How they voted

Sun., Jan. 29, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

These summaries of Eastern Washington legislators are compiled by WashingtonVotes.org.

Gay rights, House Bill 2661

Prohibits discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation in employment; credit and insurance transactions; places of public resort, accommodation or amusement; and real property transactions. The bill passed the Senate on Friday, 25 to 23, and is awaiting Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signature.

Yes: Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.

No: Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane; Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls; Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

Not voting: Sen. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley, excused absence.

Constitutional Amendment for School Levies, House Joint Resolution 4205

Amends the state constitution to allow a simple majority of voters to approve school levies. Current law calls for a 60 percent majority to authorize levies. The bill was approved in the House by a vote of 74 to 23 and is now under consideration in the Senate, where it must also receive a 60 percent majority to pass.

Yes: Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

No: Rep. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley; Rep. John Serben, R-Spokane; Rep. John Ahern, R-Spokane; Rep. Bob Sump, R-Republic; Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax; Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax.

Medical malpractice, House Bill 2292

Makes numerous changes to state law regarding health care practices and discipline and regulates the medical malpractice insurance industry by requiring closed claim reporting, changing underwriting standards and cancellation or non-renewal of policies, and requires state approval of insurance rates. The bill also changes the health care liability system. The House approved the bill 54 to 43; it is now under consideration in the Senate.

Yes: Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.

Streamlined sales tax, Senate Bill 6594

Implements many provisions of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, a multistate effort to bring uniformity to state sales and use tax structures nationwide, which would make it easier to tax Internet commerce. The Senate approved the bill 48-0; it is under consideration in the House.

Yes: Lisa Brown, D-Spokane; Sen. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley; Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane; Sen. Bob Morton, R-Kettle Falls; and Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

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