FIFTEENTH DAY

 

MORNING SESSION

Senate Chamber, Olympia, Monday, January 26, 2009

 

      The Senate was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Owen. The Secretary called the roll and announced to the President that all Senators were present with the exception of Senators Fairley, Jacobsen, Prentice and Sheldon.

 

      The Sergeant at Arms escorted Major Timothy J. Lowenberg and the Honorable Mike Gregoire to seats on the rostrum.

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

 

The President welcomed and introduced Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg, Adjutant General of the State of Washington and the Honorable Mike Gregoire.

 

      Washington Air National Guards composed of Captain Erik Stohl; Master Sergeant Mark Soulier; Staff Sergeant Victor Jugo and Technical Sergeant James McCracken presented the Colors.

      The National Anthem was performed by the 560th Air Force Band, composed of Major James Phillips; Sergeant Major David Stultz; Master Sergeant Michael Baker; Master Sergeant Paul Sety and Technical Sergeant Steven Churchwell.

      Chaplain Lt. Colonel Christopher Lensch of the Washington Air National Guard offered the prayer.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.

 

MOTION

 

      There being no objection, the Senate advanced to the first order of business.

 

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

 

January 22, 2009

SB 5063             Prime Sponsor, Senator Jacobsen: Concerning the burial of pet remains. Reported by Committee on Government Operations & Elections

 

MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5063 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott; Pridemore and Swecker.

 

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators Roach and Benton.

 

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

 

January 21, 2009

SB 5277             Prime Sponsor, Senator Hatfield: Regarding fees allowed as court costs in district courts. Reported by Committee on Judiciary

 

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; McCaslin; Hargrove and Tom.

 


Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

 

January 23, 2009

SB 5288             Prime Sponsor, Senator Hargrove: Reducing the categories of offenders supervised by the department of corrections. Reported by Committee on Human Services & Corrections

 

MAJORITY recommendation: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5288 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens; Brandland; Kauffman and McAuliffe.

 

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator Carrell.

 

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

 

MOTION

 

On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Standing Committee report were referred to the committees as designated.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.

 

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

 

SB 5507             by Senators Marr and Brown

 

AN ACT Relating to protecting sole source aquifers by providing sewer utility service to mobile home parks; and amending RCW 35.67.370.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5508             by Senator Honeyford

 

AN ACT Relating to errors in voters' pamphlets; and adding a new section to chapter 29A.32 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5509             by Senators Marr, Kauffman and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to clarifying rental car company charges, surcharges, and fees to be included in rental car agreements; adding a new section to chapter 48.115 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5510             by Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Swecker and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to notification in dependency matters; amending RCW 13.34.132; and adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

 

SB 5511             by Senators Prentice, Hobbs, Oemig and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to making changes affecting city-county assistance account distributions in response to the recommendations of the joint legislative audit and review committee; amending RCW 43.08.290; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5512             by Senators Marr, Parlette, Pflug and Murray

 

AN ACT Relating to chemotherapy treatment costs; adding a new section to chapter 41.05 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.41 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.42 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.46 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 70.47 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

 

SB 5513             by Senators Jarrett, Swecker, Delvin, Marr, Kilmer and Tom

 

AN ACT Relating to law enforcement authority concerning civil infractions and unlawful transit conduct; amending RCW 7.80.090, 9.91.025, 81.112.020, 81.112.210, 81.112.220, and 81.112.230; adding a new section to chapter 81.112 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5514             by Senators Franklin, Keiser, Kohl-Welles and Jacobsen

 

AN ACT Relating to the practice of interior design; and adding a new chapter to Title 18 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

 

SB 5515             by Senators Parlette, Becker, Schoesler, Kastama, Marr, Brandland and Hewitt

 

AN ACT Relating to definitions regarding school district employee benefits; and amending RCW 28A.400.270.

 

Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

 

SB 5516             by Senators Franklin, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Regala, Fraser, Kauffman and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to drug overdose prevention; adding a new section to chapter 69.50 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

 

SB 5517             by Senators Jacobsen, Schoesler, Hobbs, Honeyford, Shin, Marr, Hatfield, Morton, King, Parlette, Delvin and Haugen

 

AN ACT Relating to meat and poultry inspection programs; adding a new chapter to Title 16 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

 

Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.


