News Releases

Gov. Jay Inslee has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) to improve habitat for endangered species and help keep working forests from potential liability under the federal Endangered Species Act. SB 5390 fixes a perverse incentive in the Endangered Species Act. When endangered species are found on private lands, often ...

The Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) to honor Washington’s Sikh community and wish them a joyous celebration of the holiday Vaisakhi. Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu joined the Senate for the passage of the resolution. “The Sikh community has been an incredibly open and hospitable community where I ...

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) to streamline the removal of derelict vessels in Washington waters was signed into law today by Gov. Jay Inslee, after passing both chambers of the Legislature unanimously. “Getting derelict vessels out of our water more quickly is a big deal for our coastal and port communities,” said ...

Today, the Washington State Senate passed HB 1337, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac), legislation to expand the building of accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, mother-in-law units, or backyard cottages, and ensure they are legal and allowed statewide. Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), one of the Legislature’s foremost supporters of ADUs, applauded passage of the bill. “Both Rep. Mia Gregerson ...

Legislation to increase the supply and affordability of condominiums unanimously passed the Washington State Senate today. SB 5258, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), would reduce costly litigation by encouraging developers and condo owners to work together and fix any defects in a building without going to court. SB 5258 would also set up a fund to support condo ...

Senate Bill 5546, legislation establish to authorize a state cannabis commission, passed the Senate on Wednesday. “I sponsored this bill because I believe in agricultural research. Research has been a powerful force in providing cheap and safe crops for our nation, and continues to push agriculture to be more efficient, more humane and more sustainable. However, cannabis has not had ...

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) to promote Washington state’s manufacturing sector as it transitions to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 passed the Senate on Wednesday, March 8th. Senate Bill 5269 creates the Washington Clean Manufacturing Leadership Act, directing the state Department of Commerce to develop an independent assessment strategy to capture and support new and emerging manufacturing ...

The Washington State Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) to help working forests from potential liability under the federal Endangered Species Act. SB 5390 would authorize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to work with landowners and the federal fish and wildlife services to develop voluntary “safe harbor” agreements that landowners could enter, wherein they ...

The Washington State Senate passed legislation to support ranchers and Washington’s beef industry. SB 5150, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), would provide additional funding for the Washington State Beef Commission and its promotional efforts on behalf of ranchers and dairy farmers by raising the checkoff fee paid on the sale of each head of cattle. “Ranchers asked me to ...

Today, the Washington State Senate passed SB 5452, legislation to expand options for local governments to use money from impact fees to build bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. “We use impact fees to pay for all kinds of good, helpful infrastructure – why not for more bike options?” asked Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), prime sponsor of the bill. “Places for people ...