What We Accomplished Together: 2025 Legislative Session Recap

June 5, 2025

Dear neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session concluded one month ago, and I’m proud to share some of the key victories we’ve delivered together over the next few emails to come. From making our communities safer to expanding access to higher education, this session was about putting families first and ensuring real opportunities for our community. 

Keeping Our Roads Safer 

The BEAM Act was signed into law May 12! The legislation is named in memory of Buster B. Brown, Eloise Wilcoxson, Andrea Smith Hudson, and Matilda Wilcoxson, who were tragically killed in a high-speed crash in Renton last year. Two of Andrea’s children, Nolan and Charlotte Hudson, survived the crash but sustained life-altering injuries. The BEAM Act honors their lives and aims to prevent similar tragedies on our roads. It targets the most dangerous driving behaviors by requiring the use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices for individuals whose licenses have been suspended due to reckless or excessive speeding or as a court order sanction. These GPS-based devices prevent vehicles from exceeding the posted speed limit, helping reduce the risk of deadly collisions—while still allowing limited, court-approved mobility under strict conditions. 

Related media:

BEAM

Advocates, lawmakers join Gov. Ferguson for HB 1596 signing

Expanding Access to Higher Education 

With the passage of SB 5785, we strengthened the Washington College Grant, increasing income eligibility so more students can receive full financial aid—up to 60% of the median family income. This change opens doors for students across Pierce County and beyond, making higher education more accessible and affordable. We also did this while not raising tuition.  

Investing in Our Community and Environment 

I joined regional leaders and military officials for the signing of JBLM’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, a multi-agency agreement that protects endangered species, preserves habitat, and promotes sustainable stewardship of one of the most important ecosystems in our region. 

Protecting People and Pets in Emergencies 

I’m proud to share that House Bill 1046 has officially been signed into law by the Governor! This bipartisan legislation provides civil immunity for good Samaritans who break into a vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic animal in imminent danger—so long as they follow common-sense steps like calling 911, using minimal force, and staying on scene until help arrives. 

Too often, people hesitate to act in emergencies because they fear legal consequences. HB 1046 ensures that doing the right thing won’t be punished when someone’s life—or a pet’s—is on the line. 

A heartfelt thank you to my co-sponsors for standing with me to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Washington will now join 11 other states that do so. 

We also passed HB 1201 that ensures folks who are impacted by homelessness during extreme weathers, or natural disasters, have information on how to find shelter for their pets during those events. 

I’m also proud that my bill to protect and ban certain circus animals being displayed or shown as entertainment in WA as introduced in HB 1157 in a session past, was signed into law this year in the Senate companion. 

Finally, we moved a bill to continue to address animal cruelty.

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Governor Ferguson signs HB 1046 with advocates, Reps. Leaviit and Fosse

Transportation Budget Wins for the 28th District 

Thanks to your advocacy and strong partnerships, the 2025 transportation budget includes major investments in our district, including resources for Hb1596 related to implementation, sidewalk efforts in Bethel School District, recruitment and retention efforts for our WA State Patrol, and beyond: 

  • DuPont/Steilacoom Road expansion completion
  • I-5 JBLM Corridor Improvements
  • I-5: DuPont to Lakewood Shared Use Path
  • I-5 Nisqually Delta: Marvin Rd to Mounts Rd
  • I-5 S 38th St to JBLM HOV Improvements
  • Intercity Transit – Lacey Express (Transit Center to Sounder Station)
  • Pierce Transit – Spanaway Transit Center, Phase 2
  • Pierce Transit High-Capacity Transit Expansion
  • Intercity Transit – Zero Emission Hydrogen Demonstration Project
  • 2023–25 Intercity Transit Vanpool/Rideshare Replacement
  • SR 16/Tacoma Narrows Bridge Preservation
  • Ferry Landings – Anderson Island and Steilacoom
  • Titlow Rail Bridge/Culvert Improvements (Metro Parks Tacoma) – before redistricting and finishing up 

These projects will improve traffic flow, promote greener transit, and support economic development in our growing communities. 
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May was Military Appreciation Month 

There’s no better way to kick it off than by showing up for those who serve and the families who stand beside them. 

Over the past few weeks, post session, I’ve had the privilege of: 

  • Joining local leaders and business partners at the Lakewood Chamber Military Affairs Forum and Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber Military Affairs Forum
  • Standing with the Governor as we signed an executive order to prevent veteran suicide
  • Celebrating a land conservation agreement that protects Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s natural resources for generations to come
  • Listening to the voices of military-connected youth at a Military Child Education Coalition forum
  • Attended ceremonies to include the Arlington Project at Clover Park High School, Steilacoom Wreath Ceremony, and DuPont’s Wear Blue to Remember Walk/Run
  • Participating in the annual Pierce County Veterans Advisory Committee Memorial Day Ceremony at Mt. View Cemetery
  • Attended the National Conference of State Legislatures National Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs at their biannual meeting in San Antonio, Texas 

As a legislator and proud daughter of a veteran, supporting our service members and their families isn’t just policy—it’s personal. Whether it’s improving access to mental health care, protecting base land, or making sure military spouses or children have the support they need in school, I’ll keep showing up and fighting for those who serve. 

It was a month to honor, uplift, and advocate for the military members or connected families who sacrifice so much for us. I am proud to have the largest military installation in the West in the beautiful 28th. 

To everyone who emailed, testified, or met with me during session—thank you. Your stories and advocacy helped shape the policies we passed. I hope you’ll continue to stay engaged. 

It’s my highest honor to represent the 28th legislative district. 

In service,

Leavitt sig

Rep. Mari Leavitt 
28th Legislative District