Lyset Cadena

One-third of the 2023 session complete. Committees busy voting on bills; upcoming deadline Feb 17. Legislative activity includes housing, environmental, and fiscal matters.

Legislative session’s fourth week saw progress on affordable housing bills. Vehicle pursuit proposals discussed; lawsuit challenges transportation package’s constitutionality. Policy cutoff nears, fiscal hearings begin.

Week three focused on policy committee activity, with hearings and sessions. First session cutoff is Feb 17; NTIB bills exempt. Legislative activity includes reproductive rights and housing issues. Capital gains tax arguments held; revenue designated for education. 1,300 bills introduced, exceeding previous sessions.

Week 2 of the legislative session had reduced Capitol visits due to virtual options. Key topics included firearm safety, housing, recycling, and hospital staffing. Over 1,000 bills were introduced, and floor action may occur in week 3.

The 2023 legislative session began on January 9, lasting 105 days. It’s in-person and hybrid, addressing key issues like housing, health, education, and workforce shortages. Governor Inslee emphasized housing, gun control, health, and climate in his State of the State address. Over 600 bills have been introduced.

Washington Legislature approves $16.9 billion transportation package, with $500 million allocated for Bellevue projects, enhancing highways, transit, and infrastructure.

The 2022 Washington State legislative session, lasting 60 days, focused on police reform, behavioral health, housing, and economic recovery.

Opposite house fiscal cutoff passed; 378 of 399 bills cleared fiscal hurdle. Budget negotiations underway. Final week focuses on amended bills.

Busy legislative week: Senate proposed transportation, operating, and capital budgets. Numerous hearings, executive sessions, and policy cutoffs, with floor action ahead.

House and Senate held floor sessions and committees, with a 21-hour House session. Bills face cutoffs; 438 survive. Worker protest reported. Economic forecast positive; budgets pending release.