Dear friends & neighbors,

We just wrapped week 5 of the 69th Legislative Session. Friday, February 21, marks policy cutoff. Cutoff, which means that any bill not relating to raising or spending money that did not pass committee by that date cannot get a vote on the floor.

I’m happy to report that my priority bills, focused on improving outcomes for all students, are still alive and well.

• HB 1272 which helps children with complex behavioral health needs in hospitals get discharged into the care and services they need. This bill was heard yesterday in the Appropriations Committee.

• HB 1314 which makes it easier to build early learning facilities, has passed out of the Capital Budget Committee. This legislation helps us meet the demand for safe, high quality early learning care, allowing parents to work and keep our economy going.

• HB 1709 allows parent-designated adults to administer care for students in grades K-12 with adrenal insufficiency if needed. This will allow students dealing with this condition to receive life-saving medication in a timely matter when needed during school or school activities. This bill will is scheduled for an executive session today.

• HB 1795 looks to provide alternatives to isolation and restraints in schools. We know there are better alternatives to this practice, and I’ve been hard at work bringing together bipartisan support to reduce the use and make sure our educators have the tools they need to keep students feeling safe and able to learn. This bill was voted out of the Education committee yesterday, and headed to Appropriations.

• HB 1917 which works to ensure safe operating conditions in the long-term juvenile justice facilities. This bill is an important step in ensuring youth can receive the programming they need, and staff can focus on improving outcomes, instead of managing overcrowded facilities. It will get an executive session on Wednesday the 19th
• HB 1827 works to ensure children in the juvenile justice system get the education and services needed for successful re-entry and reduced recidivism. It was voted out of the Education Committee yesterday and headed to Appropriations.

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Thank you to our page

We were thrilled to host Page Autumn Thacker this week! Pages assume a wide variety of responsibilities, from presenting the flags to distributing amendments on the House floor. 

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It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. For more frequent updates, I invite you to follow my legislative Facebook page.

Best wishes,

State Representative Lisa Callan
5th Legislative District