Minimum wage increase, tax breaks among new laws

BY BRAD SHANNON/THE OLYMPIAN | THE OLYMPIAN • Published January 01, 2007

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Until this point, state jurisdictions never recognized their training. With this new law it will probably create a little better respect from law enforcement."

Tribal police agencies pushed for the law, led by Tulalip tribal police.

"This was a way to put a stamp of approval on the training their guys were already getting. Most of them were getting the training but they were not eligible to get the certification at the end of the day," said Don Pierce, executive director for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, who welcomes the change.

"It will allow a tribal officer go to another agency and already be certified," Pierce said. "And it allows agencies who engage in mutual aid to know they are giving the authority to someone who has had the same training their officers have had."

A new election calendar starts today. Engrossed Senate Bill 6236 shifts the state's primary election to August. The September primary moves to the third Tuesday of August and other dates move up on the calendar, too - including filing date for candidates, which now falls the first week of June instead of the final week of July.

ESB 6236 also requires earlier mailing of ballots to overseas voters, 30 days before an election.

Minor party and independent candidates must hold nominating conventions between the first and second Saturdays in May. And a fundraising freeze surrounding legislative sessions is lifted upon adjournment, instead of 30 days after session.

SHB 3164: Small businesses get a small tax break. This measure, which voters approved in November as a constitutional amendment, lets the head of a family deduct or exempt up to $15,000 value in personal property from taxation. Businesses would exempt office and business equipment from taxation.

Substitute HB 2394: This lets financial literacy activities be considered as part of a WorkFirst participant's individual responsibility plan for moving into a job and off public assistance. Advocates for those on welfare programs called it a good, small step. Financial literacy can include learning about credit and the pitfalls of so-called payday loans.