Data privacy, home grows and a push for COVID reopening

2021 Washington Legislature, Day 5 of 105

Everett Herald political reporter Jerry Cornfield: jcornfield@heraldnet.com | @dospueblos

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OLYMPIA, Jan. 15, 2021 — Republicans are seizing every opportunity this week to make clear they think it is past time for the Legislature to assert itself in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Remember, for months Republicans called for special sessions to weigh in on how Gov. Jay Inslee was leading the state with his myriad executive orders. Never happened.

On Wednesday, in the Senate, a vote on a resolution to extend indefinitely two dozen non-controversial emergency measures incited a robust debate.

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GOP senators first sought to tack on an amendment to let all restaurants start serving a few people indoors again. That failed. Then they tried to set an expiration date on the measures — none of which they opposed — that will be in effect until Inslee declares the public health emergency over. That failed too.

Republicans contend that by not setting an end date, the Legislature is abdicating its responsibility to guide the state in an emergency, now that it is in session. Democrats countered that lawmakers will assert themselves through policies and budgets passed this session.

Today, the House is expected to act on the same resolution. One should anticipate Republicans there will make similar arguments.

Sidebar

• On Thursday, a special Senate panel issued its bipartisan blueprint for economic recovery post-pandemic. You can read it here.

• Data privacy, a flashpoint of House-Senate conflict the past two sessions, is back on the docket. And Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, is again the driving force behind legislation to strengthen consumer rights regarding control of their personal information.

At a hearing Thursday, Carlyle called Senate Bill 5062, this year’s version, “the strongest legislation in the world” relative to a new California law and rules in Europe — two sources from which he’s grafted ideas.

Enforcement — a sticking point the past two sessions — is still an issue. Carlyle wants it left to the Attorney General’s Office. Opponents, like the ACLU, want a private right of action so that individuals can sue companies. The House held the same view the past two years.

But two of the staunchest defenders of that position — Democrat Zack Hudgins and Republican Norma Smith — are gone, which may open a clearer path to passage.

• Allowing adults to cultivate a little pot at home is on the agenda again.

House Bill 1019 would lift the state’s ban on home grows to let folks harvest a few marijuana plants. Renters would need a property owner’s permission. And home-growers could get cited if neighbors can easily see or smell the marijuana. A hearing on HB 1019 is set for today at 10 a.m. in the House Commerce and Gaming Committee.

On Deck

A Senate panel is expected Monday to advance a key piece of Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 response package.

Senate Bill 5061 would increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers, starting later this year. It also would rejigger rates used to calculate unemployment insurance taxes paid by employers to prevent their tax bills from soaring. Executive action is set for 9 a.m. in the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Tribal Affairs Committee.

ICYMI

Inslee delivered his inaugural address Wednesday. You can find the video here.

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Compiled by: House Democrats | House Republicans

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