Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Now that January has come a close, we are headed into Week 4 of the legislative session. Here’s the latest on our process and a few bills and resources I’d like to highlight.
What’s happening right now in committees, and how does that work?
Right now, every committee in the House is busy holding hearings on hundreds of different bills. There typically isn’t enough time to hear every bill referred to the committee, so the chair and other members of that committee must prioritize which ideas get a public hearing.
After a bill is heard, it can be voted on in what’s called executive session. It takes a majority vote of the committee to pass a bill.
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 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’s still time to share your thoughts and concerns, and I would like to hear them. As always please reach out to my office.
How We’re Advancing Protections for Immigrant Communities
The Legislature is taking bold action to protect and uplift immigrant communities, standing firm against national efforts to sow division and harm. When federal policies attempt to erode protections, we respond by preserving and enhancing them. Over the last few years, I’ve supported a ban on private detention facilities, out of concern for the exploitation and inhumane treatment of immigrant and refugees.
Through the Keep Washington Working Act, we have ensured that immigrants and refugees are safeguarded from local enforcement overreach and shielded from harsh federal actions.
If you or someone you know is looking for more resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Bill Highlight: Harmonizing Laws Concerning Sheriffs’ and Police Chiefs
The Community Safety Committee recently held a public hearing on HB 1399. This bill would ensure the top law enforcement officers in our state are held to the same standards as the officers who patrol our streets every day by requiring sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals to meet the same certification requirements their officers have. This is an important public safety measure that will help improve the relationship between our communities and our law enforcement officers. We heard robust debate on this issue during the hearing. There’s still time to share your opinion – you can submit written testimony at this link.
I look forward to continuing to update you on this bill and others as the session progresses. You can keep up with the latest on my legislative website and Facebook page.
All Best Wishes,
Rep. Roger Goodman