Dear friends and neighbors,

We’re wrapping up the fifth week of this year’s legislative session, and I wanted to pass along an update on what’s happening in the state House. Right now, most of our work is focused on committee hearings. These are the first stop for almost every single bill.

Hearings give legislators a chance to ask questions, propose amendments, or hear from people like you before moving a bill to the next step in the process. In order to organize our time, we also set deadlines for bills to pass out of committee. For policy committees, that deadline is next Friday, February 21^st.

My office receives a lot of emails from 34^th District constituents who write me to share their support or opposition to various bills. I want you to know I do read your feedback and my office does our best to respond to those who reach out to us. I thought I would share a few of the bills I’ve been receiving emails about lately:

• HB 1721 would allow zero-emission vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers. I’m a cosponsor of this legislation. It was heard earlier today and is scheduled to be voted on in the House Consumer Protection & Business committee next week. The emails I have received from constituents are supportive of this bill.
• HB 1584 would end our state’s universal vote by mail system. I am opposed to this legislation, as are the vast majority of emails my office has been getting on it. It’s not currently scheduled for a hearing or a vote in committee. Our House leadership (which includes me, as Majority Leader) is committed to expanding voting access for Washingtonians, not rolling it back. We are not the only state seeing attacks on voting rights, but we will stand strong against those attacks, and I hope that provides some reassurance.
• HB 1038 would prohibit gender-affirming care for minors. I am strongly opposed to this legislation. Gender-affirming care is life-saving, and we will continue to protect access to it here in Washington state. This is also something the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader in the Senate talked about at a media availability last week. My office is hearing from youth and parents who are extremely concerned that denying this care would cause great harm to those who need it. I want to reassure anyone who is worried that this bill will not receive a hearing and will not advance.

Media Availabilities

As Majority Leader, I occasionally represent the House Democratic Caucus at our weekly media availabilities with Senate leadership. This is time for us to answer questions from reporters, and it’s broadcast on TVW for everyone to watch. This week, we were asked about topics like rent stabilization, funding for cities and counties – especially related to public safety – budget development, school bonds, and more. You can watch the whole thing here.

Legislator Profiles

TVW also puts together profiles every year to help people learn more about their representatives. In mine, I talk a little bit about my role as Majority Leader, the kind of policies I focus on, and spending as much time as possible with my eight-month-old daughter (who has already tagged along to a few meetings with me). It’s a short video, only about a minute long, and you can watch it here.

Thanks for reading!