OLYMPIA — State lawmakers are returning to the Capitol this week to discuss issues and try out ideas they may convert into legislation when the 2008 session begins in January.
The annual September rite known as “committee days” starts today and reunites lawmakers for a bit of work, socializing and even some fundraising for next year’s elections.
“This is like the preseason for us,” said Rep. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek. “We do use it to try out and test some ideas.”
Hearings in the Senate and House of Representatives will review progress in selecting a site for a new University of Washington branch campus, replacing the state’s aging Steel Electric-class ferries and installing concrete barriers in place of cable barriers along a stretch of I-5 near Marysville.
Also on tap this week are discussions on the effect of the mortgage and lending crisis on Washington, the removal of toxic substances from cosmetics and the need for improved tracking of the sale of items used to make methamphetamine.
Lawmakers in both chambers will delve into whether the state needs to toughen its laws for monitoring convicted sex offenders.
The murder of a Tacoma girl by a convicted sex offender prompted Republicans to ask Gov. Chris Gregoire to call a special session this week so lawmakers could enact new laws. Gregoire said no but may agree to support Republican proposals in January.
For Lovick, this may be his last such gathering. He and Tom Greene are competing this November for Snohomish County sheriff.
That makes one of his priorities this week attending a Thursday night fundraiser hosted by the campaign committees for the House and Senate Democrats. Lovick will be looking for support from his Democratic colleagues. Similarly Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, may be taking part in his last September trek to Olympia. He is running for a Snohomish County Council seat and is favored to defeat Republican William Cooper in the November race.
For information and agendas of hearings, go to www.leg.wa.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfieldheraldnet.com.
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