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SR 8680

Honoring Linda Smith.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 11 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 8680 ceremonially honors Linda Smith for public service and anti-trafficking advocacy, elevating awareness and inspiring ongoing support.

Adopted.
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Bill Summary · SR 8680

Summary of Senate Resolution 8680 (SR 8680) – Honoring Linda Smith

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (ceremonial)
  • Bill Number: SR 8680
  • Title: Honoring Linda Smith
  • Status: Adopted
  • Introduced: February 23, 2024
  • Adoption: February 23, 2024
  • Sponsor/Authors: Senators Padden, Lovick, King, Short, Boehnke, Wagoner, Dozier, Warnick, Braun, and Torres

Purpose and Intent

SR 8680 recognizes and honors Linda Smith for her extensive public service at the state and federal levels, her advocacy for children and families, and her leadership against sex trafficking. The resolution highlights her career as a public official, her legislative and policy initiatives, and her post-governmental work to prevent trafficking and support survivors.

Background and Key Accomplishments Highlighted by the Resolution

The resolution provides a biographical overview and emphasizes notable achievements, including:
- Early life and career in Washington, including moving from Colorado to White Salmon and operating family tax preparation offices.
- Legislative service in Washington:
- Elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1983 (special election).
- Elected to the Washington State Senate in 1987, contributing to majority leadership and legislation focused on children, families, the elderly, and agriculture.
- Initiative campaign leadership:
- Proponent of Washington Initiative Measure No. 601 (I-601) in 1992–1993, which limited state expenditures by inflation and population growth.
- Proponent of Washington Initiative Measure No. 134 (I-134), addressing campaign finance contributions and expenditures.
- Successfully defended I-601 in court, raising funds to defend the measure and winning at the state Supreme Court after a lawsuit.
- United States Congress:
- Elected to the U.S. Congress in 1994 from Washington’s 3rd Congressional District (two terms).
- Leadership on issues such as campaign finance reform (e.g., “Clean Up Congress Act”), reducing special-interest influence, supporting a balanced budget amendment, reforming the Endangered Species Act, and focusing on small business taxation and deregulation.
- Noted for leadership on international human rights.
- Advocacy and nonprofit work on trafficking:
- Founded Shared Hope International to combat child sex trafficking, promote prevention, justice, and restoration for victims.
- Formed the War Against Trafficking Alliance (2001) to coordinate trafficking-counter efforts regionally and internationally.
- Published author on sex trafficking and ongoing advocacy for affected families and communities.

Provisions and Provisions Summary

  • The resolution states, in its operative language, that the Washington State Senate recognizes and honors Linda Smith’s contributions to state and federal government, her advocacy for children and families, and her work to uplift and restore individuals and families affected by sex trafficking.
  • As a ceremonial resolution, SR 8680 does not create new laws, authorize funding, or alter regulatory requirements. Its effect is commemorative, recognizing public service and encouraging ongoing awareness and appreciation.

Affected Parties

  • Linda Smith (the recognized individual)
  • Washington State Senate and broader public, including advocates and organizations focused on child protection, family welfare, and anti-trafficking efforts (e.g., Shared Hope International and related initiatives)

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 23, 2024
  • Adopted: February 23, 2024
  • Nature: Ceremonial recognition; no fiscal impact or policy change
  • Status: Adopted by the Senate

Potential Impact

  • Public recognition of Linda Smith’s service and advocacy may elevate awareness of issues related to children, families, and sex trafficking.
  • May inspire ongoing advocacy and support for trafficking-prevention initiatives and victims’ services, though it does not establish new programs or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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