The 2022 session kicks into high gear this week with the release and potential floor action on the supplemental capital, transportation and operating budgets. An important deadline arrives Thursday which is the last day policy committees have to take action on House bills before they can no longer be considered this session.
A BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN WASHINGTON
Monday, February 21
8 am
Senate Democratic Caucus budget leads Sens. Christine Rolfes and June Robinson will unveil the 2022 supplemental operating budget Monday morning and answer questions from the press on a budget that invests in schools, the climate crisis, public health, and much more. Watch on TVW.
SAFE COMMUNITIES
Monday, February 21
9:30 am
The Law & Justice Committee will hold public hearings on bills to address firearm safety, including House Bill 1705 which regulates untraceable ghost guns, and HB 1630, which prohibits open carry at school board meetings, certain government offices and election-related facilities. The committee will also consider HB 1815, which addresses the theft of catalytic converters, and HB 2037, which addresses police use of force. Watch on TVW.
INVESTING IN WASHINGTON
Monday, February 21
4 pm
The Ways & Means Committee will hear public testimony on the 2022 supplemental operating budget and is also scheduled to vote out of committee the 2022 supplemental capital budget (SB 5651) which invests in affordable housing, schools, environmental cleanup, public health and other priorities across the state. Watch on TVW.
MOVE AHEAD WASHINGTON
Monday, February 21
4 pm
The Transportation Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5975, which enumerates the projects paid for in the Move Ahead Washington transportation investment plan, and SB 5689, the 2022 supplemental transportation budget. Both bills are tentatively scheduled to be voted out of committee on Wednesday. Watch on TVW.
HAZING PREVENTION
Tuesday, February 22
1:30 pm
The Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee will take public testimony on House Bill 1751, a policy to prevent and reduce hazing on Washington’s college campuses. You can read more here in the Spokesman Review about the 2019 death of WSU freshman Sam Martinez which prompted the creation of this policy. Watch on TVW.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Wednesday, February 23
10:30 am
The Housing & Local Government Committee will hear public testimony on House Bill 1660, a bill that aims to remove bureaucratic barriers to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), a crucial tool to combat the housing crisis. Watch on TVW.
FLOOR ACTION
Wednesday & Friday
1 pm & 10 am
A big week on the floor kicks off Wednesday with the expected passage of the capital budget. Floor action continues Friday where it is anticipated additional key policies of the 2022 session will be debated. Watch all the action on TVW.
Wednesday, Feb. 23: 1 pm
Friday, Feb. 25: 10 am – 1:30 pm – 5 pm