 

SB 5518             by Senators Pridemore, Rockefeller, Fairley, Marr, McDermott, Regala, Fraser, Murray, Jarrett, Shin and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to petroleum pollution in storm water; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Environment, Water & Energy.

 

SB 5519             by Senators Hargrove, Stevens and Regala

 

AN ACT Relating to reform of competency evaluation and competency restoration procedures; amending RCW 10.77.060, 10.77.065, 10.77.084, 10.77.086, 10.77.088, 10.77.163, 71.05.280, 71.05.290, 71.05.300, 71.05.320, 71.05.425, 71.09.025, 71.09.030, and 71.09.060; adding new sections to chapter 10.77 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

 

SB 5520             by Senator Jacobsen

 

AN ACT Relating to requiring agencies to provide truthful information to legislators; and adding a new section to chapter 44.16 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5521             by Senator Jacobsen

 

AN ACT Relating to the property taxation and valuation of standing trees within urban growth area boundaries; and adding a new section to chapter 84.36 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

 

SB 5522             by Senators Hobbs, McDermott, Swecker, Fairley, Roach, Pridemore, Tom, Shin and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to internet voting for service voters and overseas voters; and adding a new section to chapter 29A.40 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5523             by Senators Hobbs, Pridemore and Tom

 

AN ACT Relating to public retirement benefits for employees of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior, district, or municipal courts; amending RCW 41.45.207; adding new sections to chapter 41.40 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 41.45 RCW; and providing an effective date.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5524             by Senators Rockefeller and Marr

 

AN ACT Relating to vehicle impoundment notice requirements; and amending RCW 46.55.100, 46.55.110, 46.55.120, and 46.55.130.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5525             by Senators Carrell, Hargrove, Stevens, Regala, Brandland, Kauffman and McAuliffe

 

AN ACT Relating to rental vouchers to allow release from state institutions; amending RCW 9.94A.728 and 9.94A.728; adding a new section to chapter 9.94A RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

 

SB 5526             by Senators Fairley, Roach, Zarelli, Murray, Kilmer, Shin and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to private financial and commercial investment information received by the University of Washington for purposes of the consolidated endowment fund; amending RCW 42.56.270; adding a new section to chapter 28B.20 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

 

SB 5527             by Senators Fraser, Brandland, Murray, Kilmer, Zarelli and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to the University of Washington's public works contracting procedures; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.20 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

 

SB 5528             by Senator Hargrove

 

AN ACT Relating to making technical nonsubstantive corrections to the initial point of contact program established in chapter 496, Laws of 2007; and amending RCW 26.09.003, 26.12.260, 2.56.180, and 26.09.020.

 

Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

 

SB 5529             by Senators Jarrett and King

 

AN ACT Relating to architects; amending RCW 18.08.310, 18.08.320, 18.08.330, 18.08.340, 18.08.350, 18.08.360, 18.08.370, 18.08.410, 18.08.420, and 18.08.430; and providing effective dates.

 

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

 

SB 5530             by Senators Hobbs and Benton

 

AN ACT Relating to creating the guaranteed asset protection waiver model act; adding a new chapter to Title 48 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

 

Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

 

SB 5531             by Senators Regala, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Kauffman, Kline, Oemig, Pridemore, Tom and Franklin

 

AN ACT Relating to modifying provisions relating to consumer protection act violations; amending RCW 19.86.090; and adding a new section to chapter 19.86 RCW.

 


Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

 

SB 5532             by Senator Keiser

 

AN ACT Relating to the Washington state veterinary board of governors; amending RCW 18.92.021, 18.92.046, 18.130.050, and 18.130.060; and adding a new section to chapter 18.92 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

 

SB 5533             by Senators Rockefeller, Honeyford, Morton, Fraser and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to the adjudication of water rights; amending RCW 90.03.105, 90.03.110, 90.03.120, 90.03.130, 90.03.140, 90.03.160, 90.03.180, 90.03.200, 90.03.240, 90.03.243, 90.03.245, 90.44.220, and 43.21B.110; adding new sections to chapter 90.03 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 90.03.170 and 90.03.190.

