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Dear Friends,
During legislative sessions and frequently throughout non-election years, I am pleased to provide you with regular email updates of the progress we are making in the Legislature for lower taxes, less government and more freedom. However, in an election year such as this one, there are limits to what and when I can contact you. Due to these election-year restrictions, this will be my last Freedom Agenda 
e-newsletter to you until December.
The Freedom Report coming to your mailbox/inbox soon!
In a few days, my mailed newsletter, The Freedom Report, will be arriving in many mailboxes throughout the 4th Legislative District. I am allowed to send that report to you via email, so be looking for it soon in your inbox.
Spokane Valley district office open
Although the Legislature finished its business on March 29 after a 60-day regular session and a 20-day special session, I continue to work for you throughout the year. We have moved back into our district office in Spokane Valley. My legislative assistant, Will Rasavage, is happy to take your call. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about legislative or state issues. You’ll find my contact information at the bottom of this e-newsletter.
Freedom Agenda bills become law
The Freedom Agenda has become the most successful slate of conservative legislation in Washington in more than 20 years. We are changing the face of government in Olympia and proving that effective, principled, conservative leadership wins! The following are Freedom Agenda bills that passed the Legislature and were signed into law during the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions:
- Accountability for criminals under home detention: House Bill 1943 enacts strict new accountability on the state’s electronic home monitoring program for convicted criminals.
- ATV/ORV usage – House Bill 1817 provides liability immunity for local jurisdictions when wheeled all-terrain vehicles are operated on public roadways.
- ATV/ORV reciprocity – House Bill 1918 allows reciprocity regarding ATV/ORV licensing and use with Idaho.
- Ballot measure campaign promotion – House Bill 1858 bans county auditors and the secretary of state from putting their names on taxpayer-funded ballot envelopes when running for re-election.
- Child care facilities – House Bill 2511 removes a Department of Early Learning cost-prohibitive regulation on day care centers that was forcing them to separate five-and six-year-olds who attend school from those of the same age not yet enrolled in school.
- Woodstove Protection Act – House Bill 2785 allows the use and installation of uncertified woodstoves during an emergency.
- Short-barreled rifles – Senate Bill 6165 allows a person to manufacture, own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, assemble or repair short-barreled rifles.
- Legalizing industrial hemp – Senate Bill 6206 creates a limited opening of growing industrial hemp in Washington. I was the prime sponsor of House Bill 1552, which would have allowed for broader growth and production of industrial hemp, and would also have allowed growing to begin this year..
There is still plenty more work to do as we go forward to defend the U.S. Constitution, protect private property rights, preserve the ability of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms, fight for veterans’ rights and benefits, preserve the sanctity of life, and promote lower taxes, less government and more freedom!
Thank you for the great honor of allowing me to serve and represent you!
Sincerely,
Matt Shea