By Marcus Hochstetler
How many times have we heard the above maxim and never paid much attention to it? I suspect more than we like to admit. With new or recently re-elected politicians, change can be around the corner. While we set about preparing for the holidays and beyond, it is the New Year that will bring the most change in laws which affect everyone.
Each December, a collection of individuals gathers in small groups to talk about the way we live or work in Washington and ultimately creates small or large changes based on what they hear from their constituents. These individuals are the legislators who seek to bring about reforms or outright change. Over the course of the following months, bills will be introduced that affect all aspects of life in the state.
Even with the shorter 60-day session, the agendas will be full. The first pre-file date for the legislative bills in Olympia is December 3. Increased funding for the Justice in Jeopardy initiative will continue to support the court system in a meaningful way. This support will increase access to the justice system, which directly affects the patrons we serve.
For the attorney, even minor changes in a law can alter the course of current cases or generate the possibility of new ones. Following the twists and turns of the legislative session can be vital to future and current clients.
One can find the legislative bills on the state’s Web site, along with many of the committee reports and agendas. If you are looking for the print versions of past legislative sessions, just come to the Law Library. We have the session laws, legislative reports and final resolutions going back to the founding of the state in 1889. You also may contact us for help navigating Web sites that can enhance your search of current legislation.
More Computing Time: We have added 15 more hours of access to five public computers formerly located in the Legal Resource Training Center. Due to enhancements made to these computers, you will now have direct access to the floppy, CD and USB drives for working on documents. These computers are set for 120 minutes of use and are now located in the main section of the Seattle library.
Color Copies Now Available: Do you ever need a color copy of a graph to show to a client? We have now added a color copier as one of three located in the Seattle library. The cost is only 15 cents, or 34 cents cheaper than most commercial vendors. To find out more on how to utilize the special features of this copier, ask one of our staff to show you the simple steps.
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Marcus Hochstetler is the King County Law Librarian. Please direct comments or questions to him at 206-296-0940 or marcus.hochstetler@metrokc.gov.
