testify in person when this bill receives a public hearing in the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday next week.

In late January, Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter in support of SB 5934.    

Under the bill, a local government may encourage but need not require applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area.   

UPDATE: Democrats still refuse to hold public hearings on the six initiatives

This chart shows the six initiatives sent to the Legislature this session. Democrats have refused to schedule public hearings on them.  

Democrat leaders in the Senate and House have continued to refuse scheduling public hearings on the six initiatives that were sent to the Legislature earlier this session. These measures each received more than 400,000 signatures and collectively over 2.6 million signatures.

Here’s what each would do:

  • Initiative 2113 deals with police pursuits. It would erase certain requirements that since 2021 have prevented law-enforcement officers from pursuing a suspect unless they think someone has committed certain crimes, including a violent offense or driving while impaired. It has been sent to the Senate Law and Justice Committee for consideration.
  • I-2117 would repeal the state’s costly climate policy, called “cap-and-trade” by some but “cap-and-tax” or “cap-and-gouge,” by opponents who note this law has caused gas prices to rise substantially. The climate policy became state law in 2021 and took full effect early last year. It is now in the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee.
  • I-2081 would give parents the right to review K-12 instructional materials and require parental notification of school-provided medical services. It has been referred to the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.
  • I-2109 would repeal the state capital-gains tax that was passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature in 2021. It is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
  • I-2111 would ban any local or state government in our state from imposing an income tax. Like I-2109, this measure is in the Ways and Means Committee.
  • I-2124 would allow people to opt out of the mandatory payroll tax for the state-run long-term care program. It is before the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.

Legislators have three options with initiatives to the Legislature: 1) adopt the initiative as written, in which case it becomes law; 2) refuse to pass it, which would result in the measure automatically being placed on the statewide ballot next fall; 3) propose and approve an alternative initiative, in which case both the original initiative and the alternative would both appear together on the fall statewide ballot.

Senate Republican staff recently created interesting videos about several of these initiatives. They are worth watching. The videos cover:

  • I-2109 and I-2111 (repealing capital gains tax, banning income taxes)
  • I-2117 (repealing “cap and trade”)
  • I-2113 (restoring police pursuits)

The latest news on the initiatives is that Senate Democratic Leader Andy Billig and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins announced yesterday that they will not hold hearings on I-2117 or I-2109. That means both measures will almost certainly be placed on this November’s statewide ballot.

Speaker Jinkins said she didn’t know yet whether hearings would be held on the other four initiatives.

It is disappointing that the Democrats have not scheduled hearings on these six measures. Citizens’ voices should be allowed to be heard on them.

It is very likely that all six measures will wind up on the statewide ballot this fall for Washington voters to decide.

Three Padden bills receive House hearings yesterday

Senator Padden testifies before the House Housing Committee Wednesday.

Yesterday was especially busy, as three bills that I introduced received public hearings in House committees after being approved by the Senate earlier this session.

Senate Bill 5056 was heard by the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee. This proposal would allow prosecutors to seek up two additional years on a sentence for first-degree robbery offenders if they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is a habitual property offender. There has been an explosion of property crimes, including thefts of vehicles, catalytic converters and electric-charging equipment. This bill tries to keep habitual, repeat offenders behind bars for longer periods of time. That would reduce the property-crime rate substantially.

The House Housing Committee held public hearings on two of my proposals:

Senate Bill 5792 – Would exclude buildings with 12 or fewer units that are no more than three stories high from the definition of “multi-unit residential building” if one story is utilized for above- or below-ground parking or retail space. This bill builds on my condo-construction measure from 2023 (SB 5058, signed into law), which is aimed at creating more housing options for Washington’s middle class. Condominiums provide an affordable path to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. 

Senate Bill 5840 – Under this proposal, leases would not require acknowledgement, witnesses or seals.

Next Wednesday, February 21, is the deadline for House policy committees to pass Senate bills.

Contact us!

If you have a question or concern about state government, please do not hesitate to contact our office. During the session we are conducting business from our Senate office in Olympia. We are here to serve you!

Phone: (360) 786-7606

Olympia Office: 215 Legislative Modular Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0404

Email address: Mike.Padden@leg.wa.gov

PLEASE NOTE: Any email or documents you provide to this office may be subject to disclosure under RCW 42.56. If you would prefer to communicate by phone, please contact Sen. Padden’s Olympia office at (360) 786-7606.

To request public records from Sen. Padden, please contact Randi Stratton, the designated public records officer for the Secretary of the Senate and Senate members.

Senate approves Padden bill to help pollinators

A bill requested by a Mount Spokane High School student to help bees and other pollinators has cleared the Senate this year.

The Senate voted 48-1 to pass Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure introduced by 4th District Sen. Mike Padden that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping. The proposal now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Prior to today’s vote, Padden told the Senate how pollinators, including bees and butterflies, play a very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts.

“They play a vital role in sustaining agriculture. It really can’t be overstated since 75% of the world’s food supply depends on pollinators. Taking steps to protect and enhance pollinators is very important to the environment but also important to agriculture practices,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley.

Mount Spokane High School senior Julia Costello approached Padden this past fall about sponsoring the bill.

