AWSP Blog

With nearly 2,000 bills introduced, the legislative process is moving quickly as key bills head to fiscal committees ahead of the February 21 policy cutoff. Governor Ferguson’s 6% agency budget cuts are adding pressure, with high-stakes decisions expected next week. Meanwhile, political tensions are rising between the House and the Governor’s office, signaling potential conflicts ahead. As budget negotiations heat up, expect more drama in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates.

This week’s legislative focus included school safety, financial literacy, special education funding, and student rights. Bills on adding nurses to the BEST program, restricting flavored tobacco, and revising graduation requirements were discussed. With the February 21 deadline approaching, staying engaged is key. Read on for details and upcoming hearings.

This week at the Capitol, budget concerns took center stage as legislators scrambled to introduce bills ahead of the February 21 policy committee cutoff. A series of fast-moving budget bills aim to transfer $2 billion from reserve funds to help offset the state’s growing $10-14 billion deficit. With fiscal constraints tightening, most bills requiring new funding face an uphill battle. Meanwhile, major caucus-priority bills—covering rent control, parental rights, environmental crimes, and police accountability—are gaining traction. As budget realities set in, whispers of a special session are already circulating.

OSPI has posted proposed rule changes to WAC 392-157-125, requiring a minimum 20-minute seated lunchtime in K-12 public schools. This was done in response to a state audit from 2019. We know that while some of you meet this requirement already, for many of you, these suggested rules would create significant challenges for buildings and districts as an unfunded mandate. To ensure building and district perspectives are heard, we strongly encourage you to submit feedback to OSPI by the January 14 deadline.

As we move into fall, we are closer to the important general election in November that will elect a new President and Governor and numerous new legislators and other statewide elected officials. Three initiatives are on the ballot as well. The makeup of legislative committees and leadership positions will change somewhat as a result of the elections, so significant change in Washington’s political landscape is coming.