Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are now headed into Week 5 of the legislative session. Our committees are busy hearing hundreds of bills and I’ve been meeting with constituents and other stakeholders. Here’s the latest on what happening in the House.
What’s happening right now in committees, and how does that work?
Our first major deadline, the policy committee cutoff on February 21, is rapidly approaching. If a bill doesn’t pass out of committee before cutoff, it typically can’t move forward in the process.
If the legislation passes out of committee and only changes policy, it can move on to the Rules Committee, which decides which bills get a vote on the floor of the House.
After passing a policy committee, bills that raise or spend funds get referred to the relevant fiscal committee—Appropriations, Transportation, Capital, or Finance. Bills then continue along the process until they hit the next milestone.
There is a long way to go, so there’s still time to share your thoughts and concerns. I’d love to hear them. As always please reach out to my office.
Bill Highlight: Catching street racers by tracking vehicle noise
One of the more dangerous driving behaviors we see on our roads is street racing. Racing can quickly become deadly, endangering other drivers as well as pedestrians. That’s why I’ve introduced House Bill 1423 to authorize the use of automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras in certain areas.
We know that cars that are used in street racing are often modified – and they’re loud. You can often hear a speeding vehicle coming before you even see it. Automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras are video cameras that will activate when there is a certain decibel level detected. This is a technology that will only be used in certain areas and, when used effectively, can help save lives.
I talk more about this bill in my latest video update. I also highlight some useful safety tips for driving during this wintery weather. Now, is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency.
Honoring Our U.S. Navy
As a Navy veteran and representative of Washington’s 44th Legislative District, I am deeply honored to sponsor House Resolution 4615, recognizing the United States Navy for its service, sacrifice, and contributions to our nation and state.
Washington is home to thousands of active-duty sailors, veterans, and military families, along with vital naval installations that support national defense, economic growth, and local communities. As someone who has proudly served, I know firsthand the dedication and resilience of those who wear the uniform.
To all past and present U.S. Navy personnel—thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. This resolution is a tribute to you. Fair winds and following seas!
Protecting Vulnerable Communities
I know recent federal actions have generated fear, uncertainty, and stress particularly for the most vulnerable communities in our state. We’ve seen attacks on DEI initiatives and the LGBTQ community, actions that could negatively impact our state’s economy and your wallets, and alarmingly, the ramp up of anti-immigrant policies.
These efforts strike at the very core of our values. I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to protect Washington residents and highlight a few measure that are already in place.
Already in Washington we:
✔️ Banned private for-profit detention centers
✔️ Expanded healthcare access for undocumented adults
✔️ Protected immigrant workers from local enforcement overreach through the Keep Washington Working Act
✔️ Opened professional licensing to all, regardless of status
✔️ Funded dual-language & tribal language education programs
✔️ Invested in civil legal aid for undocumented workers
✔️ Bridged the digital divide with the Digital Equity Act
✔ Maintained access to reproductive health care
✔ Prohibited health insurers from banning gender affirming care
✔ Protected health providers from being disciplined for providing legal gender affirming care.
In Washington, your safety and dignity matter. Local law enforcement is not immigration enforcement, and we will not allow fear to define our state or dictate how we treat each other. Instead, we continue to push forward and lead.
During this session, we’re doing even more to protect our state. Governor Ferguson recently signed an executive order creating a rapid response team to support children facing family separation. This critical step reinforces our state’s commitment to keeping families together and protecting vulnerable children.
But the fight doesn’t stop there. In response to the growing fears in our communities, the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs has launched a rapid response hub to support undocumented immigrants. It is filled with essential legal, financial, and social service information to help families navigate these challenging times.
📌 Know someone impacted by immigration policy changes? Share this DSHS resource link to help them access critical information.
📌 The Washington State LGBTQ Commission tracks relevant legislative actions and keeps a list of resources categorized by county. You can find that list here.
Access to gender affirming care is protected in Washington under the Gender Affirming Care Treatment Act. This law prohibits health insurers from banning gender affirming care and ensures our trans neighbors can access the medically necessary care that they need.
Further, the Legislature passed the Shield Law, protecting people in Washington from civil and criminal actions in other states that restrict or criminalize reproductive and gender-affirming care. Another law ensures health providers can’t be disciplined for providing legal reproductive health services or gender affirming care in Washington.
We will not stand by while families are forced to make impossible choices between safety and survival. Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and supported in their own home. Learn more about how House Democrats are standing up for immigrant communities in a recent statement from the Latino Democratic Caucus and Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma).
Speaker Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jaime Pedersen also shared a statement committing to protecting trans youth in Washington. You can read that statement here.
Washington has a proud history of standing up for what is right, even when it’s hard. We will not back down from defending the dignity of our neighbors, who are vital to the fabric of our communities and economy. You are not alone.
I look forward to updating you on our progress in my next legislative update.
Sincerely,
Representative Brandy Donaghy