Dear friends and neighbors,

The President of the Senate has dropped his gavel for the last time this session, and the 2024 Legislature has adjourned Sine Die, Latin for “without day.” Legislators are headed back to their districts to spend time learning, listening, and engaging with their communities.

I am proud of our work this year, especially the strides we made around K-12 education, childcare, housing, gun violence prevention, and behavioral health. Though this is my last legislative session, I will continue to serve through the end of the year, so please keep in touch. In case you missed my announcement, here’s a link. 

2024 Policy Successes

This session, we passed robust, bipartisan transportation, operating, and capital budgets. We also passed many important policy bills that will help make a difference for Washingtonians. A few are highlighted below:

  • One of my prime-sponsored bills, SB 5917, corrected a loophole in current state law that does not allow for the prosecution of hate crimes for defacement of public property. This bill was inspired by events in Spokane and will help Washingtonians be safer and feel safer and more welcome in their communities.
  • SB 5574 was my other prime-sponsored bill this session. This bill expands the Department of Children, Youth and Families’ ability to conduct timely background checks to help address the current childcare workforce shortage.
  • SB 6175 incentivizes conversions of commercial properties (where the market is soft) to residential units (where there are big demands).
  • HB 2180 increases funding for special education in K-12 schools.
  • Inspired by a Spokane constituent, SB 5998 is a follow up to the New Hope Act and expands eligibility to vacate convictions for people with misdemeanor convictions on their record.
  • SB 5931 adds 6PPD, a chemical commonly found in vehicle tires, to the priority chemical list under the Safer Products for Washington Act. This will help to protect ecosystems and waterways like the Spokane river.
  • HB 1899 supports reconstruction efforts for Spokane County communities that have been affected by wildfire.
  • HB 1916 increases funding for the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program and supports providers in creating strong and resilient communities.

This year, like most, over 90% of the bills we passed in the Legislature were bipartisan as we worked to advance policies and budgets that make Washington a better place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Stay in Touch

I always welcome your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.

Onward!

Andy