Dear Neighbors,  

We’re halfway through the legislative session and making important (and difficult) decisions. Keep reading to learn more about cutoff, a crucial bill that passed the Senate, and my upcoming town hall!  

The Washington State Senate convenes for floor session – Feb. 25, 2025

Cutoff 

Last Friday was fiscal cutoff! As I discussed in my last newsletter, fiscal cutoff is the date by which bills with a financial impact must advance out of the Ways & Means and Transportation committees. Here’s the current state of my bills:  

In the Rules Committee 

Passed Senate, in the House 
5540  5103 

8004 
5616  5104 

8005 
8002  5142 

5414 
  5589 

5102 

 

I’m proud of my work and the eight bills that have already passed the Senate and look forward to our next big deadline on March 12: house of origin cutoff. Bills must be passed by the chamber in which they originated (either the House or Senate) by this date to keep moving through the process. The next week will be full of floor debate and votes as we approach this day. You can watch the action on TVW.org starting at 10:00 a.m. most days.  

Houston family 

SB 5142 passed the Senate — unanimously! The Houston Eminent Domain Fairness Act will require school districts that gain property through eminent domain to offer the previous owner the opportunity to repurchase the land if the school district does not use it for the stated use. The Houston family and allies came to Olympia in January to testify on the bill and share their story, explaining how this policy would have helped them. I spoke on the floor in support of this bill and am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.  

Land, homes, and property are a key wealth-building tool — one we must be mindful with regard to equity as we develop as a state. During public testimony on this bill, the Houston family explained how the land they owned is now occupied by million-dollar houses while they’ve struggled to find the same stability. This bill ensures that doesn’t happen again.  

The bill is currently in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee.    

Tax season 

April showers may bring May flowers, but it also brings tax season. Tax Day is April 15. In Washington, families may receive up to $1,290 back if they meet certain eligibility requirements through the Working Families Tax Credit program. See if you qualify here and apply here.  

Town halls  

I’m holding a town hall with Sen. Tina Orwall of our neighboring 33rd Legislative District. Senator Orwall is a champion for human services. This is an exciting opportunity to ask questions and hear all about what’s happening in Olympia. Here are the details:  

What: Town hall with Sens. Bob Hasegawa and Tina Orwall 

Date: Saturday, March 22 

Time: Doors open at 10:00 a.m., program starts at 10:30 a.m. 

Where: Foster High School Library  

Address: 4242 S 144th St. Tukwila, WA 98168 

Stay in touch 

Join my Intro Sheet Club to see new bill introductions. If there are any you’d like me to sign on to, reach out to my office!   

Now that we’re approaching House of Origin cutoff and each Chamber is furiously passing their bills, you’ll notice bills on the intro sheet that have successfully passed out of the House floor and are going over to the Senate for consideration.  

Thank you to everyone who continues to testify in hearings, sign in for or against bills, and call and email my office! Your input is invaluable and a crucial aspect of my decision-making process (and at times, the highlight of my day).  

Phone: 360-786-7616 (during regular business hours; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

Email me! 

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram!  

As always, thank you for reading and following along. I look forward to seeing you at the town hall!  

Talk to you again soon,
Bob