Video meetings are affecting bills impacting Whitman County

OLYMPIA — Bills affecting Whitman County may move faster to the Legislature floor.

The county’s lobbyist Zak Kennedy gave a report to county commissioners on Monday.

“This is a really weird legislative session,” he said.

He told commissioners about further remote meetings effects on the virtual session, saying that more bills will be worked out on the floor of the statehouse rather than in committees.

“We’re probably going to be surprised at a lot on the floor,” Kennedy said.

He summed up a couple bills on their effect on Whitman County and other rural counties he represents.

“Whatever the compromise is, it’s still not good,” he said.

County commissioner Michael Largent asked about House Bill 1152, regarding the creation of multi-county public health districts.

“Most of the legislation we’re seeing now from a local county perspective, at best, we don’t need it,” said Kennedy.

He wrapped up saying he will be working closely with Washington State Association of Counties staff as they monitor the progress of bills.

“Everything takes so much longer this session,” Kennedy said.