Regional News

Two of Rep. Hawkins’ bills advance through Senate committee


Feb 28, 2014

Two bills sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, are moving forward in the Washington State Senate.

House Bill 2105, to provide increased transparency with online public agendas, was heard and then unanimously passed by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee Feb. 24. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee where it will be considered for the schedule to be voted on by the entire Senate.

Hawkings.jpgRep. Hawkins testifies Feb. 20 in the Senate Governmental Operations Committee in favor of House Bill 2106, an elections bill he sponsored. Credit: Washington State Legislature.

 

“Transparency is critical in all levels of government, and this is a modest step to providing more access to government for the people,” said Hawkins. “I’m hopeful we can get this bill passed in the Senate and on to the governor’s desk for his signature.”

House Bill 2106 would provide a fix to our primary elections process and help local governments save money in the future. Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore and Chelan County Commissioner Doug England traveled to Olympia Feb. 20 to testify in support of the measure. It was passed by the Senate Governmental Operations Committee unanimously Feb. 27.

“I appreciate that our local officials took the time to come over and share the need for this bill,” Hawkins said. “It was important for state lawmakers to hear directly from Chelan County about why this is important for communities across our state.”

Both bills have until March 7, the cutoff for House bills to be passed out of the Senate, to move forward. The 2014 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 13.

Moore.jpg

Chelan County Auditor Skip Moore (right at table) testifies in favor of HB 2106, an elections bill sponsored by Rep. Brad Hawkins (listening in background), Feb. 20. Credit: Washington State Legislature.


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