Legislative Update

Griffey introduces bills on crime, transportation

The 2022 legislative session began Jan. 10, and state Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, has introduced bills to address crime and transportation in the state.

According to a news release, Griffey introduced five bills. House Bill 1656 would include concealment under the definition of theft in retail stores. House Bill 1292 would criminalize the act of knowingly providing pornographic and other harmful materials to a minor by anyone 18 or

older. If passed, a person who provides harmful material to a minor would be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and if the individual had previously been convicted of a felony sexual offense, it would be a class C felony.

House Bill 1558 would promote recovery and improve public safety with providing behavioral health system responses to people with substance use disorder and provide training to law enforcement.

House Bill 1655 would encourage the opening of safety rest areas for all drivers who need a place to stop when they are tired. House Bill 1657 would help reduce emissions and safety risks caused by inadequate commercial truck parking. The bill would increase the state’s truck parking through tax incentives.

“Each of these bills represents an issue I’m passionate about and I hope to see them on the governor’s desk very soon,” Griffey said in a news release. “We need to help retailers and consumers by putting a stop to organized retail crime. We need to protect our children from would-be sexual predators. We need to offer help to those who suffer from substance use disorder. And lastly, we need to do everything we can to help our truck drivers. We could not survive without the essential service they provide. I’m ready to work with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to see these bills move through the process and become law. I will be sharing more about each of these bills as they progress through the necessary steps.”

Griffey, Abbarno introduce legislation for rural fire stations

Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, and Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, introduced legislation that would provide a grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet fire safety needs.

According to a news release, House Bill 1929 would establish a grant program through the state Department of Commerce to award up to

$2 million to local governments in rural counties for capital project to improve services.

“It is essential right now to realize there are smaller rural fire departments throughout the state that provide essential services to those who live in rural areas,” Griffey said in a news release. “Their needs continue to outpace their ability to fund them. This legislation would make sure smaller departments are able to provide the necessary services to the communities and individuals they serve.”

Griffey and Abbarno are two sponsors and say a public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25 in the House Capital Budget Committee.

“As our local communities grow in population, it also puts more of a strain on local services, including our fire departments,” Abbarno said in a news release. “Fire departments across the state are still working out of very old, outdated stations. Other fire stations are feeling the pressure from economic development and growth. It is often difficult for rural communities to raise the necessary funds to improve fire infrastructure and keep pace with growth. This legislation would improve fire safety and absorb some of the fire safety costs to relieve the economic burden on working families and small businesses.”