Statement from Representative Michelle Caldier on House Democrat majority repeatedly closing Republican debate against bill to gut Parents’ Bill of Rights

During Monday’s floor debate on a bill to dismantle the Parents’ Bill of Rights, majority Democrats in the House voted to halt House Republicans’ ability to debate the bill further in three separate instances.

Earlier this year, House Democrats voted to eliminate the 132-year-old rule established in 1893 to ensure free and open debate. The new rule reduced the super-majority two-thirds threshold previously required to end debate and advance legislation to a simple majority. Democrats used the new rule Monday for the first time to stop the Republican debate on amendments to Senate Bill 5181, and two more times before the bill passed on final passage, 57-38.

Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, issued this statement following the bill’s passage.

“Last year, Initiative 2081, the Parents’ Bill of Rights, passed out of the Senate unanimously. It passed out of the House with bipartisan support, 82 to 15. Many of the same Democrats who voted last year to support the initiative are now seeking to gut it under Senate Bill 5181.

“During today’s debate against the bill, my Republican colleagues offered amendments to remove access to pornography in the schools, stop transgender individuals from participating in girls’ sports, and ensure parents are notified immediately about medical care. Democrats voted against each of these amendments. When we offered an amendment to remove an emergency clause allowing this measure to go to the people’s vote, they enacted the new rule, effectively shutting down debate so that the minority voice could no longer be heard. After the first time, they voted twice again to silence the people’s voice on this issue.

“This is not how our legislative process was meant to be. Nearly half a million people supported the Parental Rights initiative. Republicans represent them and millions of other citizens across Washington state. This move today is an attempt to muzzle the voices of the people. It is simply wrong and completely against our system of democracy.”