Washington Legislative Preview: Salmon, Net Neutrality, Bump Stocks Among Pre-Filed Bills
Listen
Washington state lawmakers convene Monday, January 8 for a short 60-day election year session. Already lawmakers have pre-filed dozens of bills they’d like to see passed.
The pre-filed proposals run the gamut. There’s a bill to ban cultivation of Atlantic salmon in state waters. This follows last summer’s collapse of a salmon net pen that led to the release of more than 300,000 Atlantic salmon.
There’s a proposal to maintain net neutrality in Washington state. This comes as the Federal Communications Commission moves to repeal rules that required broadband providers to treat all data the same.
Another bill would ban so-called bump-stocks that make semi-automatic guns function more like an automatic weapon. The shooter in last October’s mass shooting in Las Vegas used a bump stock.
And there’s a proposal to test a new way to help people with mental health issues who have frequent encounters with police. The pilot program would create a 40-bed facility to provide wrap-around services to this high-risk population.
Related Stories:
Canadian leaders hope trade negotiations won’t derail Columbia River Treaty
A view of the Columbia River in British Columbia. The Columbia River Treaty is on “pause” while the Trump administration considers its policy options. However, recent comments by President Donald
Snake River water, recreation studies look at the river’s future
People listen to an introductory presentation on the water supply study findings at an open house-style meeting in Pasco. After they listened to the presentation, they could look at posters
Washington state bill could strengthen regulations, increase fines for ‘troublesome’ landfills
While hiking, Nancy Lust, with Friends of Rocky Top, watches a truck dump waste into a landfill in Yakima County. Lust lives near the landfill and has fought to learn
