Latest news with #WashingtonStateLegislature
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ferguson signs animal cruelty bill
May 14—OLYMPIA — In a step toward enhancing animal welfare, the Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1149, an act aimed at the prevention of cruelty to animals. The bill received overwhelming support, with a vote of 96-0 in the House and 47-1 in the Senate, before being concurred by the House at 85-11. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Monday. "We will always be in favor and supportive of legislation that ends the suffering of animals and holds people accountable when they do cause unnecessary means of suffering to an animal," Grant County Animal Outreach President Sara Thompson Tweedy said. "We're always going to be in favor of legislation that enables law enforcement to do their job effectively and efficiently to end that suffering." The bill was sponsored by a bipartisan group of representatives, including David Hackney, D-Renton; Sam Low, R-Everett; Alex Ramel, D-San Juan Island; Mari Leavitt, D-University Place; Edwin Obras, D-Renton; Joe Timmons, D-Bellingham; Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds; Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver; Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle; Shelley Kloba, D-Kirkland; Darya Farivar, D-Northgate; April Berg, D-Snohomish; Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane; Mary Fosse, D-Everett; Natasha Hill, D-Spokane; and Amy Walen, D-Redmond. HB 1149 expands the definitions and penalties associated with animal cruelty and animal fighting within the state. Under the new provisions, the crimes of animal cruelty and animal fighting have been substantially broadened. For instance, the definition of animal fighting now encompasses those who "aid or abet in the commission of the offense," elevating the seriousness of such activities. Previously classified as an unranked class C felony, animal fighting involving intentional mutilation will now be classified as a class C felony with a seriousness level of IV. "The passage of Engrossed Substitute Bill 1149 allows deputies and animal control officers to provide food and water to an animal during the period officers have to wait before impounding an abused or neglected animal. In the past, that waiting period was 36 hours," Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. "The waiting period is now 24 hours." The bill modifies enforcement restrictions, granting animal control officers and law enforcement the authority to enter premises and seize animals without a warrant when they believe an animal's health or life is in imminent danger. "In the past, it has been an issue where animals are being neglected or abused, there have been situations where we've been concerned about the welfare of an animal, and GCAO has been contacted about that, and our hands are tied," Thompson Tweedy said. "We certainly are dependent upon law enforcement to go and get those animals to safety, and it looks like this bill makes it easier for law enforcement to do that." Additionally, Section 4 of the bill reinforces that a person convicted of animal fighting is permanently prohibited from owning, caring for, or possessing any animal: "Any person convicted of Animal Fighting is permanently prohibited from owning, caring for, possessing, or residing with any animal." Recently, the Moses Lake Police Department's Street Crimes Unit and Tactical Response Team executed a warrant for 10032 Road N.4 NE near Moses Lake. During the execution of the search warrant, SCU detectives seized a cache of evidence that included six firearms, seven ounces of heroin, two ounces of methamphetamine and $30,000 in cash. In addition, authorities documented 71 modified fighting roosters housed on the property, with estimates suggesting the total number of birds could exceed 400, according to MLPD Cpt. Jeff Sursely, the department's public information officer. Six people were arrested in regard to this case. According to Sursely, the nature of the evidence found during the search was unmistakable. "We discovered an arena built into one of the sheds, complete with a gambling board," he said. "This was not a small operation; it covered a large portion of the property and indicated a significant scale of animal fighting activities." This marked the first time that MLPD had dealt with illegal animal fighting of this magnitude, Sursely had said. However, Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman at the Grant County Sheriff's Office said this is not an uncommon crime in Grant County. "Daily reports of animal neglect keep our two animal control deputies busy," Foreman said. However, the department sees fewer cases of animal fighting because it is a crime that is organized, driven by gambling and well-hidden. Foreman said that because of that secrecy, animal fighting cases happen less often, perhaps once a year. "The passage of House Bill 1149 will give animal control officers and deputies broader capabilities when investigating animal neglect and animal fighting," Foreman said. "It also adds the requirement that anyone convicted of animal fighting is permanently prohibited from owning, caring for, possessing, or residing with any animal. If a person who is convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting violates that law, their first violation is a misdemeanor, the second violation is a gross misdemeanor, and the third and subsequent violation is a class C felony." In addressing animal cruelty, the bill expands the criteria under which an individual can be charged. Now, the crime of animal cruelty in the second degree includes situations where a person "willfully instigates, engages in, or in any way furthers any act of animal cruelty." The legislation explicitly reinforces that necessary care for animals includes not just food and water but also essential shelter and medical attention. "I think when there are consequences, that does help, in the sense of people who have a tendency to do these things and then go right back out and get another animal," Thompson Tweedy said. "They might think twice about it now." Thompson Tweedy said GCAO frequently gets animals into the shelter that have been neglected; however, she is hopeful that by legally clarifying the exact care an animal needs, there will be fewer neglected animals — or at least fewer repeat offenders. The bill also introduces clearer definitions regarding the necessary care of animals. It defines "necessary food," "necessary water," "necessary shelter," and other standards to ensure animals receive adequate protection and care while establishing parameters that will not interfere with lawful animal husbandry practices or accepted veterinary medical procedures. "I feel like ... the greater community wants animals to be better taken care of and wants to see people held responsible and accountable to a standard of care that animals should be provided," Thompson Tweedy said. "At GCAO, I feel like we've had more people stepping up to understand some of the issues that we face. If someone doesn't understand that, then I invite them to come out to the shelter to see what we're up against."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA wildlife crop damage law signed