“Julia is a Girl Scout working to finish requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout,” said Padden. “One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a compelling case why improving pollinators’ habitat is beneficial. I’m pleased the Senate passed this bill and I hope the House will do likewise this session. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with her.”

Costello’s testimony in favor of the bill during its Jan. 11 public hearing before the committee can be viewed here.

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter to Padden in January in support of the proposal. Part of Carter’s letter reads: “Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a fundamental role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their vital role in sustaining agriculture cannot be overstated, as approximately 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, taking steps to protect and enhance pollinator populations is essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Under the amended version of the bill, a local government may encourage but need not require applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area.

Democrats refusing to act on six voter initiatives sent to Legislature

Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Padden’s subscribers February 1, 2024. To subscribe to Sen. Padden’s newsletter, click here.

Dear friends and neighbors,

It is looking more and more likely that the six initiatives now before the Legislature will wind up going before Washington voters this November.

In late December, petitions containing more than the required number of valid voter signatures for the six measures were delivered to the Office of Secretary of State’s Elections Division, which then conducted a standard signature-check process.

Sponsors said each of the six initiatives had at least 424,896 signatures, well over the minimum of 324,516 signatures needed to be certified, and more than the recommended total of 405,000. According to the initiatives’ sponsors, the combined total number of signatures for the six measures was 2,684,663. 

As Secretary of State Steve Hobbs certified each of the six initiatives, it was delivered to the Legislature for consideration.

This graphic shows that Washington voters have rejected 11 income-tax proposals. It is appearing more likely that they will have their say again this fall on a measure that would ban any local or state government in Washington from imposing an income tax.

By the end of this past week, all six initiatives had been certified and sent to the Legislature:

  • Initiative 2113 deals with police pursuits. It would erase certain requirements that since 2021 have prevented law-enforcement officers from pursuing a suspect unless they think someone has committed certain crimes, including a violent offense or driving while impaired. It has been sent to the Senate Law and Justice Committee for consideration.
  • I-2117 would repeal the state’s costly climate policy, called “cap-and-trade” by some but “cap-and-tax” or “cap-and-gouge,” by opponents who note this law has caused gas prices to rise substantially. The climate policy became state law in 2021 and took full effect early last year. It is now in the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee.
  • I-2081 would give parents the right to review K-12 instructional materials and require parental notification of school-provided medical services. It has been referred to the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.
  • I-2109 would repeal the state capital-gains tax that was passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature in 2021. It is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
  • I-2111 would ban any local or state government in our state from imposing an income tax. Like I-2109, this measure is in the Ways and Means Committee.
  • I-2124 would allow people to opt out of the mandatory payroll tax for the state-run long-term care program. It is before the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.

Legislators have three options with initiatives to the Legislature: 1) adopt the initiative as written, in which case it becomes law; 2) refuse to pass it, which would result in the measure automatically being placed on the statewide ballot next fall; 3) propose and approve an alternative initiative, in which case both the original initiative and the alternative would both appear together on the fall statewide ballot.

Regretably, Senate Democrats so far have refused to even schedule public hearings on any of the six initiatives. Any initiative not enacted this session will be placed on the statewide ballot this fall for you and other voters to decide.      

If you have questions about how to participate in state government this year or thoughts to share on anything in this e-newsletter, please give me a call or send me an email. 

Thank you, as always, for the honor of representing you in Olympia!

Best Regards,

Senator Mike Padden

Panel passes pollinator proposal

A bill I introduced at the request of a Mount Spokane High School student to help bees and other pollinators is buzzing through the Senate this year.

The Senate Local Government, Land Use and Tribal Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping.

Mount Spokane High School senior Julia Costello approached me this past fall about sponsoring the bill.

Julia is a Girl Scout working to complete the requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout. One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a compelling case why improving pollinators’ habitat is beneficial. It was nice for Julia to see this bill pass out of committee. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with her.

Before passing SB 5934, the Senate panel approved an amendment that establishes that a local government may encourage, but does not have to require, applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area. 

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter in support of SB 5934.    

The proposal will be sent to the Senate Rules Committee, which serves as the final hurdle before bills reach the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate.

Gonzaga Prep student serves as page

Last week I had the pleasure of sponsoring Anthony DeGon (in photo above), a sophomore at Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane, during his week as a Senate page at the Capitol.

Anthony told me he is very interested in representative government, so I think he really enjoyed his time here in Olympia and seeing how the Legislature works.

He enjoys playing football, soccer, skating and reading in his free time. He also is an active member of the Prep debate team. He wants to attend college to further his future by studying political psychology. Anthony is the son of Alice DeGon. 

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to spend a week working in the Legislature. Students are responsible for transporting documents between offices, as well as delivering messages and mail. Pages spend time in the Senate chamber and attend page school to learn about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Students also draft their own bills and engage in a mock committee.

Committee OKs Padden health-care bill

Last Thursday, the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee passed Senate Bill 5920, my proposal that would allow our state Department of Health to have more psychiatric beds in our state. 

This proposal would reinstate authority for the Department of Health until 2028 to grant certificate-of-need exemptions related to increasing psychiatric-bed capacity by allowing additional psychiatric beds or construction of a new psychiatric hospital.  

