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Van De Wege bills to prevent wildfires signed into law

Van De Wege bills to prevent wildfires signed into law

OLYMPIA — Two bills signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee will make it harder for wildfires to spread by removing common fuels known to feed the fires. SB 6121 and SB 6120, both sponsored by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Lake Sutherland), focus on the elimination of dead ...

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Van De Wege bills boost rural hospitals and jobs, emergency response

Van De Wege bills boost rural hospitals and jobs, emergency response

OLYMPIA — A series of bills recently signed into law will sustain access to health care at rural hospitals, shield emergency dispatchers from potential distractions, assist small farmers who suffer crop damages, and create a memorial for fallen firefighters. All the bills were sponsored by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sutherland) ...

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Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to identify biggest wildfire risks

Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to identify biggest wildfire risks

OLYMPIA — Legislation on its way to the governor will require the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to produce maps identifying the areas of Washington state that face the greatest risk of wildfires and would most likely benefit from the use of fire-resistant materials in new homes. “There are all ...

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Van De Wege bill updates payments for elk and deer crop damage

Van De Wege bill updates payments for elk and deer crop damage

OLYMPIA — Legislation headed for the governor’s signature will update state guidelines for mitigating crop damage caused by deer and elk, prioritizing relief for smaller farms. SB 5784, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Lake Sutherland), raises the limits on damage claims and prioritizes their payout according to the ...

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Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to help eliminate wildfire fuels

Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to help eliminate wildfire fuels

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed today by the House will reduce the scope of wildfires by promoting the use of new technology to remove dead timber and other ground materials that help the fires spread. Having already passed the Senate, SB 6121 now goes to the governor to be signed ...

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Legislature passes bill to reduce distractions for emergency dispatchers

Legislature passes bill to reduce distractions for emergency dispatchers

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed late Thursday by the House will remove potential distractions for dispatchers who work with first responders to provide fast and effective assistance to people in times of emergency. “When there’s an emergency, dispatchers need to quickly identify the caller’s location and needs so they can direct ...

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Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to improve wildfire protections

Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to improve wildfire protections

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed late Thursday by the House would require the state Department of Natural Resources to produce maps identifying the areas of Washington state that face the greatest risk of wildfires and would most likely benefit from the use of fire-resistant materials in new homes. “Wildfires are expensive, ...

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Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to fortify rural health care

Legislature passes Van De Wege bill to fortify rural health care

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed unanimously today by the House will maintain levels of medical care in rural areas by allowing hospitals to hire highly trained, volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide certain medical care. Having already passed unanimously in the Senate, SB 5940 now goes to Gov. Jay ...

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Legislature votes to create memorial to honor fallen firefighters

Legislature votes to create memorial to honor fallen firefighters

OLYMPIA — Legislation to erect a memorial to firefighters who die in the line of duty was passed unanimously today by the Senate. Sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Lake Sutherland), the bill passed in the form of House companion legislation (HB 2091) and now goes ...

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Van De Wege bill to reinforce rural health care awaits House approval

Van De Wege bill to reinforce rural health care awaits House approval

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed Friday by the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness would maintain access to medical care in rural areas by broadening the types of service that may be performed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) with advanced certification. Having already passed unanimously in the Senate, SB ...

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