Sam’s Law will expand the definition of hazing and create requirements for colleges to provide hazing education and training to students and employees. It also will require colleges to publicly report findings of misconduct by student groups.
Jolayne Houtz has been working to honor her son, Sam Martinez, since his death on Nov. 12, 2019.
Martinez died of alcohol poisoning after an event at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, during which Martinez’s family says he was hazed. Wednesday was a big day for Houtz.
“Oh, I have a lot of emotions today. I have been waiting for this moment, and I guess the first thing to say is this wouldn’t have happened without a whole army of people behind us supporting us,” Houtz said.
Bill drafted in response to the death of a WSU student moves to Gov. Inslee for final approval
LAKEWOOD, WA — The City of Lakewood has secured $3.7 million in capital funding from the state Legislature, which it says will go to support several quality of life improvements.
The bulk of the money, $3.2 million, will go to improve American Lake Park, Wards Lake Park, and Fort Steilacoom Park, the city said. Proposed improvements include additional public waterfront access, repairs to sport fields, the creation of new walking trails, even a new dog park. (Dog lovers: they have not yet said which park will get the dog park, sorry.)
A tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs was extended yesterday after Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1033 into law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), extends the Washington Customized Employment Training Program Business and Occupation tax credit to July 1, 2026. The program is used by businesses to increase job opportunities and expand employee skills by partnering with community and technical colleges.
OLYMPIA – A tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs was extended yesterday after Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1033 into law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), extends the Washington Customized Employment Training Program Business and Occupation tax credit to July 1, 2026. The program is used by businesses to increase job opportunities and expand employee skills by partnering with community and technical colleges.
Governor Jay Inslee signed into law expansion of programs to assist college students experiencing homelessness and those who were previously in foster care. HB 1166, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), builds upon existing pilot programs at community and technical colleges and four-year institutions. Those programs aid students with essential needs, including access to housing, laundry facilities, locker rooms, showers, technology, reduced-priced meals, and case management services.
The Washington state House of Representatives has passed a bill giving the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission expanded powers over rail operations in the state. HB 1418 (full text, available here) includes “oversight of new and materially changed railroad operations and infrastructure ..,” oversight of safety practices, and the ability to investigate and enforce state safety regulations “to the fullest extent allowed under federal law.” The bill passed the House by a 91-7 vote and now goes to the state Senate. “From the Amtrak derailment near DuPont in 2017 that took three lives and injured dozens more to the oil-train derailment near Custer in December and too many other derailments across our state, it’s clear that we need stronger rail safety,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) said in a press release. “This bill will help keep our railways safe and prevent future tragedies.”
On March 3, the state House passed a bill from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) to extend a tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs. The legislation, HB 1033, passed in a 97-0 vote with strong bipartisan support.
The bill would extend the Washington Customized Employment Training Program B&O tax credit to July 1, 2026. By partnering with community and technical colleges, businesses use this program to increase job opportunities and expand employees’ skills.
The state House voted 96-2 Thursday to pass a strong bipartisan bill from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) to create pathways from prison to postsecondary education for people who are incarcerated. By expanding access from prison to postsecondary and apprenticeship education, HB 1044 would invest in a workforce that wants to contribute to their communities, lower recidivism rates, improve public safety and save taxpayer dollars.
Sam’s Law will expand the definition of hazing and create requirements for colleges to provide hazing education and training to students and employees. It also will require colleges to publicly report findings of misconduct by student groups.
Jolayne Houtz has been working to honor her son, Sam Martinez, since his death on Nov. 12, 2019. Martinez died of alcohol poisoning after an event at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, during which Martinez’s family says he was hazed. Wednesday was a big day for Houtz. “Oh, I have a lot of emotions today. … READ MORE
Bill drafted in response to the death of a WSU student moves to Gov. Inslee for final approval
LAKEWOOD, WA — The City of Lakewood has secured $3.7 million in capital funding from the state Legislature, which it says will go to support several quality of life improvements. The bulk of the money, $3.2 million, will go to improve American Lake Park, Wards Lake Park, and Fort Steilacoom Park, the city said. Proposed … READ MORE
A tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs was extended yesterday after Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1033 into law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), extends the Washington Customized Employment Training Program Business and Occupation tax credit to July 1, 2026. The program is used by businesses … READ MORE
