Tag Archives: Senate Bill 6069

E-News Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe a month has already passed since the Legislature adjourned this year’s session.

Remember, I work for you year-round – not just when I am in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office (360-786-7634) if you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance in dealing with a state agency.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims, families and community members affected by the Oso mudslide. The New York Times published an article about the mudslide a few weeks ago and it includes an interactive before-and-after map that shows how widespread the devastation truly is; you can view the map HERE.

Below I provide an overview of the governor’s budget vetoes and offer an excerpt of an editorial I wrote for the Columbian. Click HERE to read more.

Clark County residents share their personal story behind Rivers’ bill to increase protection for victims of sexual abuse

The two Clark County sisters who inspired Sen. Ann Rivers to introduce Senate Bill 6069 were present for Monday’s bill signing. Thanks to their personal story, victims of sexual abuse now have an extra layer of protection between them and their abuser.

18th District residents Jennifer Chilton and Kimberly Abell told Rivers they were mortified when their abuser – who happened to be their father – tracked them down upon his early release from prison. Chilton said when they notified the district attorney’s office they were told there was nothing they could do to protect themselves.

“This had to change – for us and for all of the other victims out there,” Chilton said. “That’s when my sister and I got to work to change California law, which is where we were living at the time. It took a long time, but a bill passed and finally became law in 2006. My sister and I now call the great state of Washington home, but it didn’t take us long to realize that Washington law books were void of the protection we fought so hard for in California.”

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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.

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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.

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Senate approves Rivers’ bill to better protect victims of sexual abuse

The Senate unanimously approved a measure today that would offer an extra layer of protection to victims of sexual abuse.

Sen. Ann Rivers introduced Senate Bill 6069 after talking with an 18th District resident, who described the fear she felt when she was contacted by her abuser, who happened to be her father, without any knowledge of his early release from prison.

“We need to do whatever we can to protect victims of sexual abuse and their families,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “And if something as simple as notification of an offender’s status and whereabouts helps a victim feel a little bit safer, then it’s a no-brainer ‘yes’ vote for me.”

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