May 7—OLYMPIA — In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties. The bill, now signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect July 27, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senators Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake; Shelly Short, R-Addy; Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles; Perry Dozier, R-Walla Walla, and Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, allocates a minimum of 20% of available funds specifically for claims arising from frontier one counties — areas with a population density of 20 people or fewer per square mile. As of 2024, Adams County was considered a frontier one county. "We all appreciate the rich wildlife in our state, but we also must protect our farmers, who face real challenges from these animals," said Warnick. "Deer and elk can cause extensive damage to crops, which affects not just the farmers' livelihoods but also the agricultural economy at large in these frontier areas." The bill outlines that, to be eligible for compensation, commercial crop owners must have grown or produced agricultural products valued at over $10,000 in the previous year or be in their first year of agricultural production. They must also demonstrate efforts to prevent wildlife damage. Compensation for claims will only be issued if the assessed damage equals or exceeds $1,000, according to guidelines set by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The passage of the bill marks a step in addressing the unique challenges faced by farmers in Washington's rural regions, Warnick said. The law emphasizes the need for a valid damage prevention cooperative agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It also sets a requirement for a licensed crop insurance adjuster to assess damages incurred. "The overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our farmers," Warnick said. "It passed with 48 to zero votes in the Senate and received 96 votes in favor in the House. This shows a clear consensus on the importance of providing financial support to those who are genuinely affected by wildlife interactions." As of 2024, the designated frontier one counties include Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, Lincoln, Adams, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, Skamania, Jefferson and Wahkiakum. These counties have been significantly impacted by wildlife damage, especially in terms of agricultural output. According to Warnick, farmers in these areas, including her own district, have expressed challenges with deer and elk damaging crops, thereby incentivizing the need for legislative action. "We recognize that some farmers may find it difficult to navigate the application process for compensation; we're working to assist them in proving the damage. I hope this bill simplifies that process," she said. "Photos and documentation will play a vital role in ensuring claims are processed efficiently." Moreover, while SB 5165 focuses on frontier one counties, there is discussion about eventually expanding the benefits to frontier two counties, those with populations ranging from 21 to 50 people per square mile. As of 2024, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Chelan, Kittitas, Douglas, Grant, Walla Walla, Whitman and Asotin counties were designated frontier two counties. Such an extension, as Warnick noted, would depend significantly on future funding availability. "The vision is to eventually include those frontier two counties, too, ensuring all farmers impacted by wildlife have similar protections," she said. "But for now, we're addressing the urgent needs of our frontier one farmers effectively."
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man hit with huge ‘nonsense' fine after holding sign that sent simple warning to other drivers
A man who thought he was doing everyone a favor ended up being fined for his actions. Most drivers try and help each other out, a perfect example being flagging someone down to tell them their car taillight is out. And this is the kind of thing that Daniel Gehlke did back in 2015, but he ended up being slapped with a $138 penalty instead. All those years ago, Daniel, from Seattle, Washington, spotted a speed trap up ahead and took it upon himself to make a homemade sign. The sign read: "Cops ahead! Stop at sign and light!" Daniel was simply doing his fellow drivers a solid, right? Well, a police officer came up to him on the day in question and told him that his sign was giving orders to others, noting the 'stop at sign and light' part of his sign. He went on to scribble out that part of it and continued to hold it up. In video footage taken at the time, a cop who introduced himself as Officer Elliott said that the sign was 'against the law' and asked to see Daniel's ID. After the officer filled out copious amounts of paperwork, he went on to tell Daniel that he was citied for 'Forbidden Device'. As per Washington State Legislature: "It is unlawful to erect or maintain at or near a city street, county road, or state highway any structure, sign, or device: Visible from a city street, county road, or state highway and simulating any directional, warning, or danger sign or light likely to be mistaken for such a sign or bearing any such words as 'danger', 'stop', 'slow', 'turn', or similar words, figures, or directions likely to be construed as giving warning to traffic." As a result of this, Daniel was ordered to pay $138. However, he didn't take the penalty lying down and took the matter to court. Defending their decision to fine him, Sgt. Sean Whitcomb, a spokesman for the Seattle Police Department said, as per KOMO News: "The specific issue is that he was giving instructions to motorists through the words that he chose, like 'slow down' or 'caution'. That's exactly the issue. It's the words that give people orders referring traffic." Speaking to the news outlet after getting the fine, Daniel argued: "I am a believer that the Constitution, the Bill of Rights are there specifically so they can't be modified or restricted. This clearly is not a stop sign." Instead of the language being used on the sign, he believed that he was being targeted because of his intentions of trying to help others swerve a speeding ticket. Ultimately, the case against Daniel was thrown out and he didn't have to pay the $138 fine.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced for home burglaries targeting Asian families
