OLYMPIA – Last week, House Democrats elected Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma) Chair of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee. The committee considers a broad array of issues relating to state government, elections, and relationships with sovereign tribes.
Entering her third year in the legislature, Mena has introduced and passed several pieces of legislation through the committee. Most notably, in 2023, Mena introduced House Bill 1048 to enhance the Voting Rights Act. During the 2024 session, House Bill 2000 modernized Washington state’s approach to international trade to strengthen our partnership with British Columbia. She further co-sponsored House Bill 1541 to increase representation of people with direct lived experience from underrepresented communities on statutory taskforces, workgroups, or advisory committees.
“Our committee directly shapes policies that influence how we serve communities across Washington,” said Rep. Mena. “From ensuring fair and accessible elections to strengthening relationships with tribes and responsibly managing gaming policies, our work is foundational to fostering equity, transparency, and representation in state government.”
The 2025 legislative session begins January 13th, 2025.