Dear friends and neighbors, 

This week marks the beginning of the 2024 legislative session, and we are ready to get to work! I remain honored to serve you and the amazing community in the 27th Legislative District. I want you all to know what is happening in Olympia and what bills I am sponsoring and encourage you to reach out with your thoughts at any time. If you want to know more about how to testify in committee, please reach out to my team, and they can help explain how to engage in that process. 

My Team 

(From left to right: Terique Scott – Session Aide, Celine Paula Paez – Intern, Christian Lamas – Communications Specialist, Yasmin Trudeau – State Senator 27th LD, Justine Jadallah – Legislative Assistant) 

I am excited to introduce you to everyone on Team Trudeau this session! When you call, email, or engage with our office, these are the exceptional people who will be here to help you out this session. Even after the session has ended, you can always reach out to Justine Jadallah, my legislative assistant, at justine.jadallah@leg.wa.gov.  

 My Priorities 

In 2024, I remain committed to supporting legislation and budget priorities that increase opportunity, decrease disparity, and create the space for people to live their best, most authentic lives. While I am working on a range of policy areas, the focus will remain on supporting working families, protecting our environment and consumers, and championing policies that both build more housing types and help to keep people housed.  

 Here is a list of some of the bills I have introduced:  

  • SB 6024 to promote community and transit-oriented housing developments to ensure that we build housing to meet the demand and center affordability, so nobody is left behind. 
  • SB 5961 to improve housing stability for tenants by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, among other provisions, including a small landlord resource center. 
  • SB 5988 to address the millions of dollars lost by consumers due to unused gift cards by enabling individuals to reclaim their unused funds, ensuring better protection for consumers. 
  • SB 6009 to prohibit the use of hog-tying by law enforcement. 
  • SB 5884 to grant statutory authority for judges to order restitution to parties harmed by environmental crimes. 
  • SB 6042 to help support youth exiting detention but that do not have a parent or guardian able to support them, to find supports to help stabilize their lives and look to a brighter future. 
  • SB 5994 to increase penalties for antitrust violations so that there is sufficient deterrence and appropriate penalties for corporations that violate antitrust laws. 

You can see the entire list of bills I have introduced here. This legislative work forms a crucial part of my ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all residents of Washington. 

Stay tuned for a more in-depth overview of all my upcoming legislation in future updates! 

Budget Request Process 

Every other year, we’re responsible for approving three different budgets—capital, operating, and transportation—to finance the state for the following two years. During even-numbered years, we pass supplemental budgets, allowing us to adapt to unexpected changes or financial needs. The capital budget supports local and community infrastructure projects, while the operating budget focuses on state agencies and crucial programs and services. Funding requests can be submitted for both budgets. Deadlines on both budgets are approaching quickly, so if you plan to make a budget request and need the forms, please reach out to our office as soon as possible. 

How to Participate 

Here are several useful resources to guide you through the legislative process, from start to finish. These tools will help you provide real-time testimony on a bill, submit written feedback, and stay informed. 

Senate Page Program 

Want to learn more about your state government? Apply to be a page! Pages are students aged 14 through 16 who serve for one week during the legislative session. During that week, they spend time learning about the legislative process, assisting legislators, working on the Senate floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of each day’s legislative session. Pages receive pay during their week in Olympia, and scholarships are also available for families that need extra support to make this happen. 

How to Reach Me 

Your input and concerns mean a lot, so please stay in touch. You can send me an email at yasmin.trudeau@leg.wa.gov, give my office a call at 360.786.7652, or stay updated on my activities in Olympia by visiting my website. You can also find regular updates on my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For immediate assistance, the Legislative Hotline is available at 1.800.562.6000. 

Sincerely, 

State Senator Yasmin Trudeau | 27th LD