How they voted
The following summaries of voting records for Eastern Washington legislators is compiled by WashingtonVotes.org, a nonpartisan organization tracking legislation on the move in Olympia.
Online sales tax
By a vote of 76 to 15, the House approved Senate Bill 5089, which would conform Washington law to the national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. It was signed by the governor Thursday and is expected to boost tax revenue by making it simpler for online retailers nationwide to collect and remit sales taxes on transactions involving Washington state residents.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; Steve Hailey, R-Mesa; David Buri, R-Colfax.
No: Reps. Don Barlow, D-Spokane; John Ahern, R-Spokane; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda.
Not voting: Reps. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane; Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane; Bob Sump, R-Republic.
Enhanced driver’s licenses
By a vote of 43 to 3 on Thursday, the state Senate approved House Bill 1289, which would grant authority to the State Department of Licensing to create a new drivers’ license to allow citizens to cross into Canada. The bill was signed into law Friday by the governor.
Yes: Sens. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane; Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley; Chris Marr, D-Spokane; Bob Morton, R-Orient; and Mark Schoelser, R-Ritzville.
Free school speech
By a vote of 58 to 37 on March 13, the House approved House Bill 1307, which would affirm and expand the activities of students in relation to freedom of speech and press. Among other guarantees, the bill limits a school’s control on content in school sponsored media, regardless of whether the media is paid for by the school. The bill also provides legal protections for schools from liability regarding student expressions. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.
Yes: Reps. Alex Wood, D-Spokane; and Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane.
No: Reps. Larry Crouse, R-Spokane Valley; Lynn Schindler; R-Spokane; Don Barlow, D-Spokane; John Ahern, R-Spokane; Bob Sump, R-Republic; Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda; Steve Hailey, R-Mesa; David Buri, R-Colfax.