EYE ON OLYMPIA: Area lawmakers’ bills pass

Published 9:37 am Monday, March 12, 2012

By Tom Callis

Peninsula Daily News

PORT ANGELES — Two of the three state legislators representing the North Olympic Peninsula got bills passed in the Legislature during this year’s regular session.

Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, who introduced the most legislation, saw seven of his bills passed.

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, had two of his bills pass.

Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, on the other hand, had none.

They all represent the 24th Legislative District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and a portion of Grays Harbor County.

The regular session ended Thursday.

A special legislative session to address the state budget begins today.

Van De Wege’s bills were:

■   House Bill 2373, which allows two vehicles share the Discover Pass for state parks and requires free access days at parks.

■   HB 2056, which changes the name of boarding homes to assisted living facilities.

Hargrove’s bills were:

■   Senate Bill 5997, whih re-establishes the Olympic Natural Resources Center’s policy advisory board.

■   SB 6100, which updates the administration of sexual assault grant programs.

■   SB 6159, which deducts business and occupation taxes for dispute resolution centers.

■   SB 6135, which allows peace officer to detain someone issued a notice of infraction.

■   SB 6494, which lowers the age at which a school district is required to file a truancy petition from 17 to 16.

■   SB 6492, which sets performance targets for state hospital competency services.

■   SB 6555, which requires the state Department of Social and Health Services to conduct a family assessment when responding to a report of child abuse.

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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.