Law & Justice
Stopping fraud in state housing grant program
Dear Friends and Neighbors, There’s been plenty of news lately about the defrauding of government programs, specifically by some daycare owners in Minnesota. While that issue has received a lot of attention, it is not unique. Across the country, people commit fraud against all kinds of publicly funded programs, accessing...
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NEWSLETTER: A new year and still billions of dollars in the red
Watch my weekly legislative update to learn more about what’s happening this early in the 2026 Legislative Session. Elected sheriffs shouldn’t become partisan pawns WATCH the testimony by the Sheriff of Spokane County against SB 5974. Dear Friends and Neighbors, When voters elect a sheriff to lead...
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STATEMENT: Another Green Hill scandal a continuation of ‘systemic failure’
WATCH KING TV’S REPORT CENTRALIA — Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to reports that staff at Green Hill School in Chehalis recorded sexual acts with inmates in custody: “The reports coming out of Green Hill School are appalling. Instead of rehabilitating...
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NEWSLETTER: What got in the way of helping at-risk youth?
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Recently, The Seattle Times published an editorial that sheds light on why my bill (Senate Bill 5278) to address the dangerous overcrowding at Green Hill School failed to become law—even though it passed the Senate unanimously. I encourage you to read the piece, but I want...
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Braun: UW protests escalate into targeted harassment, criminal behavior
OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, issued the following statement today in response to escalating violence and harassment during protests at the University of Washington: “The events unfolding at the University of Washington have crossed every line of decency and legality. Last night, protesters threw human feces at attendees...
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House Democrats fumble justice-reform bill, leaving juvenile-justice facilities in crisis
OLYMPIA… On the final day for Senate bills to be considered by the House of Representatives, the majority Democrats in the House — including the Speaker of the House — fumbled a critical opportunity to alleviate dangerous overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities, leaving both residents and staff members in crisis....
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Senate Unanimously Passes Braun Bill to Improve Safety, Reduce Overcrowding in Juvenile Facilities
OLYMPIA – Legislation from Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, to address overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile-justice facilities and improve safety for both staff and inmates was passed by the Senate unanimously today. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 5278 responds to ongoing issues at institutions...
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Braun bills aim to reform Washington’s broken juvenile-justice system
OLYMPIA… Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, today introduced a package of reform legislation intended to address safety and operational concerns he and others have raised about state-run juvenile-rehabilitation facilities. The four bills stem from continuing problems with overcrowding, drug use, assaults and other criminal activity at Green Hill School...
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Infant fentanyl overdoses warrant felony charges, says Braun
CENTRALIA…Three infants in the Everett area overdosed on fentanyl over four days this week, including a 13-month-old who died. Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following reaction to these preventable tragedies. “It’s completely indefensible when an infant or child gets sick or dies because someone in the household...
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