Eddy’s crane safety bill approved by House

Crane safety leads package of community protection bills

March 7, 2007

OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the state House today will increase public safety in areas ranging from sex offender sentencing to helping consumers prevent identity theft.

Measures to prevent construction crane accidents and provide back-up for mental health workers were also a part of bipartisan effort to protect communities around the state.

Crane safety

A construction crane accident in November, killing one and damaging three buildings, received national attention and local scrutiny over why the collapse happened. New oversight, supported by operators, industry representatives and government agencies, will provide safety at current and future crane-assisted construction sites.

Rep. Deb Eddy (D-Kirkland) represents Bellevue, the city where the accident took place, and is prime-sponsor of HB 2171.

“We need to reduce the chance that these multi-ton, 200-feet plus cranes will fall into schools, offices, homes or shopping areas,” Eddy said. “This is an industry that is desperately in need of some oversight and regulation, for all our sakes.”

Marty Smith bill

When a mental health counselor responded to a crisis call in 2005, the person he was trying to help stabbed him to death. In response, legislation was drafted in his name, Marty Smith, to require visitations be done with back-up and means to call for help.

Rep. Tami Green (D-Lakewood) is the prime sponsor of HB 1456 and formerly a mental health professional.

“Mental health professionals shouldn’t be asked to risk injury or death when they are out dealing with a crisis,” Green said. “We need protections for them, so we can have the right people helping sick individuals before situations get out of hand.”

Other community protection bills passed

HB 1836 – Rep. Ericks (D-Bothell)

Ensuring sex offenders register after release from jail

HB 1008 – Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver)

Increasing protections for vulnerable adults

HB 1592 – Rep. Christopher Hurst (D-Enumclaw)

Allows sentencing board to adapt to tougher sex offender laws

HB 1755 – Rep. Chris Hurst (D-Enumclaw)

Allowing consumers to freeze their credit report

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Staff contact - Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.