Author Archives: annrivers

E-News Legislative Update

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

For the first time in five years, the Legislature completed its work and adjourned on time last Thursday. We passed a strong, bipartisan supplemental operating budget that will serve our state well. Please continue reading – I include more details about the approved budget below.

Unfortunately, my medical marijuana bill died in the hands of the state House as an agreement could not be reached before the session ended. I released a statement to the media late Thursday night when it became clear there was no hope for the bill this year. Click HERE to read my short statement.

It is great to be back at home in La Center and I hope to see you around the district this summer….please click HERE to continue reading.

Medical-marijuana market remains at risk, bill fails in final hours

In a disappointing turn of events late today, the House of Representatives failed to reach an agreement on Sen. Ann Rivers’ bipartisan medical-marijuana measure before the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Rivers said the fiscal details that ultimately caused the bill’s demise weren’t enough of a reason to leave patients in the dark without any protection.

“I don’t think people realize what a blow this is to the medical-marijuana community,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “I am legitimately fearful for the patients who rely on medical cannabis because the medical market remains completely unregulated, which leaves a lot of room for the federal government to intervene or even shut down the entire medical-marijuana system in our state. Without this legislation, 14 year-olds are still able to access medical marijuana authorizations without their parents’ consent.

“I think patients should plan to use and pay for recreational marijuana because as it stands today, Washington’s medical-marijuana market is outside its legal bounds and was actually deemed ‘untenable’ by the U.S. Attorney General’s office,” warned Rivers.

Continue reading →

Senate approves Rivers’ patient-focused medical-marijuana bill

The Senate approved a measure Saturday that would set the necessary framework and oversight surrounding medical marijuana to establish its place in the market alongside the 2012 voter-approved law allowing the recreational use of marijuana.

Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, introduced Senate Bill 5887 last year but said the measure looks very different today.

Rivers released this statement following Saturday’s vote:

“This bill is the result of a bicameral and bipartisan effort to remain patient-focused while staying within the legal bounds of the recent federal guidelines. The bill has evolved a lot thanks to the numerous public hearings and helpful feedback received from patients and stakeholders.

Continue reading →

Banner day for Rivers, three bills headed to the governor

With just over a week remaining in the 2014 regular session, Sen. Ann Rivers has three bills headed to the governor, thanks to the near-unanimous approval by the House of Representatives Wednesday.

The three measures couldn’t be more different, spanning from health care to consumer privacy to victim protection, but according to Rivers, the effects of the new legislation will serve the people of the state well.

Continue reading →

Legislation Update

I have several bills still alive and well in the legislative process. I’ll continue to keep you updated about them but in the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.

Senate Bill 5887 – this measure would reconcile the medical and recreational marijuana markets. It’s a bill that I’ve been working on since last year to help put proper parameters and protections in place while still maintaining a patient-first focus. Because it has a monetary component to it, it can be brought to a vote at any time during session.
Status: Awaiting approval by the Senate Budget Committee.

Senate Bill 6007 – a bill developed by public utility districts from around the state, would protect customers’ information – both electronic contact information and usage information.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Local Government; currently waiting for final approval by the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 6016 – the intent of this bill is to implement grace periods for the state health benefit exchange in a way that protects our state’s patients, health insurers and health care providers.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness; currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives.

Continue reading →

Bipartisan Supplemental Budget Proposal

Last Wednesday the Senate overwhelmingly approved a supplemental budget proposal that is projected to balance over four years and prioritizes education without raising taxes.

Since this is the first time in six years that we have entered session without a budget deficit hanging over our heads, we were able to propose a true supplemental budget. It is after all the purpose of a short session – to make minor adjustments and fixes to the two-year state operating budget approved in 2013.

The Senate spending plan focuses on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. It fully-funds school districts’ instructional technology costs with $38 million for K-12 classroom technology, enabling schools to invest in upgrades that best fit their needs.

Continue reading →

E-News Legislative Update

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Saturday, Rep. Liz Pike and I hosted two in-district town hall meetings. It was great to see many of you there – thank you for joining us and voicing your concerns!

It’s hard to believe March is already here, which leaves us with less than two weeks in this year’s regular session. Last week…

Click HERE to read more.

Sign-up for the Senate Page Program

rpageI encourage all students ages 14-16 to apply for a paid, week-long Senate page position here in Olympia. The page program offers students the unique chance to take an active role in our government and learn more about the state Legislature.

Timbercrest freshman Blake Hirst spent last week as my page and he said being on the Senate floor as bills were being passed was a fascinating experience.

He decided to apply for the Senate page program after one of his friends participated in the program last year.

For more information or to apply for the 2015 session, please visit: https://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/.