Town Hall Invite!

I am excited to extend a special invitation to you for our upcoming 1st Legislative District Virtual Town Hall, taking place on February 22nd! This event promises to be an engaging platform for us to connect, discuss important matters, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Event Details:

• Date: February 22nd
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Platform: Facebook, X, and Youtube (you do not need an account to tune in!)

Your voice matters, and this Town Hall is an opportunity for us to hear from you directly. Feel free to come prepared with questions, suggestions, or topics you’d like to see addressed.

My Bills:

Here’s a look at a few of the bills that I sponsored. While not every bill advanced this year, I‘m proud of the conversations they started and the groundwork they’ve laid for continued progress:  

Empowering You to Protect Your Data

House Bill 2277, also known as my Data Broker Registry Bill, is all about transparency of an industry that operates largely out of our awareness. It requires data brokers to register yearly with the Department of Licensing, with this info made available on the department’s website. It’s your data, and you deserve to know who’s handling it. But this bill isn’t just about transparency; it’s about empowering you to protect your privacy rights and stay informed about who’s trading in your personal information. 

Watch my testimony in committee here:

Regulating the New Era of Auto Vehicles

House Bill 2444, the Automated Vehicles Act, writes a blueprint for navigating a whole new frontier in transportation. With self-driving cars on the rise, it’s important to establish a comprehensive framework to regulate this emerging technology. This bill sets the stage for a future where cars pilot themselves, ensuring that safety and accountability are built into every mile of the journey. By defining responsibilities, liabilities, and operating protocols, it lays down the tracks for a smooth ride into the era of automated vehicles. Buckle up and get ready for a smoother, safer ride into the future of transportation!

Cannabis Homegrow

House Bill 2194 is sparking a conversation about the future of cannabis in Washington. With the landscape of cannabis evolving, growing it at home is like having a backyard garden. Just like tending to tomatoes or nurturing an apple tree, cultivating cannabis at home is about personal freedom and responsibility—and Washingtonians aged 21 and older deserve this right. Under this bill, adults would have the right to grow and possess up to four cannabis plants and the products derived from them, right in the comfort of their own homes. It’s about empowering individuals while ensuring responsible use and accountability. It’s time to treat it like any other plant and give folks the chance to grow their own. Let’s embrace this change and cultivate a greener, more inclusive future together!

Watch my testimony in committee here:

Housing Corner

I want to share with you a statement issued by a group of my House colleagues addressing one of the issues that is so important to my constituents. The Members of Color Caucus (MOCC), representing diverse interests and districts, have united to address the urgent issue of housing instability in Washington. With rent prices soaring and homelessness rates climbing, particularly among marginalized communities, action is imperative. This year, House Bill 2114 aims to stabilize rent increases, recognizing that the financial strain of escalating rents leads to stress, trauma, and negative health outcomes for families.

“The ugly truth is that Washington is in the throes of a housing affordability crisis. Too many people in this state struggle to afford housing and stay housed. The cost of housing for Washingtonians has undeniably skyrocketed, with renters reporting an average increase of 20% in housing costs — in some cases happening consistently, year over year. Nationwide, a $100 increase in rent is associated with a 9% increase in the rate of homelessness — even when controlling for other factors, like wages, unemployment, and poverty. A study looking at metro areas found the same $100 increase in median rents to be associated with a 15% increase in homelessness, and as high as a 39% increase in nearby rural areas. This cannot continue.”

The MOCC emphasizes that historically excluded communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, are disproportionately impacted by this crisis, as they are more likely to be renters due to systemic barriers to homeownership. Over 100 community-based organizations have joined the call for action, urging legislators to prioritize the voices and struggles of those directly affected by the housing affordability crisis. It’s time to listen and act to ensure housing stability for all Washingtonians.

Read their statement on rent stabilization here.

Lunar New Year

I extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous Lunar New Year. This year, I was happy to support Rep. Thai’s bill to recognize the Lunar New Year—and it has passed in the House! Wishing you and your family prosperity, good health, and a wonderful Year of the Dragon.

Thank you so much for reading.

Sincerely,

Rep. Shelley Kloba