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Condotta introduces bills to
make schools safer
Schools would become “gang
free” zones and knives and other threatening weapons would remain
illegal at schools under two bills introduced this session by
Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee.
“Kids’ main focus at
school should on what they’re learning, not whether they’ll be safe from
gangs and weapons,” said Condotta. “The bills I’ve introduced will give
school administrators and safety officers additional tools they need to
make sure our schools are safe.”
Condotta’s first bill, HB 2543, would prohibit threatening gang activity
on or around school grounds. The second, HB 2544, would more
specifically define what dangerous weapons are illegal at school.
Condotta is also focusing
on several issues of local importance this year, including:
More flexible outdoor
burning. Many agricultural land-owners need to burn, but tighter
controls and a shrinking “legal to burn” list has squeezed their ability
to conduct business. Condotta has introduced a bill (HB 2545) to allow
burning under broader circumstances, including to prevent and control
pests and disease.
Maintaining water and land
rights. This year Condotta is working to slow public agencies’
unnecessary and costly purchases of private land. He is also examining
ways to protect private water rights by reining in agencies that impose
restrictive and unsound water policies.
New L&I rule. Beginning
Feb. 1, the Department of Labor and Industries will require agricultural
employers to test the blood of field workers who handle certain
pesticides for an enzyme critical to the function of the central nervous
system. Condotta is putting together a proposal that would require L&I
to: 1) cover costs associated with testing; and 2) use the results to
determine if further testing should be considered.
“The citizens of North
Central Washington face different issues than people in the Puget Sound
area or even Spokane,” Condotta said. “As their representative it’s my
job to protect their interests and address their unique challenges.”
In addition to local
issues, Condotta continues to focus on improving Washington’s business
climate, easing the state’s regulatory burden on employers, and keeping
taxes and spending under control.
Condotta is the assistant
ranking Republican on the House Commerce and Labor Committee. He also
serves on the Higher Education and Trace and Economic Development
committees.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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