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Dhingra bills to support survivors of gender-based violence signed into law

Dhingra bills to support survivors of gender-based violence signed into law

OLYMPIA — Two omnibus bills to improve the response to survivors of sexual assault and child trafficking in Washington state’s legal system were signed into law Tuesday. “This legislation rewrites our state’s laws to provide a truly victim-centered, trauma-informed response to survivors of sexual assault and child trafficking,” said Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), prime sponsor of both bills. “Too often, the victims of gender-based violence are forgotten by our society. These bills increase support to help survivors get their own lives back on track as well as ensure justice is done.” SB 5937 streamlines eligibility for crime ...

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Stanford bill to crack down on predatory loans signed into law

Stanford bill to crack down on predatory loans signed into law

OLYMPIA – Unscrupulous lenders who are partnering with out-of-state banks to evade Washington’s limits on interest rates will have to cease their predatory practices or face sanctions, under legislation signed into law today. SB 6025, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), makes any attempt to evade the provisions of Washington’s Consumer Loan Act a violation of the act. “Our state’s Consumer Loan Act does a good job of protecting consumers and laying out clear standards for lenders and borrowers,” said Stanford. “But some companies are partnering with out-of-state banks and using structures that allow them to slip through ...

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Nearly 96 percent of bills passed in 2024 received bipartisan support

Nearly 96 percent of bills passed in 2024 received bipartisan support

A new analysis of nonpartisan data shows that 95.8% of bills passed during the 2024 legislative session did so with bipartisan support. Overall, 365 of the 381 bills that cleared both chambers and arrived on Gov. Inslee’s desk did so with the ‘yes’ vote of at least one Republican senator or representative. Digging deeper into the numbers shows that only one ‘yes’ vote was the exception rather than the rule. Of the all the bills that passed the Legislature in 2024:

  • 91.34% (348 of 381) garnered six or more Republican votes — 10% of GOP legislators.
  • 89.24% (340 ...

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It’s the law: Stanford bill puts $72 million toward more paras in schools

It’s the law: Stanford bill puts $72 million toward more paras in schools

OLYMPIA – Public schools across Washington will be able to put more paraeducators in classrooms to better meet student needs, under legislation signed into law today. SB 5882 increases the staff allocation for paraeducators in the prototypical school funding model, unlocking dollars that schools can use to increase staffing, prevent layoffs, or raise salaries for paraeducators and some other support staff. The legislation is funded with $72 million in the state's general fund in the 2024 supplemental operating budget. “Paraeducators are crucial in our public education system,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), the bill’s prime sponsor. “Paraeducators ...

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Stanford legislation limiting noncompetition contracts signed into law

Stanford legislation limiting noncompetition contracts signed into law

OLYMPIA – Washington’s strong protections for workers against employer-imposed noncompetition agreements will grow even stronger under legislation signed into law today. SB 5935, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), increases protections for workers and consumers in response to real-life situations that have arisen since the passage of landmark 2019 legislation restricting the use of noncompete clauses in Washington. “This bill is about freedom in the marketplace for labor,” said Stanford. “It safeguards the freedom of workers to seek new jobs without undue interference from their current employer, and the freedom of consumers to follow their favorite car mechanic, ...

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Transportation budget that prioritizes public safety, preservation and ferries heads to governor’s desk

Transportation budget that prioritizes public safety, preservation and ferries heads to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA — The Legislature on Thursday passed the supplemental transportation budget (HB 2134), a $14.6 billion plan which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.   “After a thorough negotiation process, I am happy that both chambers came to an agreement about this year’s supplemental transportation budget,” said Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), chair of the House Transportation Committee.  “The health of our transportation system is vital to the health of our overall economy,” said Senate Transportation Chair Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds). “I’m proud of ...

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State supplemental budget makes huge investments in addressing fentanyl, boosts commitments to students, housing, and climate action

State supplemental budget makes huge investments in addressing fentanyl, boosts commitments to students, housing, and climate action

OLYMPIA – Budget leaders in both chambers unveiled an agreed-to budget that puts Washington’s families and students first. The supplemental budget, which builds on last year’s biennial budget, also makes the state’s biggest commitment ever in combating substance use disorder in our communities – a priority for Democrats in both chambers. Supplemental budgets traditionally roll out to lower fanfare and often address minor tweaks and adjustments where necessary. But Democrats identified needs in communities across the state and directed funding to ensure no one is left behind as the state continues to support families and individuals recovering from ...

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Final Capital Budget agreement funds $1.3 billion in projects around the state

Final Capital Budget agreement funds $1.3 billion in projects around the state

OLYMPIA—Leaders in the House and Senate today announced their final agreement on the state’s supplemental capital budget for 2024. The $1.3 billion budget funds construction projects and infrastructure across Washington and makes major investments in school construction, behavioral health facilities, and affordable housing construction.   Details of the budget are available on fiscal.wa.gov.  “I’m very proud of how we were able to come together and propose a budget that makes significant progress on so many of the important challenges facing Washington right now – schools, behavioral health, and housing,” said Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), vice ...

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Senate President Pro Tempore to retire from WA State Legislature

Senate President Pro Tempore to retire from WA State Legislature

OLYMPIA — Sen. Karen Keiser announced today on the Senate floor that she will retire later this year. “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the 33rd Legislative District and the people of the State of Washington for the last 29 years,” said Keiser (D-Des Moines), the most senior member of the Senate. “I am in awe at the amazing progress we have made together in this institution over the last few decades.” Appointed to fill an open seat in the Washington State House of Representatives in 1995, Keiser ran and won her first election in ...

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Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig will not seek re-election

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig will not seek re-election

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2024. Billig, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will finish his current term and continue to serve as majority leader until a new leader is selected in November. He was elected majority leader in late 2018 and has served in that role since the 2019 legislative session. “Part of being a good leader is knowing when it is time to step aside and let others lead,” said Billig. “I have been incredibly lucky to have served Spokane in ...

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