HB 3104 Bill Signing

March 12, 2008

Good Afternoon.

Thank you all for coming.

I�m delighted this bill passed the Legislature.

This bill strengthens Washington by strengthening families.

And it strengthens families by providing them with rights and responsibilities that they need to maintain stable, loving relationships for them and their children.

The Yakima Herald-Republic had it right when it editorialized Monday that this bill is all about fair play for Washingtonians.

This bill demonstrates once again that Washington is a state where we care about fairness for everybody, and we stand up for the rights of everybody. We always have -- and we always will.

Nearly 3,500 couples have registered as domestic partners since domestic partnerships were established in law last year.

These families come from every district and county in Washington.

But they face some serious inequities that strike at the heart of any family.

This bill addresses them.

This legislation expands the rights and obligations of state registered domestic partners so they can achieve financial security and equal treatment.

It also requires that domestic partners take on certain responsibilities required of married couples.

For example, community property laws will now apply to domestic partners. This means the partners� property is obligated to family expenses and education of the children.

If domestic partners should split up, any property acquired together will be split up fairly and if there are children, they will be better cared for as a result.

Another big inequity addressed by this bill involves guardianships and powers of attorney. Domestic partners will have the same rights as married couples.

I know of a case where one partner -- Mark Anderson -- suffers from multiple sclerosis.

As his disease progresses he finds comfort in knowing that his domestic partner, Lynn, will be able to have automatic control over not only their financial issues but also of his personal needs and health care.

Mark wants his committed partner to be unhampered in his ability to make medical choices and life decisions on his behalf.

Along with rights come responsibilities. Domestic partners in politics will be subject to the same Public Disclosure laws required of all married couples.

This means financial information and gifts received by an elected official�s domestic partner are subject to public disclosure, and domestic partners of elected officials may not be a member of the state commission on salaries.

State Representative Jamie Pedersen and his partner, Eric, are registered domestic partners. Unlike other elected officials, candidates for public office, and appointed officials, Representative Pedersen is not required to disclose to the Public Disclosure Commission any of Eric�s personal information.

Now Representative Pedersen will be responsible for reporting to the Public Disclosure Commission information regarding Eric�s income, debts, or board connections.

The same holds true for Senator Ed Murray, and his partner, Michael.

Another very important issue is how to dissolve a domestic partnership � divorce if you will.

Now, the rules will be clear, and among other things, the rules around child support, maintenance, and parenting-plan obligations will apply to domestic partners.

I know of one woman who spent more than $100,000 on attorneys� fees to dissolve a relationship -- largely because of the unsettled state of the law surrounding this issue.

While a divorce is never pleasant, it is even more difficult when there are no rules or laws to guide families through the process. That will change with this bill.

And finally, a word about property tax fairness. This bill will make sure domestic partners get the same treatment as married couples. That means for example that property assigned from one domestic partner to another is exempt from the real estate excise tax.

And domestic partners who qualify will be able to take advantage of property tax deferrals like any married couple.

A couple I know of -- Jane and Pete-ee -- have shared their lives together for nearly 40 years. Recently Pete-ee was diagnosed and went through treatment for breast cancer. It was a scary time for both of them.

The couple needs the financial relief from the property tax deferral to help them cope with another health-care crisis, should one come. Both will feel more secure knowing they won�t lose their home because they can�t afford to stay in it.

This bill is about protecting and helping Washington families. It simply gives non-traditional families the same rights as everybody else. It�s the right thing to do, and the Washington I know and love does the right thing.

Congratulations to all who had a hand in the passage of this bill. It makes for stronger families and a stronger Washington.