With the legislative session in full swing and well over 1,000 new bills introduced in less than two weeks, it takes a lot to get a bill through the process. And we have two priority bills making great progress. This success is contingent on having great sponsors working the bills. We’d like to highlight two legislative champions:
Rep. Mike Chapman (D), 24th Legislative District – Rep. Chapman is our primary sponsor for HB 1906 to allow cruising permits for vessels up to 300’. Rep. Chapman has represented the 24th District for four terms and will be seeking the Senate seat in November. His district covers the North Olympic Peninsula — Clallam and Jefferson counties — as well as part of Grays Harbor County. He served as a local law enforcement officer, US Customs Inspector and Clallam County Commissioner. He is a great advocate for our issues.
Rep. Dan Bronoske (D), 28th Legislative District – Rep. Bronoske is our primary sponsor for HB 1919 which seeks to reduce the notification period for removing abandoned vessels from 90 to 45 days. Rep. Bronoski serves as the Deputy Speaker Pro Tem and helps run the action on the House Floor. He was born and raised in Pierce County and served six years with the Washington Army National Guard. He is also a 21-year firefighter and 22-year EMT. He is a great friend to the maritime industry.
