Governor signs two of Shea’s ‘Freedom Agenda’ bills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2013
CONTACT: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer/Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257
Rep. Matt Shea – (360) 786-7984
Governor signs two of Shea’s ‘Freedom Agenda’ bills
Two bills introduced by Rep. Matt Shea that would place restrictions on taxpayer-funded lobbyists and allow stabilizing conversion kits on motorcycles were signed today by Gov. Jay Inslee.
House Bill 1093 would impose a personal liability in the form of a civil penalty of $100 per statement against a state agency director who knowingly fails to file lobbying disclosure statements. It would also establish a civil penalty against any state agency official, officer or state employee who is responsible for or knowingly directs or spends public funds in violation of lobbying restrictions. The penalty would be at least the equivalent to the amount of public funds spent in the violation.
“I have concerns that taxpayer dollars are used by state agencies to lobby for more tax dollars. Unfortunately, agencies are allowed to lobby. What becomes most egregious is when a state agency director attempts to skirt the public disclosure reporting rules and then uses taxpayer money to pay the fine. This legislation would impose personal penalties against such violations,” said Shea, R-Spokane Valley. “It says that if you’ve not followed the lobbyist disclosure rules and you are employed by the state, you can’t use taxpayer money to clear yourself. The fines must come out of your own pocket. Hopefully, this will become an incentive for agencies to publicly disclose the millions of dollars they spend on lobbying, enact accountability, and clean up what has become a widespread misuse of tax money.”
The measure becomes effective Jan. 1, 2014.
House Bill 1334 would allow stabilizing conversion kits to be placed on motorcycles and require the person using the kit to have a three-wheel motorcycle endorsement.
“This is an accessory that would allow veterans and others who are disabled the ability and freedom to enjoy motorcycle riding with the stability they need. These kits have been in production for more than 15 years and provide additional stability while enhancing safety for other riders,” noted Shea.
The bill becomes effective July 28.
The measures are among legislation Shea and other conservative House Republicans introduced during the 2013 session included in what they call, “The Freedom Agenda.”
“The Freedom Agenda is about establishing lower taxes and less government so that people can have more freedom to do what they want in their lives,” added Shea. “The bills signed today will increase limits on government and expand freedom for our citizens.”
# # #
For more information, visit our Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov.
PHOTO: Rep. Matt Shea watches as Gov. Jay Inslee signs House Bill 1093 and House Bill 1334. The measures, both prime-sponsored by Shea, would place restrictions on taxpayer-funded lobbyists and allow stabilizing conversion kits to be installed on motorcycles.
Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov
455 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600