Legislature OKs same-sex partner benefits

Nearly a year after the state Supreme Court upheld Washington’s ban on same-sex marriage, the Legislature responded with a measure giving gay and lesbian couples in the state some of the rights that come with marriage.

The House on Tuesday passed a bill that would create domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. The measure, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law.

The bill passed the House on a 63-35 vote, with two Democrats – Reps. Mark Miloscia, of Federal Way, and Tami Green, of Lakewood – crossing the aisle to vote against it. Three Republicans voted for it: Reps. Shirley Hankins, of Richland: Fred Jarrett, of Mercer Island; and Maureen Walsh, of College Place.

“It is an important step, I believe, for turning back the horrendous law that this Legislature passed in 1998, to deny gay and lesbian families the right to marry,” said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, one of five openly gay lawmakers in the Legislature.

‘Shut up and drive’: Drivers would need some type of hands-free device if they want to talk on their cell phones under legislation approved Wednesday by the state House.

The Senate, which passed a similar version of the bill earlier, is likely to concur, sending the legislation to Gregoire, who is expected to sign it. Motorists who violate the ban could be slapped with a $101 fine.

“This bill sends a message to all drivers all across the state that talking on your cell phone while driving is dangerous, or, as the bumper sticker says, ‘Hang up and drive,’ ” said Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island.

Simple majority: Winning a Statehouse fight that’s gone on for at least 14 years, the state Senate’s Democratic majority and a few Republicans on Thursday voted for a proposed constitutional amendment making it easier to increase property taxes for schools.

The measure would do away with the current 60 percent “supermajority” vote required for school districts that want to increase their property tax levies by more than 1 percent. Instead, that hurdle would fall to the regular 50 percent-plus-1-vote required for most elections.

Construction cranes: Gregoire signed a law Wednesday that was sparked by a fatal accident last fall in Bellevue. The measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, will require the state to set up a certification program for cranes used in construction. It will create stringent requirements for operators.

From staff and wire reports