OLYMPIA — As the midpoint of the 60-day session approaches, Senate Democrats continue to pass priority legislation with bipartisan support, including votes last week to help sick Hanford workers, reduce gun violence, and expand college opportunities for DREAMers. This week features hearings on youth homelessness, student loans, electric vehicles, law enforcement, net neutrality, ‘ban the box’ policies, and many more issues. Policy committees also face a Friday deadline to move bills out. Any policy bill that doesn’t earn committee support by the 5 p.m. deadline on Friday is likely “dead” this session.


• Democratic leaders from the House and Senate will hold a press availability at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the Senate Caucus Room.
• Possible floor action Wednesday-Friday.
• This is not a complete list of committees or agendas. It only includes items we think you might find of interest. Check the legislative website for complete agendas.
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Monday, Jan. 2

Health & Long Term Care 10 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 1

SB 6273 – Concerning state charity care law. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.

Law & Justice 10 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 4

SB 5970 – Establishing a pilot project for crisis intervention response teams composed of qualified law enforcement and mental health professionals to respond professionally, humanely, and safely to crisis involving people with mental health issues.

Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks 1:30 pm, Senate Hearing Rm 3

SB 6396 – Concerning the use of perfluorinated chemicals in food packaging. 

Tuesday, Jan. 3

Financial Institutions & Insurance 8 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 3

SJM 8002 – Requesting that Congress enact legislation that would reinstate the separation of commercial and investment banking functions that were in effect under the Glass-Steagall act.

SB 6400 – Concerning local authority to address affordable housing needs through regulation of rent and associated charges.

SB 6532 – Creating a Washington affordable housing tax credit program.

SB 6557 – Concerning sales, use, and excise tax exemptions for self-help housing development

Energy, Environment & Technology 10 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 1

SB 6080 – Concerning the electrification of transportation.

SB 6098 – Reducing climate altering emissions from light duty vehicles

Health & Long Term Care 10 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 2

SB 6157 – Regarding prior authorization. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.)

SB 6416 – Requiring the insurance commissioner to review a health carrier’s surplus levels in its rate filing review process.

SB 6470 – Concerning health carrier provider networks.

Human Services & Corrections 1:30 pm, Senate Hearing Rm 2

SB 6560 – Ensuring that no youth is discharged from a public system of care into homelessness SB 6566 – Concerning juvenile offenses

Ways & Means 3:30 pm, Senate Hearing Rm 4

SB 6110 – Prohibiting employers from asking about arrests or convictions before an applicant is determined otherwise qualified for a position. (Ban the box)

SSB 5689 – Establishing a statewide policy supporting Washington state’s economy and immigrants’ role in the workplace.

SSB 6029 – Establishing a student loan bill of rights

Wednesday, Jan. 31 

Energy, Environment & Technology 8: a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 1

SB 6423 – Concerning the internet.

State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections 8 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 2

SB 6075 – Concerning disclosure of contributors to online political advertising.

Labor & Commerce 1:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Rm 4

SB 6266 – Concerning loot boxes in online games and apps.

Friday, Feb. 2

State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections 8 a.m., Senate Hearing Rm 2

SB 5816 – Designating Sasquatch the official cryptid or crypto-animal of Washington.