Legislature

March 17, 2021

Hawkins: New revenue forecast proves state income tax and other new revenues not needed

News that state government can expect a very large increase in future revenue simply reinforces arguments by legislative Republicans that the state’s financial condition is solid and that a Democratic proposal to create a state income tax on capital gains is unnecessary, said 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins. The state...
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March 06, 2021

Hawkins votes “no” on state income tax proposal passed by Senate

The Senate today voted 25-24 to pass Senate Bill 5096, a proposal that seeks to create a state income tax on capital gains. Following the bill’s passage today, 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins, who voted against the proposal, issued this statement: “The Senate’s passage of a state income tax is...
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March 03, 2021

Senate unanimously passes Hawkins bill to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles

Sen. Brad Hawkins’ bill to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles has cleared a major hurdle. The Senate today voted 49-0 to approve Senate Bill 5000, which would establish an eight-year statewide pilot project for the reduction of sales tax on purchases of fuel-cell electric vehicles. “I’m pleased to see such strong support...
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March 02, 2021

Senate passes Hawkins’ bill to help tow-truck operators

A bipartisan bill that 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins introduced this year after a request by a tow-truck operator located in his district is now one major step closer to becoming law. The Senate today voted 47-1 to pass Senate Bill 5406, which would help tow-truck operators gain payment for...
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February 26, 2021

Senate unanimously approves Hawkins’ utility wildfire bill

Legislation introduced by 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement recommendations by the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force on ways to prevent wildfires was approved today 46-0 by the Senate. Senate Bill 5158 would direct state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland...
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February 22, 2021

Senate budget committee passes Hawkins-Wellman education bill

A bill prime-sponsored by 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins aimed at learning recovery due to impacts of the COVID pandemic, including a pilot project to help districts voluntarily reform their school calendars, was approved today by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. As amended and passed by the committee, Hawkins’...
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February 19, 2021

Republican education leader urges school districts to consider swapping this year’s spring and summer breaks due to COVID

It has been a difficult year for students, parents, and school officials. With a limited percentage of Washington school districts offering in-person instruction and very few districts, if any, back to their usual operations, 12th District state Sen. Brad Hawkins is urging districts to think differently about how to maximize...
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February 15, 2021

Ways and Means Committee passes Hawkins’ bill to implement utility-wildfire group’s recommendations

Another hurdle has been cleared for legislation sponsored by 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement recommendations by the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force on ways to prevent wildfires. Senate Bill 5158 was approved late today by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal now goes to...
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February 11, 2021

Transportation Committee passes Hawkins bill to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles

Sen. Brad Hawkins’ bill to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles has taken a step closer to a full Senate vote this session. The Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday unanimously approved Senate Bill 5000, which would establish an eight-year statewide pilot project for the reduction of sales tax on purchases of fuel-cell electric...
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