Lawmakers test remote testimony
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Last week, lawmakers took a step toward embracing present-day technology and allowed remote video testimony in a legislative hearing.
Instead of traveling to Olympia, Jason Mercier, director of the Center for Government Reform at Washington Policy Center, testified before the Senate Law and Justice Committee using a video conference system in Spokane.
Mercier is pushing lawmakers to allow remote testimony so those living far from the capitol aren’t excluded from the legislative process.
Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, told the Spokesman-Review newspaper the committee was testing the system that could be used during the 2015 legislative system.
In 2015, lawmakers are expected to tackle a host of important issues, ranging from how to adequately fund the state’s public schools to changes in marijuana laws.