A man from Seattle—who prosecutors said terrorized Seattle's Asian community with home invasion robberies—was sentenced last Friday. Prosecutors explained that 28-year-old Demarcus Pate was part of a group that targeted the Asian community, particularly the elderly, during the summer of 2023. In some cases, they followed their victims home. In other cases, they approached victims getting out of their cars in their driveways. Pate was charged with a hate crime and confessed. 'This individual pled guilty to not only unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of burglary, but also a hate crime for the intentional targeting of Asian households,' Douglas Wagoner with the King County Prosecutor's Office said. The crime spree happened in the summer of 2023, a particularly troubling year for hate crimes involving the Asian community. They were fearful for their safety and had to take extra steps to protect themselves. 'We saw 114 anti-Asian hate crimes charged by our office, and that was the most of any year we have on record,' Wagoner said. Pate eventually pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison. Prosecutors said that when community safety has been violated, and there is evidence of a crime, charges will follow. 'Home invasions, cases that involve burglary, property crimes, or hate crimes, you're going to see King County prosecutors bring those cases to the courtroom and seek justice,' Wagoner said. There are additional cases against other suspects in this case that are ongoing. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion is working to bring greater accountability for hate crimes this legislative session with HB 1052, which was approved by the Washington State Legislature and is on Gov. Bob Ferguson's desk pending signature. This legislation would allow prosecutors statewide to charge hate crimes motivated 'in whole or in part' because of the defendant's perception of the victim's 'race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability. "When there is evidence to show that people were victimized by a hate crime – in whole or in part because of a defendant's bias – those perpetrators must be held accountable. Prosecutors need this legal fix to ensure that happens,' King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. 'I appreciate the leadership of Rep. Cindy Ryu and Sen. Manka Dhingra to hold people accountable when they act out from a place of hate.' From 2018-April 20, 2025, the KCPAO charged 53 anti-Asian hate crimes after referrals from police investigators. The years with the specific number of anti-Asian hate crimes: 2018: 4 2019: 2 2020: 7 2021: 13 2022: 8 2023: 14 2024: 5
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fast Ferry cuts loom as Washington faces budget crisis
The Brief Some commuters in Kitsap County and Vashon Island could see their fast ferry or water taxi routes to Seattle be cut in the near future. Washington lawmakers are proposing limiting fast ferry weekday roundtrips to and from Seattle as they work to budget around a mutli-billion dollar shortfall. BREMERTON, Wash. - Commuters in Kitsap County and on Vashon Island may soon see limitations on a popular transportation option, as budget constraints threaten to sink funding for several fast ferry and water taxi sailings. With Olympia facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, state lawmakers are opting to no longer fund multiple weekday roundtrips to and from Seattle. "We need our ferries. We only have this one final ferry," said Deb, a Bremerton resident. "We cannot afford to lose our fast ferries." What we know Currently, the plan is to slash seven weekday roundtrips to Bremerton on the fast ferry and four to Vashon Island on the water taxi. "People who don't live in Seattle and need the ferries to commute to Seattle aren't going to get there as reliably," said Brad Hogan, a Bremerton commuter who takes the fast ferry to work at least five days a week. "It's just going to destroy everybody's free time because they have to catch even earlier ferries and take even later ones." Hogan, a Navy veteran, believes ferry service to his peninsula home should be expanded, not reduced. "I've always been impressed with their operational tempo. The way they can just get 100 people across, unload and load them back up in less than five minutes," he said. "Those guys don't fall behind, like almost ever." In the Washington State Senate's 2023-2025 budget, legislators allotted millions of dollars to increase water taxi and fast ferry services. However, these funds were omitted from the newly drafted budget for 2025-2027. A spokesperson explained that the previous allocations were only meant as a stopgap until more state ferry boats could return to service. Governor Bob Ferguson recently announced that Washington would delay hybrid-electrification of its ferry fleet to keep more boats operational—a move that may address some service gaps. The Source Information in this story is from the Washington State Legislature and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews. Docs: Man accused of killing WA grandmother 'meticulously planned' murder Boeing 737 reportedly rejected overseas, FOX 13 finds matching jet in Seattle Seattle high school student shot, killed in Yakima on Easter Sunday Seattle Kraken fire head coach Dan Bylsma after one season New structure for 2025 THING Festival in Carnation, WA How to celebrate Earth Day 2025 in Seattle To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
