News
Senator calls for review panel after alleged rape 5/3/2012
OLYMPIA - The alleged rape of a high school student by a registered sex offender has a Washington State senator asking a sex offender review panel to closely examine the case for possible recommendations to the legislature.
"The Washington State Legislature takes the alleged rape of a 14 year old Prairie High School student by a 19 year old classmate and registered sex offender very seriously," said Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, chair of the Senate Human Services & Corrections committee. "I'm sure that protecting the public is the legislature’s top priority."
Legislature receives high marks for success of reform agenda 5/2/2012
OLYMPIA – At the beginning of the 2012 Legislative session, a goal of the Washington State Senate Democrats was to reshape the way Washington funds and delivers services. At the end of the session, the Legislature has passed a majority of the bills that move the state toward that goal.
Legislature passes bill improving efficiency for forest and hydraulic permitting 4/10/2012
OLYMPIA - Bipartisan legislation passed today by the Washington State Legislature will reform the relationship between the state's natural resources and the men and women carrying out projects and improvements that impact those resources throughout the state.
By improving the effective dates of certain regulatory permits and making adjustments to the State Environmental Policy Act, Senate Bill 6406 will make those permits and applications more user friendly for project managers and property owners, while at the same time ensuring strong standards for the protection of the state's natural resources, including fisheries.
Senate passes bill reforming community supervision 4/6/2012
OLYMPIA - Offenders who violate the terms of their community supervision will be dealt with swiftly and with tried and true methods under a bill passed today by the Washington State Senate on a 43-2 vote.
"When an offender violates the term of his or her conditional release today, sometimes they go weeks without suffering the consequences for their actions," said Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, the bill’s original sponsor. "This bill maintains community supervision and sets up swift and sure action by the Department of Corrections when the terms of that supervision are not met."
Coastal senators issue joint statement on partial veto of SB 6263 4/4/2012
OLYMPIA - Sens. Jim Hargrove and Brian Hatfield released the following statement today on the governor's decision to veto two sections of Senate Bill 6263, which would have created a statute for the existence of a Coastal Advisory Council:
"I was disappointed at the governor's decision to veto a section of Senate Bill 6263 which required the formation of the Washington State Coastal Solutions Council.
Bills signed to advance best practices, accountability in public assistance 3/30/2012
OLYMPIA - Five bills signed this week by Gov. Chris Gregoire expand the use of the best and proven practices in programs that assist the state's most vulnerable men, women and children.
"Over the last 20 years, our state has seen a drop in the juvenile crime rate and recidivism because we put an emphasis on early intervention and treatment, using programs that were proven to work. That has increased public safety and saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars," said Sen. Jim Hargrove, chair of the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. "By applying similar practices with measurable outcomes to child welfare, it is our hope that those programs will run more efficiently and, most importantly, that we can maintain the safety of children and keep families together."
Becca reform bill signed into law by governor 3/29/2012
OLYMPIA - A successful program designed to keep students in school and out of the costly adult corrections system will operate more efficiently under a bill signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Senate Bill 6494, sponsored by Sen. Jim Hargrove, reforms Washington's anti-truancy, or Becca, laws to save the state money while continuing to help troubled youths who may otherwise be on a path to a life of crime.
Hargrove honored by Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs 3/21/2012
OLYMPIA - Win an award once, you're a friend. Win twice, an ally. Win three times and you are a champion for the cause.
Sen. Jim Hargrove can claim that title after being named Legislator of the Year for the third time by the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. Hargrove will share the award, which recognizes the top lawmaker in the Senate and in the House, with Tacoma Rep. Jeannie Darneille.
Special session continues in Olympia 3/21/2012
OLYMPIA - The 2012 special session has begun, but most of the work is being done behind the scenes.
At noon on Monday, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen brought the gavel down to begin a pro forma session of the Washington State Senate. The brief meeting was attended by a handful of senators, but the light gathering was not for lack of interest but because it is unnecessary for all members to be in Olympia at this time and would cost thousands of dollars per day, as both parties wait on a budget compromise before returning to the Capitol.
Sen. Hargrove speaks against all-cuts supplemental budget proposal 3/3/2012