 

Referred to Committee on Environment, Water & Energy.

 

SB 5534             by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Fairley, McDermott, Regala, Hargrove, Fraser and Kauffman

 

AN ACT Relating to the restoration of the right to vote for people who were convicted of felonies; amending RCW 29A.08.520, 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 10.64.140, and 9.94A.885; reenacting and amending RCW 9.96.050; and repealing RCW 10.64.021.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5535             by Senators Shin and Fairley

 

AN ACT Relating to creating the Washington state acupuncture quality assurance commission; amending RCW 18.06.010, 18.06.020, 18.06.045, 18.06.050, 18.06.060, 18.06.070, 18.06.080, 18.06.110, 18.06.130, 18.06.140, 18.06.160, 18.06.190, and 18.130.040; and adding a new section to chapter 18.06 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

 

SB 5536             by Senator Oemig

 

AN ACT Relating to the use of ranked choice voting in primary elections; amending RCW 29A.52.112, 29A.52.141, 29A.52.161, 29A.52.210, 29A.52.220, 29A.53.010, 29A.53.020, 29A.53.030, 29A.53.040, 29A.53.050, 29A.53.070, 29A.53.080, and 29A.53.090; and repealing RCW 29A.53.900.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5537             by Senator Fraser

 

AN ACT Relating to having one debt limit by eliminating the statutory debt limit; amending RCW 28A.525.210, 28B.142.010, 28B.142.030, 39.94.010, 39.94.030, 43.99H.060, 43.99N.110, 43.99Q.120, and 43.99Q.130; repealing RCW 39.42.060; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5538             by Senators McAuliffe, Kauffman, Hobbs, Shin, Keiser, Murray, Fraser, Kilmer and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to employment opportunities at institutions of higher education; adding new sections to chapter 28B.52 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

 

SB 5539             by Senators Oemig, Jarrett, McAuliffe, Pflug and Tom

 

AN ACT Relating to the investment expenses of counties; and amending RCW 36.29.024.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

SB 5540             by Senators Pridemore, Hargrove, Marr, Shin and Haugen

 

AN ACT Relating to high capacity transportation service; amending RCW 81.104.015, 81.104.150, 81.104.160, 81.104.170, 81.104.180, and 81.104.190; and adding new sections to chapter 81.104 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5541             by Senators Keiser, Delvin, Parlette and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to access to catastrophic disability medical insurance under plan 2 of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system; and amending RCW 41.05.080 and 41.05.195.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5542             by Senators Franklin, Delvin and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2 who were disabled in the line of duty before January 1, 2001; and amending RCW 41.26.470.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5543             by Senators Pridemore, Oemig, Rockefeller, Fairley, Murray, Kline, Keiser, Shin, Regala, Franklin, McAuliffe, Fraser, Ranker and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to establishing product stewardship recycling programs for mercury-containing lights; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Environment, Water & Energy.

 

SB 5544             by Senators McDermott, Fairley, Kline, Kastama, Hobbs, Kilmer, Pridemore and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to affordable housing incentive programs; and amending RCW 36.70A.540.

 


Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

 

SB 5545             by Senators Regala, Kastama, Jacobsen and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to local retail sales and use tax for parks and recreation, trails, and open space allocation; and adding a new section to chapter 82.14 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

 

SB 5546             by Senators Haugen, Kauffman and Keiser

 

AN ACT Relating to access to a minor's mental health treatment information by a parent, guardian, or custodian; and amending RCW 13.50.100, 71.34.010, and 71.34.510.

 

Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

 

SB 5547             by Senators Hargrove, Pflug, McAuliffe, Oemig, Marr, Fairley, Kauffman, Franklin, Parlette, Carrell, Haugen, Kilmer, Jarrett, Pridemore, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Regala and Keiser

 

AN ACT Relating to respite care for primary care providers of persons with developmental disabilities; and amending RCW 71A.12.161.

 

Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

 

SB 5548             by Senators Haugen, Jarrett, Fraser and Shin

 

AN ACT Relating to requiring project improvements, including public transportation infrastructure improvements, to be credited against the imposition of impact fees; and amending RCW 82.02.060.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5549             by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Keiser, Franklin, Kauffman and Fraser

 

AN ACT Relating to the termination of month to month or other periodic tenancies governed by the residential landlord-tenant act; and amending RCW 59.18.200.

