Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Here we go, at last: Senate floor debate begins on Homeowner's Bill of Rights

After failing to take up SB 5895 (the 2009 version of the Homeowner's Bill of Rights) last night, the Senate is now finally considering the legislation, which made it to the floor a few minutes ago. Hurrah!

As I type, the Senate is debating a striking amendment that's been proposed by Republican Senator Janea Holmquist (R-13th District) - one of three striking amendments she's offered. All of her striking amendments would gut the warranty that is at the heart of SB 5895.

UPDATE, 12:27 PM: The Senate is voting on the first of Holmquist's amendments. The Republicans have requested a roll call vote.

UPDATE, 12:29 PM: Holmquist's amendment fails, 28-21. Apparently they're not going to consider her other strikers.

UPDATE, 12:35 PM: The Senate has just adopted Senator Honeyford's amendment to Senator Hargrove's striking amendment.

UPDATE, 12:36 PM: Senate has adopted Senator Hargrove's striker.

UPDATE, 12:38 PM: Senator Tom is now advocating final passage of the bill, noting that it's been before the Legislature for years, but has never received the support of both houses. "We looked at this very much in a comprehensive way," Tom said of this year's version.

UPDATE, 12:40 PM: Republican Senator Don Benton is now speaking scornfully against the bill. He just called it "a jobs killer" and "the most outrageous piece of legislation..." What nonsense. This bill would have just the opposite effect. It would give Washingtonian families the confidence that the law would be on their side if a serious defect was discovered with their home. Builders actually benefit from this legislation because the unscrupulous among them will be held accountable. Which means the industry's reputation will be strengthened.

UPDATE, 12:44 PM: Senator Fraser just spoke in favor, saying the Homeowner's Bill of Rights is needed consumer protection. Senator Carrell followed, speaking against, but not as harshly as Don Benton, who was quite animated in his denunciation of the bill, no doubt wanting to impress his friends at BIAW.

UPDATE, 12:47 PM: Senator Kohl-Welles, one of SB 5895's cosponsors, is now speaking in favor. "When people cannot have a guarantee of any construction done on their home, where's the fairness in that?" she asked.

"We need to deal with this."

UPDATE, 12:51 PM: Senators King and Schoesler (the latter the Republican floor leader) just spoke against. Senator Honeyford is now speaking against.

UPDATE, 12:54 PM: Now Val Stevens is speaking against. Gee, every single Republican seems to trying to do the BIAW proud by standing up and trotting out all the tired old talking points they've been using for years. The doom-and-gloom argument (if we pass this legislation, we'll kill the industry) has lost all credibility. Republicans say it's not a good time to pass the Homeowner's Bill of Rights. Well, it never is, so what's the difference?

UPDATE, 12:59 PM: Oh, how lovely... Senator Roach is regaling us with a story about her childhood... now she's complaining about the press vilifying the BIAW... yadda, yadda, yadda. Spare us, Senator Roach. The BIAW does more vilifying than any other group of people in this state. They've called Governor Chris Gregoire "a power hungry she wolf who would eat her own to get ahead". So who's really doing the vilification, Senator Roach?

UPDATE, 1:02 PM: Senator Tom is now defending the Homeowner's Bill of Rights - and responding to the Republican attacks. "I find it interesting that this bill is responsible for our economic woes," Tom said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "We haven't even voted on it yet." Nice rebuttal!

UPDATE, 1:07 PM: Senator Holmquist is speaking again... also, Senator Rosa Franklin is now presiding over the Senate. Apparently the Lieutenant Governor is taking a break - he's got a speaking engagement to get to.

UPDATE, 1:10 PM: Debate is over. The Senate is now voting on final passage.

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