Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Clean Energy Tax Changes  |  HB1756

HB1756 provides that all qualified personal property used for generating renewable energy owned by eligible taxpayers will be exempt from Washington state property taxes.

The Washington State Senate passed HB1756 on April 19, 2023 by a vote of 33 to 15. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation creates more government interference in the free-market economy and advances the Marxist climate-change agenda while propping up certain people over others.

Gun Control  |  HB1240

HB1240 imposes strict regulations on assault weapons, defining them as specific types of firearms with particular features. These rules prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of assault weapons, except for specific exceptions like sales to law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, and out-of-state individuals. Inherited assault weapons can be kept under certain conditions. Violations of these regulations are considered gross misdemeanors under the Consumer Protection Act. The Attorney General can issue investigative demands for potential violations, and recipients can request extensions or modifications. The Attorney General is restricted from sharing investigation information with criminal law enforcement agencies unless a search warrant requires it.

The Washington State Senate passed HB1240 on April 18, 2023 by a vote of 28 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. HB1240 is a gross infringement on that right.

Automatic Voter Registration  |  SB5112

SB5112 automatically registers enhanced driver’s license or identicard applicants to vote.

The Washington State Senate passed SB5112 on April 14, 2023 by a vote of 33 to 13. We have assigned pluses to the nays because automatic voter registration may increase the risk of voter fraud and compromise the integrity of elections. Individuals should take the initiative to register to vote, as it is a civic responsibility, but automatic registration can lead to inaccuracies in voter rolls.

Free School Meals  |  HB1238

HB1238 mandates that all schools offer free breakfast and lunch to any student who asks for it, regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.

The Washington State Senate passed HB1238 on April 11, 2023 by a vote of 44 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the nays because taxpayers should not be funding meals for all public-school students. This bill increases government spending and expands the role of government. Providing free meals to all students, regardless of need, removes the personal responsibility of parents and guardians to provide for their children’s meals.

Odometer Readings  |  HB1736

HB1736 requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to request odometer readings when registering or renewing a motor vehicle.

The Washington State Senate passed HB1736 on April 10, 2023 by a vote of 28 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the nays because mandatory odometer readings constitute a form of warrantless search or surveillance and violates the Fourth Amendment. Requiring individuals to provide specific information about their vehicle, like the odometer reading, is a violation of this protection against unreasonable searches.

Climate Change Response  |  HB1170

HB1170 requires the Washington Department of Ecology to update its Climate Change Response Strategy by September 30, 2024, with a focus on preparing for, addressing, and adapting to climate change impacts. It mandates reporting, collaboration with other state agencies and stakeholders, and guidance on climate resilience actions. The updated strategy will be implemented by various state agencies, with no new regulatory authority, and will involve coordination for federal funding opportunities.

The Washington State Senate passed HB1170 on April 8, 2023 by a vote of 34 to 14. We have assigned pluses to the nays because investing taxpayer dollars in creating a climate change response strategy is a complete waste of money. States should not be buying into the climate-change agenda.

Gun Control  |  HB1240

HB1240 imposes strict regulations on assault weapons, defining them as specific types of firearms with particular features. These rules prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of assault weapons, except for specific exceptions like sales to law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, and out-of-state individuals. Inherited assault weapons can be kept under certain conditions. Violations of these regulations are considered gross misdemeanors under the Consumer Protection Act. The Attorney General can issue investigative demands for potential violations, and recipients can request extensions or modifications. The Attorney General is restricted from sharing investigation information with criminal law enforcement agencies unless a search warrant requires it.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB1240 on April 19, 2023 by a vote of 56 to 42. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. HB1240 is a gross infringement on that right.

Climate Change Response  |  HB1170

HB1170 requires the Washington Department of Ecology to update its Climate Change Response Strategy by September 30, 2024, with a focus on preparing for, addressing, and adapting to climate change impacts. It mandates reporting, collaboration with other state agencies and stakeholders, and guidance on climate resilience actions. The updated strategy will be implemented by various state agencies, with no new regulatory authority, and will involve coordination for federal funding opportunities.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB1170 on April 13, 2023 by a vote of 87 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the nays because investing taxpayer dollars in creating a climate change response strategy is a complete waste of money. States should not be buying into the climate-change agenda.