 

Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

 

SB 5550             by Senators McAuliffe, Rockefeller, Kastama, Franklin, Kauffman and Fraser

 

AN ACT Relating to minimum terms for closure or conversion notices for mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities; amending RCW 59.20.060, 59.20.080, 59.21.030, and 59.20.073; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

 

SB 5551             by Senators Franklin, Keiser, Kastama, Marr, Murray, McDermott, Shin, McAuliffe, Fairley, Kline, Pridemore, Oemig, Regala, Kauffman and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to recess periods for elementary school students; and creating new sections.

 

Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

 

SB 5552             by Senators Franklin, Murray, Keiser, Marr, Kline and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to children on motorcycles; and amending RCW 46.37.530.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5553             by Senators Kilmer, Delvin, Kastama, Shin, Hobbs, Marr, Tom, McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles and Pridemore

 

AN ACT Relating to promoting economic development through promoting innovation and the commercialization of technologies; and amending RCW 28B.20.297, 28B.20.289, and 28B.20.293.

 

Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

 

SB 5554             by Senators Kilmer, Hobbs, Kastama, King, Jarrett, Marr, McAuliffe, Shin and Pridemore

 

AN ACT Relating to the job skills program; and amending RCW 28C.04.410 and 28C.04.420.

 

Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

 

SB 5555             by Senators Kilmer, Shin, King, Marr, Jarrett, McAuliffe, Hobbs, Tom and Kohl-Welles

 

AN ACT Relating to lifelong learning accounts; adding new sections to chapter 28C.18 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28B.76 RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

 

SB 5556             by Senators Kilmer, Carrell and Kauffman

 

AN ACT Relating to prohibiting the reduction of toll penalties for infractions detected through the use of a photo enforcement system; and reenacting and amending RCW 46.63.160.

 

Referred to Committee on Transportation.

 

SB 5557             by Senator Pridemore

 

AN ACT Relating to adopting the recommendations of the citizen commission for performance measurement of tax preferences to clarify the legislative intent of certain deductions and exemptions; amending RCW 82.04.280, 82.04.280, 84.36.030, 84.36.040, and 84.36.840; amending 2006 c 300 s 12 (uncodified); adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 84.36 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 84.36.130; providing an effective date; providing a contingent effective date; providing an expiration date; providing a contingent expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

 

Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

SB 5558             by Senators Holmquist, Hewitt, Pflug, Carrell, King, Schoesler and Swecker


 

AN ACT Relating to repealing the 2007 family and medical leave insurance act; amending RCW 51.44.033; reenacting and amending RCW 43.79A.040; creating a new section; repealing RCW 49.86.005, 49.86.010, 49.86.020, 49.86.030, 49.86.040, 49.86.050, 49.86.060, 49.86.070, 49.86.080, 49.86.090, 49.86.100, 49.86.110, 49.86.120, 49.86.130, 49.86.140, 49.86.150, 49.86.160, 49.86.170, 49.86.180, 49.86.190, 49.86.200, 49.86.210, 49.86.900, 49.86.901, and 49.86.902; and providing an effective date.

 

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

 

SB 5559             by Senators Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Regala and Fraser

 

AN ACT Relating to increasing hunting safety; amending RCW 77.32.155; adding a new section to chapter 77.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 79.10 RCW.

 

Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

 

SB 5560             by Senators Ranker, Swecker, Brown, Hargrove, Pridemore, Marr, Kilmer, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Haugen, Eide, Hobbs, Kohl-Welles, Jarrett, Fraser, Jacobsen and Murray

 

AN ACT Relating to state agency climate leadership; amending RCW 43.19.565, 43.41.130, 43.19.675, 43.19.680, 43.41.170, and 39.35D.010; adding new sections to chapter 70.235 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 39.35C RCW; and creating a new section.

 

Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Introduction and First Reading report were referred to the committees as designated with the exception of Senate Bill No. 5515;, which was referred to the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care; Senate Bill No. 5516 which was referred to the Committee on Judiciary; and Senate Bill No. 5521 which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation.

