The House Hot Sheet for Week 1 of the 2025 Legislative Session
Monday
The 2025 Legislative Session kicks off Monday with opening ceremonies, featuring election of the Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore, and Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. In the afternoon, the Housing Committee will hear HB 1217, Rep. Emily Alvarado’s (D-Seattle) new Rent Stabilization bill to provide greater stability in rent increases to renters in Washington state. Also in the afternoon, the Community Safety Committee is holding a public hearing on HB 1149 from Rep. David Hackney (D-Tukwila), a new bill to crack down on organized animal fighting.
Also holding public hearings, the Environment and Energy Committee will hear testimony on Rep. Sharlett Mena’s (D-Tacoma) HB 1107, requiring new rules and disclosure of fashion practices and environmental impacts.
Later in the afternoon, the Appropriations Committee will hear a presentation and take public comment on Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed 2025-2027 operating budget.
Tuesday
Tuesday includes a joint session of the Legislature for the canvassing of election returns and to hear Governor Inslee’s State of the State Address.
Later in the afternoon, the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 1017 Designating Kimchi Day, introduced by Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline). There will also be a public hearing on HB 1116, offered by Rep. Mena to designate the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning is packed with committee hearings, leading to a joint session of the Legislature for the swearing in of statewide elected officials. Kicking off at 8:00 a.m., the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee will hold public testimony on HB 1218, concerning persons referred for competency evaluation and restoration services, from Rep. Darya Farivar (D-Seattle). At the same time, the Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee will hold public hearing on HB 1073 to create a National Guard retention program, from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), and HB 1102, from Rep. Clyde Shavers (D-Oak Harbor), which improves access to earned benefits and services for recently discharged veterans.
Also in the morning, the Labor Committee is meeting to hold public hearings on HB 1155, banning noncompete agreements in Washington state, prime sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle). Also up for a public hearing, Rep. Leavitt’s HB 1162 to address workplace violence in health care settings and HB 1141, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo) to expand collective bargaining rights for cannabis agricultural workers.
In the afternoon, the Health Care and Wellness Committee will hear HB 1090, prime sponsored by Rep. Alvarado, requiring coverage for a 12 month supply of contraceptives by all health benefit plans in the state.
Thursday
The Environment and Energy Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 1071, prime sponsored by Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), one of several bills offered by House Democrats to improve access and affordability of recycling in the state.
Later in the afternoon, the Capital Budget committee will hold a public hearing on Governor Inslee’s proposed Capital Budget.
Friday
The week ends with public hearings and executive action scheduled in several committees. At 8:00 a.m., the Consumer Protection and Business Committee has public hearing scheduled on HB 1209, prime sponsored by Rep. Mena, to ban the sale of sodium nitrate. As reported by KING 5, people have been able to acquire high concentrations of sodium nitrate online and use it to take their lives.
Votes are scheduled in the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee on HB 1017 Designating Kimchi Day from Rep. Ryu, and Designating Election Day (HB 1116) from by Rep. Mena. The Health Care and Wellness Committee has executive session scheduled on the contraceptive coverage legislation, HB 1090, from Rep. Alvarado.