Peer Specialists  |  SB5555

SB5555 forces insurance carriers to offer access to certified peer specialist services meeting network standards. Additionally, this legislation creates standards for certification for Peer Specialists.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed SB5555 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 63 to 34. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this is an expansion of government regulation in the healthcare industry. Requiring insurance carriers to offer specific services is interference in the free market and individual choice.

Commercial Aviation Service Study  |  HB1791

HB1791 assigns the Commercial Aviation Work Group to evaluate Washington’s future commercial aviation needs, explores alternatives to boosting aviation capacity, investigates aviation facility expansion and site options, involves stakeholders, and addresses environmental and military concerns. It gives annual progress reports to the Governor and the Legislature’s Transportation Committees.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB1791 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 91 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this could lead to excessive government intervention in the aviation industry. With consideration of environmental concerns, it may be seen as prioritizing these factors over economic interests. It is hard not to correlate the United Nations’ goal for air travel within the framework of Agenda 2030 is to make it more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact. This includes efforts to decrease carbon emissions, promote energy-efficient aviation, and encourage responsible travel practices to align with broader sustainability and development goals.

Automatic Voter Registration  |  SB5112

SB5112 automatically registers enhanced driver’s license or identicard applicants to vote.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed SB5112 on April 7, 2023 by a vote of 57 to 40. We have assigned pluses to the nays because automatic voter registration may increase the risk of voter fraud and compromise the integrity of elections. Individuals should take the initiative to register to vote, as it is a civic responsibility, but automatic registration can lead to inaccuracies in voter rolls.

Clean Energy Tax Changes  |  HB1756

HB1756 provides that all qualified personal property used for generating renewable energy owned by eligible taxpayers will be exempt from Washington state property taxes.

The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB1756 on March 16, 2023 by a vote of 81 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation creates more government interference in the free-market economy and advances the Marxist climate-change agenda while propping up certain people over others.

Critical Race Theory in Higher Education  |  SB5227

SB5227 mandates “diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and antiracism” training and assessments for faculty, staff, and students at public institutions of higher education, with the purpose of “eliminating structural racism.”

The House passed SB5227 on April 9, 2021, by a vote of 67 to 31. We have assigned pluses to the nays because training, as well as curriculum, in higher education is the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–the faculty, staff, and students themselves, not the government. Educational freedom, as with all other constitutional rights, is protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

Right to ‘Miscarriage Management’  |  SB5140

SB5140, also known as the “Protecting Pregnant Patients Act,” prohibits health care entities from restricting a health care provider’s provision of services related to complications of pregnancy, including, but not limited to, “miscarriage management” and treatment of ectopic pregnancies. It also allows for a private cause of action against health care entities in violation of such requirements.

The Senate passed SB5140 on April 20, 2021, by a vote of 29 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is a Trojan horse for forcing health care providers to perform elective abortions. States should act to ban abortion and guarantee the right to life for all persons. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Universal Health Care Commission  |  SB5399

SB5399 establishes the Universal Health Care Commission to prepare Washington the creation of a state and federally-funded universal health care system.

The House passed SB5399 on April 7, 2021, by a vote of 57 to 40. We have assigned pluses to the nays because health care is not the legitimate object of government, nor should be under federal, state, or local jurisdiction in the United States. To compel American citizens to provide taxpayer money for a universal health care system would be to violate their fundamental rights protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

Prohibiting Constitutional Carry  |  SB5038

SB5038 prohibits the open carry of firearms or any weapons at public demonstrations and the state capitol, whether the person carries the weapon on their person or in a vehicle. This prohibition also applies within 250 feet of the perimeter of a permitted demonstration at a public place.

The Senate passed SB5038 on April 20, 2021, by a vote of 28 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Universal Health Care Commission  |  SB5399

SB5399 establishes the Universal Health Care Commission to prepare Washington for the creation of a state and federally-funded universal health care system.

