The Legislative Process

How does the legislative process work in Washington State? What does the PGAC (Public & Government Affairs Committee do? This session provides an overview of how a bill becomes a law in the Washington State Legislature, what happens “behind the scenes,” and what the Public & Government Affairs Committee of Washington APCO/NENA is working on for the 2023 legislative session., Presented by Wendy Hill, PGAC. Class Location: Classroom G.

Wendy Hill is the Executive Director at Thurston 9-1-1 Communications. She has over 25 years of experience in public sector administration, and holds both a Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Wendy co-chairs the APCO/NENA Washington State chapter’s Public and Government Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Chaplains Association of Public Safety – Thurston County (CAPS-TC), and is the dispatch representative on the West Region EMS Council.

Karl Hatton is the Deputy Director of the Port Angeles Police Department and runs Pencom 9-1-1. His 30+ year career spans being a Public Safety Telecommunicator, CTO, Supervisor and Executive Director. Karl is a past President of the Washington State Chapter of APCO/NENA and serves on numerous committees and boards. He worked on the Telecommunicator certification effort for many years and will sit on the first Administrative Board to set standards and rules for certification.

Scott Sigmon has been a lobbyist in Olympia for over 40 years. Prior to starting Sigmon Public Affairs in 2008, he was the government affairs director/legislative coordinator for two large trade membership associations and a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company. Scott has a proven track record successfully lobbying and educating legislators, as well as guiding his clients through the legislative process each session.