Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who joined me for our recent Town Hall! It was great to connect with so many of you and hear your thoughts on key issues affecting our community. We had engaging discussions on topics ranging from education funding to environmental protection, and your feedback is invaluable as we move forward in this legislative session. If you weren’t able to attend, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns—I’m here to listen and work on your behalf.
Inspiring the Next Generation at Page School
One of the highlights of this session was speaking at the Page School, where I had the chance to engage with bright, motivated students who are getting a firsthand look at the legislative process. The House Page Program is an incredible opportunity for young people to learn how our government works, gain real-world experience, and participate in civic engagement at an early age. I always enjoy meeting the next generation of leaders and answering their thoughtful questions about policymaking, public service, and how they can make a difference in their communities!
Pages, Vapes, and Bears, Oh My!
From supporting our student Pages to protecting kids from harmful vaping products—here’s a quick update on what we’re working on in Olympia!
Protecting Kids from Harmful Tobacco & Nicotine Products
Too many tobacco and nicotine products are deliberately designed and marketed to appeal to young people, putting them at risk of lifelong addiction and serious health consequences. I’m proud to support House Bill 1203, which takes a crucial step in protecting our kids from the dangers of nicotine addiction. With youth nicotine use on the rise, we must act now to prevent harmful products from hooking a new generation. This bill is a commonsense measure to safeguard public health and keep these products out of our communities.
Protecting Animals and Preventing Cruelty in Washington
As a legislator, I believe we have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us—including animals. This session, I’m supporting several bills that take important steps to prevent cruelty, improve protections, and ensure Washington remains a leader in animal welfare.
HB 1149 – Preventing Cruelty to Animals: This bill strengthens our animal cruelty laws by increasing penalties for abuse and ensuring those convicted of harming animals cannot own them again. Too often, we see cases where individuals mistreat animals and face minimal consequences. This bill ensures accountability and justice.
SB 5065 – Banning Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Acts: This bill aims to prohibit the use of specific animals, such as elephants, bears, big cats, and primates, in traveling performances and circuses. These animals endure cruel training practices and live in conditions that fail to meet their needs. It’s time we end these outdated practices in our state.
HB 1046 – Rescue of Domestic Animals from Vehicles: This bill allows Good Samaritans to rescue animals from dangerously hot cars without fear of legal repercussions, ensuring that quick action can save lives.
HB 1201 – Co-Sheltering in Emergencies and Extreme Weather Events: This bill focuses on identifying accommodations that allow pets to stay with their owners during emergencies or extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and well-being of both.
HB 1608 – Banning the Sale of Farmed Octopus: Following previous legislation that prohibited octopus farming, this bill seeks to ban the sale, possession, transportation, and distribution of farmed octopus, addressing concerns about inhumane practices and environmental impact.
SB 5482 – Regulating the Use of Dogs in Hunting: This bill regulates the use of dogs in hunting cougars, black bears, and bobcats. It aims to ensure ethical hunting practices and address concerns about wildlife management in our state.
Every one of these bills reflects our commitment to treating animals with compassion and respect. I’m proud to support them, and I hope you’ll join me in advocating for stronger protections to prevent cruelty and promote humane treatment across Washington.
Pictured: Rhone and Jadot Springer
Traveling this year? The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025
If you’re flying in 2025, pay attention to new federal requirements. Why? Because if you don’t, they won’t let you on the plane.
REAL ID is a federal law, though Washington state has worked hard to help people get the ID they need to comply and fly.
Of course, you still need a passport to fly overseas. That hasn’t changed. What’s new is the requirements for flying domestically. The days of showing your driver’s license and getting through security are over.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Before your buy a plane ticket, please make sure your passport is current—or that you have another form of acceptable identification.
It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. For more frequent updates, I invite you to follow my legislative Facebook page.
Best wishes,
 State Representative Larry Springer
45th Legislative District
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