Hawkins Discusses Sex Ed Bill and Apple License Plate in Weekly Chat with KPQ

The Sex Education bill that passed the Senate recently was opposed by 12th District Senator Brad Hawkins who was concerned, not only with the top down approach of the bill, but also what will be taught.

"What constitutes comprehensive in the terms of inclusivity and all those things? The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction would be the final determiner of what meets that standard and what doesn't. You can only imagine in our state what the State of Washington would determine to be inclusive and comprehensive."

An amendment proposed by Hawkins that would allow an opt-out by parents was part of the package.

Hawkins' bill to create an apple license plate benefiting the Washington Apple Education Foundation was heard by a Senate Committee this week.

Hawkins says it's so much more than a license plate.

"The importance to the apple industry with the rollout of the cosmic crisp, our ongoing trade challenges with China and the 25 year anniversary of the Washington Apple Education Foundation. It's a great opportunity to promote agriculture and that's what I'm trying to do throughout the process."

Hawkins says he hopes to get the bill voted out of committee soon and into a full Senate vote.

Hear our full conversation with 12th District Senator Brad Hawkins: