Welcome to week 4 of the Olympia legislative session.

Not to be outdone by Olympia bills that would hinder immigration law enforcement, the City of Vancouver declared that they oppose federal law enforcement. Having an emboldening effect, the Police Chief has publicly complained that activists are mis-identifying his officers as ICE agents. Now, our Clark County council wants to make a statement on lawful ICE actions. The Council Time hearing on Wednesday Jan. 28 included 90 minutes of fiery public comment, and a discussion of a possible statement [23 minutes starting at 2:01:25]. Councilors Marshall, Fuentes, and at least one other agreed to move forward with some kind of statement at a future meeting. They indicated it would be proposed as a joint statement with other departments. So, expect more fireworks.

Back to Olympia legislation, the heat is picking up to add taxes since they can’t control spending. And for now, as a committee, we have members following Calls to Action by FPIWAction.org and Influencing Olympia Effectively, and Bill Bruch’s Election Integrity bill list.

For the first of week 4, we suggest you do these two simple actions with us.

• 2 Action Deadline 9:30 AM on SB 6203. PRO. This is a commonsense measure that would require courts to count out-of-state convictions during sentencing, aligning justice law with the Washington Supreme Court’s decision in State v Lewis. This is a rare bi-partisan bill that can still use support.
  Register PRO. All Testimony Options.
• 5 Action Deadline 12:30 PM on SSB 5974. Big CON. This is the bill’s second public hearing, this time in the Senate funding committee - Ways and Means. Would cause Sheriff's to pass background check by Governor-controlled WSP within 9 months; Bill could be used to force Sheriffs to be appointed, rather than elected.
  Register CON. All Testimony Options.

Further on SB 5974, you can improve your talking points against HB 5974 restricting Sheriffs by watching the interview of Sheriff Swank by Conservative Ladies of Washington.

Thanks,

-The CCRP Legislative Action Team