The final week of this year’s legislative session is about to come to a close. The last day is Sunday, April 25 and we are all anxiously awaiting final budget details. Earlier this week, there was a “handshake deal” between the House and the Senate on the operating budget. The staff has been working for the past few days to put the final bill together. It should be released on Saturday. It is usually the last bill passed before the Legislature adjourns.
The biennial budget, worked out in secrecy, will supposedly be released after this report is due. Dollars drive or kill policies, so there may be some surprises in the agreed-upon document. Meanwhile, here is a brief report on bills that are still in play and/or that have changed status since previous reports.
The focus was on floor action this week as legislators either agreed with changes made to bills in the opposite house (concurrence) or worked to resolve their differences. Several bills are still waiting on the final agreement and, of course, final behind-the-scenes budget negotiations are ongoing. Legislators are tackling a lot of big issues this session – from police reform to transportation to climate change, housing, and more. If you’re interested in some really good nonpartisan independent news about politics and policy in our state, check out the Washington State Wire.
Both houses are engaged in moving bills back and forth in order to get agreement from both bodies on a specific piece of legislation. A few policy bills are being heard until the end when policy bills that are NTIB will be heard and acted upon. Below is a report on the status of various bills that are still in play and/or have changed status since previous reports.
Like to Write?
We're always looking for guest contributions. If you have a passion to write and things to share, email David about a guest post or a role as a recurring guest blogger.