A couple of years ago, a company was deterred from building a psychiatric hospital in Spokane Valley due to the certificate-of-need process. It was built in California instead, which does not require a certificate of need. The federal government figured out long ago that certificates of need do not work; it repealed federal certificate-of-need requirements in 1987.

SB 5920 addresses a need for vulnerable people and illustrates how certificates of need hurt Washingtonians. The need for more beds is clear, and the certificate-of-need law is an unnecessary barrier. States with these laws have higher costs and fewer medical services.

Two weeks ago, Elizabeth Hovde, who testified in favor of SB 5920 during its public hearing before the Health and Long Term Care Committee, wrote about the bill for the Washington Policy Center. You may read her article here.

TVW interview on “ditch the switch” bill

Senator Manka Dhingra (left) and I were interviewed last week by The Impact host Mike McClanahan about SB 5795, our legislation to “ditch the switch” by keeping Washington on year-round standard time.    

Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of doing a sit-down interview at the TVW headquarters in Olympia for the weekly show “The Impact”. Host Mike McClanahan had invited Redmond Senator Manka Dhingra and me to discuss Senate Bill 5795, the proposal that we are sponsoring this year to “ditch the switch”  by keeping Washington on year-round standard time instead of going back and forth between standard time and daylight saving time each year. You may watch our interview here.

“The Impact” airs on TVW on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Unfortunately, the chair of the Senate State Government and Elections Committee, Senator Sam Hunt of Olympia, after originally scheduling SB 5795 for a vote, chose not to bring up SB 5795 for a vote before the committee cutoff yesterday. Unless something significant happens between now and the end of session, it appears that the “ditch the switch” bill will need to wait till next year, which means that Washingtonians will be forced to continue switching between standard time and daylight saving time each year. 

State senators send letter to Congress in support of Snake River dams

Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. 

One federal issue that has the attention of many Washington state legislators is the fate of the four lower Snake River dams between Clarkston and the Tri-Cities. Last December’s announcement by the Biden administration that it and four Northwest tribes were “partnering to restore wild salmon habitats in the Columbia River Basin” while exploring the possibility of breaching the four dams in the future has been a major concern for state lawmakers, especially those from eastern Washington.

That is why I spearheaded a letter last week in support of the four Snake River dams, signed by 20 state Senate Republicans members. The letter was sent to 5th District U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the committee’s ranking member and chair and ranking member of the House Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee.   

Earlier this week, I met with two officials with Modern Electric Water Company – an electric and water utility in Spokane Valley – who visited Olympia, General Manager Joe Morgan and Government Relations and Communications Coordinator Chelsea Martin. Chelsea last week sent a letter of support for the dams on behalf of Modern Electric Water Company to Representative McMorris Rodgers and the other three U.S. House members.    

Senator Padden this week talked about energy issues and the four lower Snake River dams with two officials from Spokane Valley’s Modern Electric Water Company, General Manager Joe Morgan (left) and Government Relations and Communications Coordinator Chelsea Martin (middle).  

Contact us!

If you have a question or concern about state government, please do not hesitate to contact our office. During the session we are conducting business from our Senate office in Olympia. We are here to serve you!

Phone: (360) 786-7606

Olympia Office: 215 Legislative Modular Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0404

Email address: Mike.Padden@leg.wa.gov

PLEASE NOTE: Any email or documents you provide to this office may be subject to disclosure under RCW 42.56. If you would prefer to communicate by phone, please contact Sen. Padden’s Olympia office at (360) 786-7606.

To request public records from Sen. Padden, please contact Randi Stratton, the designated public records officer for the Secretary of the Senate and Senate members.

Panel passes Padden pollinator proposal

Legislation requested by a Mount Spokane High School student to help bees and other pollinators is buzzing through the Senate this year.

The Senate Local Government, Land Use and Tribal Affairs Committee today approved Senate Bill 5934, a bipartisan measure introduced by 4th District Sen. Mike Padden that aims to promote the use of pollinator-friendly shrubs or bushes in landscaping.

Mount Spokane High School senior Julia Costello approached Padden this past fall about sponsoring the bill.

“Julia is a Girl Scout working to complete the requirements to earn the Gold Award, which is equivalent to earning the Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “One of Julia’s Gold Award requirements is working with a legislator on sponsoring a bill. Julia made a compelling case why improving pollinators’ habitat is beneficial, and I’m glad to see this bill pass out of committee today. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with her.”

Costello’s testimony in favor of the bill during its Jan. 11 public hearing before the committee can be viewed here.

Spokane Conservation District Director Vicki Carter sent a letter yesterday to Padden in support of the proposal. Part of Carter’s letter reads: “Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, play a fundamental role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their vital role in sustaining agriculture cannot be overstated, as approximately 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, taking steps to protect and enhance pollinator populations is essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Before passing SB 5934, the Senate panel approved an amendment that establishes that a local government may encourage, but does not have to require, applicants for project or commercial-building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in any landscaped area.

The proposal is expected to be sent to the Senate Rules Committee, which serves as the final hurdle before bills reach the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate.