Bills on forest health, child care pass

The Washington state House passed multiple bills during a virtual legislative debate Thursday, including a bill to improve the state’s forest health and wildfire preparedness efforts.

House Bill 1168, which passed in a 97-0 vote, would allocate $500 million over the next four biennia to help finance “forest health and wildfire response activities,” according to the bill’s text.

Under HB 1168, the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration and Community Resilience Account would be established to reserve funds for wildfire preparedness, prevention and protection efforts, according to the bill’s text.

The Senate passed HB 1168 on March 9 in a 96-0 vote. The bill will head to the governor’s desk.

Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland, is HB 1168’s primary sponsor. Springer said during the debate the bill lays out “a bold 20-year plan” that would improve the state’s ability to suppress and attack wildfires, among other things.

“It is a bold move that is long past due given the history of wildfires in the state,” Springer said.

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is one of HB 1168’s co-sponsors. Dent said during the debate although the bill is not perfect, he is glad that it is moving forward.

“It looks like we’re going to get the governor’s signature on it,” Dent said. “Hopefully we can look forward to a future with healthier forests and hopefully less catastrophic wildfires.”

Another bill the House passed, in a 65-32 vote, is Senate Bill 5237. The bill would establish the Fair Start for Kids Account for “child care and early learning purposes,” according to the bill’s text.

Under SB 5237, eligibility would be expanded for the Working Connections Child Care Program, as well as the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, according to the bill’s text.

The Senate passed SB 5237 on March 6 in a 28-21 vote. The bill will head to the governor’s desk.

Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, said during the debate SB 5237, also known as the Fair Start for Kids Act, will ensure all children in the state get a fair start in life and beyond.

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said during the debate although SB 5237 presents a lot of benefits, he still has some concerns regarding the cost and efficiency of the program that would stem from the bill.

“I am very concerned with the almost million dollars a year price tag on it,” Dent said. “Our families (and) our parents can take care of their children. They should have some say in this.”

During the afternoon session, the House also passed these bills:

• HB 1410 (97-0): Removes penalties on delinquent property taxes temporarily. Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, is one of the bill’s co-sponsors. The bill will head to the governor’s desk.

• HB 1120 (81-16): Makes changes to background check requirements for employees who work in long-term care services, among other things. The bill will head to the governor’s desk.

• SB 5321 (60-37): Removes the requirement that a student must sign a pledge before becoming eligible for the College Bound Scholarship. The bill will head to the governor’s desk.

April 25 is the last day for this year’s state legislative session.