Hey Neighbors!
I’m back with an update on how things are going down here in Olympia and we’ve been working! Our committees have been hearing hundreds of bills and I’ve been having a great time meeting with constituents and getting to know my colleagues.
Preparing for Policy Cutoff
As this week comes to a close, you may start hearing about bills that “died,” during the session. That’s likely referring to our first deadline of the session that’s happening this week. It’s called “policy cutoff” and it’s happening on Feb. 21 this year. This is important because any bill that changes state policy must pass out of committee. Any idea that doesn’t pass by Feb. 21 can’t get a vote on the House floor. The only exceptions are bills that raise or spend money. You can keep track of my bills here, but of course I’ll always update you on our progress.
Here are a few bills that I’d like to highlight:
House Bill 1879 – ensures reasonable rest breaks for hospital workers by allowing workers to take breaks at times that make sense for their schedules, which lets them balance taking care of us, and taking care of themselves. You can watch testimony on HB 1879 here on TVW.
House Bill 1864 – would allow ambulances to take patients to emergency rooms as well as mental health facilities, or substance use disorder treatment programs, freeing up resources in Emergency Departments for those that need them and helping direct people to other facilities that are also equipped to handle a person’s particular needs when they are at their most vulnerable. You can watch testimony on HB 1864 here on TVW.
House Bill 1623 – will prohibit employers from using any portion of a tip, gratuity, or service charge to cover the cost of credit card processing fees, protecting tipped workers by helping them keep the tips they’ve worked hard for.
House Bill 1739 – would protect grocery store workers from automation and chaotic and overwhelming checkout lines while ensuring customers have an in-person option for purchasing their groceries by establishing rules for when and how self-checkout stands could be used in grocery stores.
I am committed to fighting for and supporting policies that make Washington a safer and more affordable place for everyone, and especially the working families, that call this great state home.
I look forward to watching each of these bills move through the legislative process and supporting them.
It’s time to get your REAL ID! You can’t fly without it!
On May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID Act goes into effect nationwide. Beginning on that date, if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you won’t be able to fly in the U.S. or enter a restricted federal facility. Click here to learn more or visit click here to see if you’re ready for this change.
Celebrating Black History Month
Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Black History Month and the work that is being done to ensure all Washington residents, regardless of their race or ethnicity, have access to the rights and privileges of living in this great state.
Some of the most impactful legislation in our state has been brought forth by Black legislators like the Landlord Tenant Act of 1973, which is arguably one of the most important pieces of housing legislation to pass in our state, and making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a holiday in Washington.
I am inspired by the legacy and the contributions of these great legislators and the examples they have set for all of us. You can learn more about how House Democrats are acknowledging Black History Month here.
Of course, this legacy is not just a thing of the past – it lives on within my colleagues who continue to make Black history today. Rep. Natasha Hill (D-Spokane) became the first Black woman to represent her district with her election this year. And with Hill’s election as well as the election of Shaun Scott (D-Seattle) and my appointment to the Legislature, Washington’s Legislative Black Caucus is now the largest on the West Coast.
Representation matters. I was an intern in 2010, and back then there were only 12 legislating people of color, between staff, members and lobbyists on the entire campus! So, to see how far we’ve come since then reminds me that our growth isn’t just something that we do to check a box. By being here, it’s gives people an opportunity to see that they can be in these roles, these are jobs they can have, and they are a part of this community just like anybody else. Making sure that we’re lifting up all the history and people who brought us here is meaningful to me.
Our caucus has a new newsletter that talks more about our priorities and how we’re working to support and uplift Black communities in Washington. Learn more here.
That’s it for now. Look out for my next legislative update coming soon!
Rep. Brianna Thomas
State Representative, 34th Legislative District
Connect with me:
housedemocrats.wa.gov/Thomas | facebook.com/RepBriannaThomas | Email