Mid-Session Recap

As we reach the halfway mark in this year’s legislative session, bills face another major step in our funneling process – the house of origin cutoff. ByWednesday, all non-budget related bills must pass out of their initial chamber (either the senate or house of representatives), and be on the way across the capitol rotunda for consideration in the opposite chamber.

The Sheena Henderson Act, SB 5381, is a bill that would provide notification to family members when a firearm is returned to someone from police custody. This bill will make our community safer and increase peace of mind for families experiencing a challenging situation. The Sheena Henderson Act passed out of the senate unanimously and will now be considered in the house.

There are several other bills I have been working on this session that need to be voted out of the Senate by Wednesday, including SB 5153 – a bill to promote campaign finance transparency, SB 5559 – providing tuition waivers for classified school employees, SB 5740 – furthering extended foster care, and SB 5487 – allowing for the creation of a WSU Medical School in Spokane.

 

A Special Guest at the Capitol

I was treated to a visit from an honored guest this week in Olympia. Traveling all the way from Hutton Elementary in Spokane, “Flat” George Washington himself stopped by to see the sights and learn a little bit about our state’s Capitol.

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The “Flat George” project is a wonderful way for Spokane students to learn about their state. Fourth-graders at Hutton mailed Flat George to different locations all around Washington, and asked their friends and family members to return him with photos and stories about his adventures. I was pleased to have the opportunity to host George on the Senate floor.

Thanks to George and all the active, engaged learners at Camp Hutton!

 

Town Hall Reminder

Don’t forget about Representative Ormsby, Riccelli and my town hall meeting this Saturday, March 14th from 1pm to 2:30pm.

Join us for a conversation about our current work in Olympia, including education, health care, transportation and the biennial state budgets. This dialogue between constituents and legislators is crucial to our work, so we hope you can attend.

 

Town Hall Meeting Details:

      • Saturday, March 14th 1:00-2:30 pm
      • WSU Spokane – 600 N. Riverpoint Blvd
      • Parking in Orange Lot: enter code 2427 into the kiosk for free parking

 

Keeping In Touch

If you have a comment, idea, or question, please let me know. I would love to hear from you! You can reach me by e-mail at andy.billig@leg.wa.gov or by phone at 360-786-7604.

If you know someone who would like to receive their own copy of my weekly e-newsletter, tell them they can go to my website athttp://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/billig/ and click on the link to “Sign up for my e-newsletter.”

Onward!

-Andy