Legislative Action
Here is a look at action Tuesday in the Washington Legislature:
GOVERNOR:
Announced establishment of an earthquake relief fund for the people of Kobe, Japan. He said individuals can donate to the Kobe Earthquake Fund through any First Interstate Bank statewide.
SENATE:
No major action.
HOUSE:
The Corrections Committee approved and sent to the Law and Justice Committee for further study Initiative 159, which would increase prison sentences for people who commit crimes while armed.
The Governmental Operations Committee approved and sent to the full House Initiative 164, which would require governments to pay property owners for any land value lost because of government regulations.
The Government Operations Committee approved and sent to the full House HB1010, to rein in state regulators.
Bills introduced:
HB1167, to break up the state Department of Social and Health Services into five new departments.
HB1244, to require pupils who come to school with a firearm be expelled for at least one year.
HB1240, to defer sales taxes paid on equipment, labor and materials used to build a thoroughbred racetrack.
HB1240, to limit property tax valuations to 10 percent a year until the property is sold.
HB1252, to exempt from the sales tax coin-operated laundries in apartment houses, rooming houses or mobile home parks for the exclusive use of tenants.