The state Senate has unanimously approved two bills introduced this year by 17^th District Sen. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver.

The Senate today passed Substitute Senate Bill 5370, which would give voters in seven Washington port districts the option of extending the terms of their port commissioners to six years, rather than the current four years.

Most port districts already have three commissioners serving six-year terms.

“If the voters agree, this would make port-commission terms uniform across the state. For these seven port districts, longer terms would promote the stability that can be especially useful for work on long-term projects,” said Harris.

Officials with the Washington Public Ports Association and Port of Camas-Washougal testified in support of SSB 5370 during its public hearing in the Senate Local Government Committee on Feb. 3.

The Senate yesterday unanimously approved Substitute Senate Bill 5316, which would modify the procedures and notification requirements for unclaimed property. The measure was requested by the state Department of Revenue.

“It’s nice that my first bill passed by the Senate will ultimately put more money back in consumers’ pockets. The title doesn’t tell the whole story — this bill is ultimately about protecting citizens from predatory behavior related to unclaimed property. The sooner it becomes law, the better,” said Harris.

During the public hearing on SSB 5316 in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, supporters pointed out it was unlawful for businesses to charge more than 5 percent of the value of the property before the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act was passed by the Legislature in 2022.

Since that provision was removed, county treasurers have seen a notable increase in these requests and predatory business practices, particularly aimed at senior citizens and the most vulnerable citizens. Some treasurers have observed unknowing citizens being charged over 30 percent for locating unclaimed property that owners can apply for themselves at no cost.

Both Senate Bill 5370 and SB 5316 now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.