Legislative Almanac

Tuesday, Feb. 10 HIGHLIGHTS:

Sparked by tragedies involving children hit by delivery trucks, the House passed a bill that would require rear mirrors or backup warning devices on small commercial vehicles.

COMING UP:

Gov. Gary Locke is scheduled to hold his weekly media briefing today.

OVERHEARD:

“Sen. (Ray) Schow, I hope we don’t have any bills going through on underwear.” - Sen. Alex Deccio, R-Yakima, joking before the Senate voted on a bill that determines when employers must pay for workers’ uniforms. Schow, R-Federal Way, had donned a black baseball cap to mark the occasion.

OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSES:

VIRGINIA - Legislators are on the verge of making it legal to walk on the grass at the state Capitol in Richmond. The House of Delegates voted 78-18 Tuesday to give preliminary approval to the bill. A final vote is set for today.

Delegate Steve Landes says many people like to walk on the turf or even spread a blanket on it for a picnic lunch. He wants to officially decriminalize those activities, although the law hasn’t been enforced since 1947.

DAYS IN SESSION:

Tuesday was Day 30 of the 60-day session in Olympia.

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE: , 1-800-562-6000 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

ON THE INTERNET:

http://www.wa.gov for the state of Washington’s home page.

http://www.leg.wa.gov for the state-run Legislative Service Center.