 

MOTION

 

      On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the eighth order of business.

 

MOTION

 

      Senator Hobbs moved adoption of the following resolution:

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

8604

 

      By Senators Hobbs, Pridemore, Berkey, Haugen, Shin, Sheldon, Stevens, Delvin, Hatfield, Keiser, Rockefeller, Kastama, Kilmer, Carrell, McCaslin, Franklin, Parlette, Fairley, Regala, Kline, Fraser, Roach, Eide, Hewitt, Marr, Brandland, Kohl-Welles, Jarrett, Schoesler, Honeyford, Zarelli, Ranker, Brown, Murray, Tom, McDermott, Hargrove, McAuliffe, King, Morton, Jacobsen, Becker, Benton and Holmquist

      WHEREAS, More than eight thousand men and woman of the Washington National Guard continue to serve the country as guardians of American interests at home and abroad; and

      WHEREAS, These recognized leaders in state, regional, and national preparedness, who reside in every legislative district throughout Washington, volunteer their time and personal efforts to serve the needs of the people of Washington state; and

      WHEREAS, The Guard answered the state's call numerous times in response to firefighting and flood support efforts and to protect lives in both civil and natural emergencies and disasters – including the most recent winter storm recovery efforts throughout the state; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington Army and Air National Guard provided critical mission support in both personnel and equipment to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively, and Operation Noble Eagle here at home; and

      WHEREAS, The Guard continues to train and prepare for both natural disasters and threats to our national security; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington Military Department and the Washington National Guard have just inaugurated the Washington Youth Academy, a state federal supported program in which Washington joins more than thirty other states in providing high school completion opportunities to at-risk youth, preparing them for a successful and productive life; and

      WHEREAS, The Guard continues to actively participate in the state's counter-drug efforts by providing soldiers, airmen, and specialized equipment to over thirty-five local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; and

      WHEREAS, The Guard adds value to communities by opening its readiness centers for public use, food banks, and other community and youth activities. The Guard continues to build upon these readiness centers and armories throughout the state to enhance education, add to quality of life, and increase economic vitality;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate express its thanks and appreciation to the devoted families and dedicated employers of our Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen for their support, without whom the Guard's missions could not be successful; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the value and dedication of a strong Washington National Guard to the viability, economy, safety, security, and well-being of

this state, both through the outstanding performance of its state emergency and disaster relief mission, and through the continued benefit to local communities by the presence of productively employed, drug-free, well-equipped, and trained Guard units and the readiness centers and armories that house them; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to The Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor of the State of Washington, the Secretaries of the United States Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.

      Senator Hobbs spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

 

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

 

Senator Hewitt: “Thank you Mr. President. Well, General, I want to say this to you and I want to say it to all of you troops. You know I’ve said this to you many times but I’ve had a button since the day I’ve walked through the door down here. It’s been on my over coat, and it says, ‘If you enjoy freedom, thank a veteran.’ It’s because of the sacrifices people all over the world have given and will give us in the future that we have our freedom. I also have another plaque that I keep in my office, it’s in marble, it says ‘freedom is not free’ and we all know the sacrifices that everybody has to do to make sure that we still have the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country. So, thank all of you, past, present and future for keeping us safe. Thank you Mr. President.”

 

      Senators Shin, Swecker and Roach spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

 

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

 

Senator Franklin: “Thank you Mr. President. I rise too to really honor and these brave young men and women who serve. Also, for on a continual basis since coming to the legislature in 1991 has participated in the support but not only that ladies and gentlemen being wife of a military man I have also know the struggles and that they go through, the families that behind and what you really are doing out there in order to protect all of us. And to the General, Lowenberg, for your continuous service and to First Mike for all that you are doing in regards to keeping us informed, working with us and to have this on an ongoing basis to know that we have not forgotten you, that we are with you, continue to support you and God’s speed.”

 

      The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8604.

      The motion by Senator Hobbs carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

 

      The President welcomed and introduced the members of the National Guard who were seated in the Gallery.

 

      Sergeant at Arms escorted Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg and the Honorable Mike Gregoire from the senate chambers.

 

MOTION

 

      At 11:29 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

 

BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate

 

THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate