Week 11 is looking busy, with both the operating and transportation budgets scheduled to be unveiled during Monday press conferences. Each will get a public hearing in its respective committee on Tuesday, with floor votes expected Saturday. Policy committees will also remain active as they prepare for next week’s policy cutoff on April 2.

OPERATING BUDGET PRESS CONFERENCE

Ways & Means Chair June Robinson.

10 a.m. Monday, March 24

Sens. June Robinson, Derek Stanford and Noel Frame will answer questions from the media about the 2025-27 operating budget Monday. Watch on TVW.

PAID FAMILY LEAVE

Labor & Commerce Committee Chair Rebecca Saldaña.

10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24

The Labor & Commerce Committee will hear public testimony on House Bill 1213, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry.The bill strengthens job protections under Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, bringing our state in line with others that offer similar benefits. It also expands grant support to help small businesses cover related costs. Watch on TVW.

TRANSPORTATION BUDGET PRESS CONFERENCE

Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias.

11 a.m. Monday, March 24

Transportation Chair Marko Liias will be joined by Vice Chair Bill Ramos for a bipartisan press conference Monday to announce details of the 2025-27 transportation budget. Watch on TVW.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Law & Justice Chair Manka Dhingra.

8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 25

The Law & Justice Committee will hear public testimony two bills aimed at improving public safety. House Bill 2015, sponsored by Rep. Debra Entenman, allows local governments to increase funding at the municipal level and creates a state grant to support law enforcement hiring. You can read more about it here. HB 1163, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry, requires permits for the purchase and transfer of firearms. It tasks the Washington State Patrol with issuing permits and requires proof of certified firearm safety training. You can read more about that bill here. Watch on TVW.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Democratic leaders will answer questions from the media Tuesday.

11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25

House and Senate Democratic leaders will hold their weekly media availability Tuesday. Watch on TVW.

PROTECTING WASHINGTON’S SOVERIGNTY

State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee Chair Javier Valdez.

1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25

The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee will hear public testimony on House Bill 1321, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena. The bill gives the governor authority to block National Guard units from other states from entering Washington unless deployed by the president. It responds to Republican governors offering their Guard troops to support far-right immigration policies. You can read more here. Watch on TVW.

OPERATING BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

Funding for Washington's schools is a major part of the operating budget.

4 p.m. Tuesday, March 25

The Ways & Means Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5167, the 2025-27 operating budget. Watch on TVW.

TRANSPORTATION BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

Funding for Washington's ferry system is an important part of the transportation budget.

Tuesday, March 25 @ 4 p.m.

The Transportation Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5161, the 2025-27 transportation budget. Watch on TVW.

FLOOR ACTION

The Senate will hold floor votes Wednesday.

12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26

The Senate will debate policy bills on the floor Wednesday. Watch on TVW.

SATURDAY FLOOR ACTION

The Senate will be in action Saturday.

10 a.m. Saturday, March 29

The Senate will be in action Saturday, tentatively scheduled to vote on the operating and transportation budgets. You can watch the morning session here, the afternoon session here, and if necessary, the evening session here.