Hello friends and neighbors,
With just a short time left in the legislative session, I want to share an update on the work happening in Olympia and what it means for families in the 44th Legislative District.
Addressing fear and protecting constitutional rights
Recent federal immigration enforcement actions across the country have caused real fear in many communities. My heart is heavy. No one should have to worry that a routine day could turn into a traumatic or dangerous encounter.
In Washington, we have a responsibility to protect constitutional rights, uphold due process, and ensure our communities and first responders are not placed in unsafe or unclear situations.
That is why I am supporting legislation focused on accountability and public safety, including:
- SSB 5855, which would prohibit masked law enforcement, including federal agents, from concealing their identities while interacting with the public, with narrow exceptions. This bill has passed the Senate and increases transparency and public safety.
- HB 2597, which creates clearer remedies when federal constitutional rights are violated during immigration enforcement. The Constitution applies to everyone, and accountability matters.
Public fear cannot be the cost of public safety. Washington can lead with clarity, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
Keeping our roads and communities safe
Transportation safety remains one of the top concerns I hear from families in our district. I continue working on legislation to reduce dangerous driving and improve accountability:
- Impaired driving prevention, HB 1315 and HB 2362. Even if these bills don’t make it this year, I am continuing to push for stronger tools to prevent impaired driving.
- Tow truck payments for indigent drivers, HB 1653. While the original bill is not moving this year, we are working on alternative approaches to ensure tow operators are paid fairly while protecting drivers who cannot afford immediate payment.
Supporting kids, families, and health
- Albuterol access in schools, HB 2360. This bill expands access to emergency asthma medication so students can breathe safely during the school day. It has been heard in committee, and is in rules, and I am continuing to advocate for its passage.
- Clarifying consumer protections, HB 2624. It has been pulled into Senate Rules, moving it one step closer to a hearing in the Senate. This bill clarifies and strengthens consumer protections for homeowners who receive unsolicited offers to buy their property by ensuring they have clear rights and information before making a decision about selling.
Transportation investments in the 44th District
Keeping people and goods moving safely through Snohomish County remains a top priority. I am continuing to support key transportation investments that improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize our infrastructure right here in our district. Those investments include:
- SR 9 Marsh Road to 2nd Street Vic Widening with Bridge Construction. This project will widen SR 9 and construct a new bridge to reduce congestion, improve freight mobility, and enhance safety for drivers navigating this busy corridor.
- SR 522 Paradise Lake Road Interchange and Widening Design and Engineering. This critical design and engineering phase moves us closer to congestion relief and safety improvements at one of the most heavily traveled areas in the district.
- US Highway 2 Safety Improvements. Investments in Highway 2 focus on reducing serious crashes and improving safety for commuters and families traveling through the corridor.
- South Lake Stevens Road Multi Use Path Phase 2. This project expands safe walking and biking access, improving connectivity and giving families more transportation options.
- Bickford Avenue Bridge. Improvements to the Bickford Avenue Bridge will strengthen infrastructure reliability and improve traffic flow for Lake Stevens residents.
- Everett Transit Diesel Bus Replacement with Battery Electric Buses. Modernizing Everett Transit’s fleet with battery electric buses reduces emissions, lowers long term operating costs, and improves air quality for our communities.
These projects represent real investments in safety, sustainability, and long term infrastructure needs across the 44th District. I will continue working to ensure our growing communities receive the transportation funding and attention they deserve.
Honoring 100 years of celebrating Black History
This year marks the centennial of recognizing and celebrating Black history in the United States. I was proud to support House Resolution 4701 honoring 100 years of Black History Month and the extraordinary contributions Black Americans have made to Washington and our nation.
From the vision of Dr. Carter Woodson, who established Negro History Week in 1926, to the expansion of Black History Month nationwide, this milestone invites us to reflect on a century of progress, perseverance, culture, leadership, and achievement.
The resolution highlights generations of contributions across music, science, agriculture, civil rights, public service, education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It recognizes leaders such as Marjorie Pitter-King, the first Black woman in the Washington State Legislature, and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, the first Black member elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington’s 10th District.
Black history is American history. Black culture is American culture.
As we commemorate 100 years of celebration and recognition, we also recommit ourselves to continuing the work of building a more just, equitable, and inclusive future here in Washington.
I encourage everyone to take time not just in February, but throughout the year, to learn, reflect, and celebrate the enduring impact of Black Americans in our communities.
Read the resolution here: 2026 Black History Month Resolution.
Honoring service
This session, we welcomed members of the Washington National Guard to the Capitol and adopted a resolution honoring their service.
The Guard supports Washington during disasters, emergencies, and community needs across our state. We have a responsibility to ensure Guard members and their families have the benefits, resources, and readiness support they deserve.
You can read the resolution here: 2026 National Guard Resolution.
Staying connected
Thank you to everyone who came out to our town hall this past weekend! We had a great turnout with around 60 people joining the conversation.
We covered a wide range of topics, including taxes and revenue and spending, transportation projects, Flock cameras, gun violence, and childcare funding. I appreciate the thoughtful questions and the honest dialogue about what matters most in our community.
If you could not make it, my office is always here to listen. Thank you, 44th District, for staying engaged and involved. We are in the final stretch of session. If you have questions about any of these bills or concerns you want to share, please reach out. Your input directly shapes the work I do in Olympia. It is an honor to serve the 44th.
Rep. Brandy Donaghy