The Senate passed SB5399 on April 19, 2021, by a vote of 28 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the nays because health care is not the legitimate object of government, nor should be under federal, state, or local jurisdiction in the United States. To compel American citizens to provide taxpayer money for a universal health care system would be to violate their fundamental rights protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

Prohibiting Constitutional Carry  |  SB5038

SB5038 prohibits the open carry of firearms or any weapons at public demonstrations and the state capitol, whether the person carries the weapon on their person or in a vehicle. This prohibition also applies within 250 feet of the perimeter of a permitted demonstration at a public place.

The House passed SB5038 on March 28, 2021, by a vote of 57 to 40. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed, as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Critical Race Theory in Higher Education  |  SB5227

SB5227 mandates “diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and antiracism” training and assessments for faculty, staff, and students at public institutions of higher education, with the purpose of “eliminating structural racism.”

The Senate passed SB5227 on April 19, 2021, by a vote of 32 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the nays because training, as well as curriculum, in higher education is the responsibility of–and a fundamental right of choice retained by–the faculty, staff, and students themselves, not the government. Educational freedom, as with all other constitutional rights, is protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

Right to ‘Miscarriage Management’  |  SB5140

SB5140, also known as the “Protecting Pregnant Patients Act,” prohibits health care entities from restricting a health care provider’s provision of services related to complications of pregnancy, including, but not limited to, “miscarriage management” and treatment of ectopic pregnancies. It also allows for a private cause of action against health care entities in violation of such requirements.

The House passed SB5140 on March 24, 2021, by a vote of 57 to 41. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is a Trojan horse for forcing health care providers to perform elective abortions. States should act to ban abortion and guarantee the right to life for all persons. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Federal COVID-19 Funds for Social Services  |  HB1368

HB1368 appropriates approximately $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 funding for Medicaid in K-12 public schools, COVID-19 vaccines, housing assistance, business grants, immigration, welfare, and food programs.

The Senate passed HB1368 on February 10, 2021, by a vote of 47 to 2. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this spending bill relies on a combination of unconstitutional federal funds, including from the federal Consolidated Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act and the Coronavirus Relief Fund under the federal CARES Act. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

Federal COVID-19 Funds for Social Services  |  HB1368

HB1368 appropriates approximately $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 funding for Medicaid in K-12 public schools, COVID-19 vaccines, housing assistance, business grants, immigration, welfare, and food programs.

The House passed HB1368 on February 1, 2021, by a vote of 61 to 36. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this spending bill relies on a combination of unconstitutional federal funds, including from the federal Consolidated Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act and the Coronavirus Relief Fund under the federal CARES Act. States should oppose the use of federal taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Article 1, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution.

Extending COVID-19 State of Emergency Orders  |  SCR8402

SCR8402 extends several of the COVID-19 State of Emergency orders issued by the Governor since February 29, 2020. It ensures that these emergency orders–which prohibit a number of activities and waive or suspend certain laws and regulations–remain in place until the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted or until rescinded by gubernatorial or legislative action.

The Senate passed SCR8402 on January 13, 2021, by a vote of 28 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the exercise of executive emergency powers ought to be strictly time-limited, not indefinite, and the abuse thereof checked against by periodic legislative oversight. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution guarantees each state a republican form of government, which requires a limitation and separation of powers.

Extending COVID-19 State of Emergency Orders  |  SCR8402

SCR8402 extends several of the COVID-19 State of Emergency orders issued by the Governor since February 29, 2020. It ensures that these emergency orders–which prohibit a number of activities and waive or suspend certain laws and regulations–remain in place until the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted or until rescinded by gubernatorial or legislative action.

The House passed SCR8402 on January 15, 2021, by a vote of 54 to 44. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the exercise of executive emergency powers ought to be strictly time-limited, not indefinite, and the abuse thereof checked against by periodic legislative oversight. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution guarantees each state a republican form of government, which requires a limitation and separation of powers.