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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Even though the tragic mudslide at Oso did not happen directly in our district, it has impacted citizens throughout Snohomish County and beyond in unimaginable ways. My thoughts and prayers have continued to be with the people of Oso, Arlington and Darrington, and with the families, local citizens, and search-and-rescue teams. It has demonstrated that when the worst happens, the best comes out in our communities. It is why I am so glad that I chose to make the north Puget Sound region my home. I stand ready to help in any way needed.
How you can help
Because I am a state representative and a law enforcement officer with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, people have frequently asked me how they can help or get more information on progress being made at the slide zone. The best resources I have found are these two websites:
I would echo the comments made by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman for folks to be cautious against scam artists who try to take advantage of this tragedy. See their press release here. They have advised it is best to contact potential charities directly.
Session successes
In my last e-mail update to you on March 13, the final day of the 60-day legislative session, I discussed a number of accomplishments this year:
- We put more money into K-12 education to help our local schools;
- College tuition rates remain frozen for students;
- We prevented tax increases and provided a supplemental budget that addresses priority needs and lives within its means;
- A third 144-car ferry will be constructed, which will be very helpful to our local ferry runs, and many of the jobs to construct the new boat may be located within the 10th District; and
- The Legislature’s business was completed on time without the need for a special session.
I also had several personal successes with the following legislation that passed the House and Senate, and was signed by the governor:
- House Bill 2057 allows law enforcement officers to make arrests in misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases, even if they weren’t the officer who saw the alleged crime. I introduced this measure in response to a state Supreme Court ruling last year (State v. Ortega) that overturned the conviction of a man who was arrested on drug charges because the arresting officer was not the officer who witnessed the alleged crime. State law says it must actually be ‘the’ officer who witnessed a misdemeanor who must make the arrest. The new law changes that word to ‘an,’ so that a suspect can be arrested without a warrant when the misdemeanor is witnessed by ‘an’ officer, not just ‘the’ arresting officer. The new change in state statute will help our law enforcement officers do their jobs effectively. The end result will be greater public safety for our streets and neighborhoods. Read my news release on the bill signing.
- Senate Bill 6279 allows any district or municipal court judge in the county where an offense is alleged to have occurred to issue a search warrant that is valid anywhere in the state. Prior to this legislation, search warrants issued by these judges were restricted for use only within the judge’s local jurisdiction. I introduced the companion bill in the House, House Bill 2235. This measure provides an additional tool for law enforcement to capture suspected criminals.
- Senate Bill 6517 exempts the driver’s license or identicard numbers of a public agency employee or volunteer from public inspection and copying. This will protect public employees and volunteers from becoming victims of identity theft. I sponsored identical legislation in the House through House Bill 2376. Read my news release about this measure.
Election-year restrictions
Because of state-mandated election-year restrictions, this will be my final e-mail update to you until after Dec. 1. Initiative 134, passed by voters in 1991, places limits on what and when I can mail to you during an election year. However, the initiative permits me to respond to your direct requests for information. So I encourage you to write or call whenever you have a question or a comment about state government, legislation, or other topics. Please ensure that your correspondence clearly states that you would like a response from my office. This ensures I can respond to you and remain within the provisions of the ethics law. 
Your state representative year-round
I work for you throughout the year, not just when the Legislature is in session. So please stay in touch with me and my Legislative Assistant Tawnya Smith by calling or sending us an e-mail any time you have a question or need assistance with a state agency.
Here’s my office contact information:
467 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Phone: (360) 786-7914
E-mail: dave.hayes@leg.wa.gov
Website: www.representativedavehayes.com It is my greatest honor to serve and represent you. Also, please keep the folks in Oso, Arlington and Darrington in your prayers. They will need them as our communities begin to heal. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dave Hayes
