Dear Neighbor,
With just ten days left in the 2025 legislative session, we’ve hit our final major deadline — opposite house cutoff. That means only bills that have passed both the House and Senate can still make it to the Governor’s desk. From here, we’re focused on final negotiations to reconcile differences in legislation passed between the chambers and send those final versions to Governor Ferguson for signature.
But enough about deadlines — I want to share one of the highlights of my session! Last Tuesday, I met with students from Clara Barton Elementary, which was incredibly special as a Lake WA School District graduate myself. Their excitement was contagious, especially when they found out I’m the youngest legislator in Olympia. The look of surprise on their faces when I shared my journey from an elementary student in Redmond to where I am today is something I’ll never forget. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of showing our future leaders that their voices matter, and that government belongs to all of us, no matter our age.
Exciting Progress on My Bills
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been proud to see several of my bills make major progress. On April 8th, the Governor signed my first bill into law — SB 5106, which recognizes the Muslim holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in Washington. Alongside its companion bill, HB 1434, this law sends a powerful message: Muslim Washingtonians are seen, valued, and respected. Recognition isn’t special treatment — it’s equal treatment. I recently shared more about this in The Seattle Times and The News Tribune.
That same day, the Senate unanimously passed my bill, HB 1484, which protects survivors of rape-related pregnancies. Our current laws allow enhanced sentencing in limited cases, often only involving minors. This bill closes a significant gap, giving courts more authority to impose stronger sentences in these deeply traumatic circumstances.
Then, on April 9th, the Senate passed another one of my bills, HB 1486, a bill near to my heart as a former Student Body President at the University of Washington. This legislation adds a student member to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, giving students across the state real representation where decisions are being made. These victories reflect the partnerships we’ve built across the state, and I’m excited about additional legislation still moving forward.
On April 15th, the Senate passed HB 1875, allowing employees to use their earned sick leave to attend judicial or administrative immigration hearings, including those for family members, without the fear of losing income or their job.
Finally, on April 16th, the Senate voted to pass HB 1811 to enhance crisis response services across the state by integrating behavioral health professionals with traditional first responders. The bill defines “co-response” as a partnership between first responders and human services professionals, ensuring that teams of trained clinicians, social workers, and peer support specialists are involved in emergency situations. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on law enforcement and emergency rooms, allowing for immediate care and de-escalation of crises.
Investing in Infrastructure
As someone who relies on public transit, I’m proud of the responsible and forward-thinking 2025–27 transportation budget proposal. It prioritizes safety, preservation, and critical investments in our infrastructure, even while acknowledging the funding challenges we face. With $4 billion in additional proposed revenue, we’re advancing projects that directly benefit our community in the 48th District.
This includes improvements to the SR 520 Seattle corridor, widening the I-405 between Renton and Bellevue, and preserving the SR 520 Lake Washington Bridge. We’re also addressing local safety and accessibility needs — like improving the 148th Avenue NE Overlake access ramp, launching preliminary designs for a new interchange at SR 520 and 124th Street, and enhancing sidewalk safety along 116th Avenue NE.
In addition, we’re supporting the rehabilitation of the Wilburton Trestle and I-90 steel bridge to strengthen the Eastrail multi-use corridor, expanding micromobility options in Bellevue and Redmond, and reducing polluted runoff into nearby streams.
While tough decisions led to delays in some highway and multimodal projects, our commitment to building a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system for Washingtonians remains firm
Join Me For Coffee!
Looking ahead, I’d love to connect with you in person. I’ll be hosting “Osman Over Coffee” on Sunday, May 4th at three locations across our district. These informal chats are a chance to hear your thoughts, share more about our work in Olympia, and talk about the progress we’re making on affordability, economic mobility, education, community safety, and other issues:
☕Stop #1: 9am-10am, Victor’s Celtic Coffee & Roasters (7993 Gilman St, Redmond WA 98052)
☕Stop #2: 12pm-1pm, Downpour Coffee (13200 Old Redmond Rd #150, Redmond, WA 98052) – just blocks away from Kirkland!
☕Stop #3: 3pm-4pm, Bellden Café (10527 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004)
And keep an eye on your mailbox between April 28th and May 2nd — my full legislative review will be arriving with more updates on our work this session. Thank you for the continued honor to serve you in the 48th Legislative District. I hope to see you soon!
In Service,
Representative Osman Salahuddin
48th Legislative District