Legislative Highlights from Rep. Morris

— from Rep. Jeff Morris —

Biometric Privacy- HB 1493
One of biggest achievements this session has been the full passage of HB 1493, a first-of-its-kind law that protects privacy rights in an age where biometric information is used by many companies without the knowledge or consent of their consumers. This technology uses a person’s physical measurements, voice recognition, facial identification, and even the way you type on a keyboard or walk to identify you.

This can happen while you are browsing the internet, walking through a mall, or in almost any other situation imaginable. It is not appropriate that this information could be collected, used, and sold without informing the consumer.

Because much of this information can be collected without the consumer’s knowledge through existing devices like security cameras, touch tablets, and newer devices that hear or smell, keeping ownership of your own biometrics is important.

You can change your passwords all you want, but you cannot change your fingerprints or voice. HB 1493 requires companies collecting this information to tell you beforehand as well as store it securely should you give permission.

It also sets term limits on how long companies can hold your biometric information when you leave the relationship as a consumer. This was a bipartisan effort and I am happy to say that my collaboration with Republican Representatives Mark Harmsworth (Mill Creek) and Norma Smith (Oak Harbor) helped to pass this bill with broad support.

It is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

HB 1001 & 1064
I submitted HB 1001 before session started this year. This continues our effective, successful program for granting utilities like electric and gas providers space to run their lines through state-owned aquatic lands, such as Fildalgo Bay and the Nooksack River.

Before I designed the original bill in 2002, the Department of Natural Resources charged arbitrary fees for use of their aquatic land. I took action after a new fee would have ended up costing San Juan Islanders over $100 per year on their electricity bill alone for just the one new power line between Anacortes and Lopez, not counting all the other electric and telephone lines between the islands that could have cost hundreds per month.

That kind of unpredictable increase was just not acceptable. The program tied the fees to the Consumer Price Index to keep them reasonable and deposited the income into the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, which has gone on to fund enhanced environmental protection and recreation around the state.

This program is scheduled to end in July of this year. Due to the successes of the past 15 years, HB 1001 extends the program to 2030 while adjusting the language to keep the bill current. I am proud to say that this bill unanimously passed both the House and the Senate with the Governor signing it this past week.

HB 1064 was another piece of legislation designed to extend an existing, successful program. The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, known to many as the “Call Before You Dig” law, has had a long history of saving lives and money. Now, with a simple call to 811, contractors and consumers can have the location of underground gas, water, electric, and telecom lines marked.

This way they do not accidentally sever a telephone line or internet connection, or in more extreme cases, dig into an electrical line or gas pipe. The original program was supposed to expire this summer as well, and with the Governor’s signature, we can now preserve this free service permanently.

Special Session
While the regular session has ended, a special session was convened [Monday, Apr. 24}. Our budgets are not complete yet, and it will take a lot of work to pass a final operating and capital budget.

In order to get my vote, we need to fully fund our education system, as well as ensure our revenue package is equitable. I will be working hard over the coming weeks to bring the best possible solution forward, with an eye towards you, my constituents.

I am also still working on a complicated solar incentive program in SHB 1048 and also on a proposal to keep us competitive to get as much new 5G wireless investment as possible.

I am also still weighing in on the water issues that plague Skagit and Whatcom Counties. I am supporting the proposal that Rep. Derek Stanford has introduced addressing the Hirst court decision on water  –  HB 1918.

As of [Monday] the Senate is still refusing to meet with the House to negotiate a solution.