GOP leaders: anti-camping bill delayed, college-grant fixes supported; call for NGO accountability

Republican caucus members told reporters that House Bill 2989, a measure that would restrict local enforcement of anti-camping ordinances, was delayed in the House Housing Committee so sponsors could refine the bill. "Lot of cities very concerned," a respondent said, noting questions about shelter capacity, implementation and potential lawsuits.

On higher education, lawmakers expressed philosophical support for proposals to restore funding to Washington College Bound and Washington College Grants for private universities. One respondent cited Heritage University in the Yakima valley as an example of a private nonprofit institution affected by prior cuts and urged that any restoration be accomplished without new taxes.

On accountability, Senator John Braun said a bill (cited in the event as Bill 6205) to increase reporting requirements for NGOs grew out of concerns about alleged fraud in programs such as mortgage assistance that emerged last summer; respondents said hearings will aim to improve transparency and accountability. April Connors said she had been working on related oversight proposals and referenced a bipartisan House bill (cited as House Bill 2153) intended to increase program accountability.

Reporters also asked about a House Joint Memorial to opt Washington into a federal $1,700 education tax credit; leaders said they support opting in and urged the governor to act, with one speaker citing a figure of about $700 million a year for education if the state opts in. They said discussions are ongoing and specifics remain to be worked out in the budget process.

Lawmakers repeatedly framed these items as subject to further committee work rather than final decisions at the media availability.