Dear friends and neighbors, 

The first few weeks of the legislative session have been full of activity. I have had the pleasure of meeting many constituents, engaging in meaningful conversations about legislation and actively participating in committee hearings and voting on bills off the Senate floor. I am grateful for your continued support in driving meaningful change for our communities. It remains my honor to serve in this role. 

Updates on my bills: 

Wednesday marked the policy committee cutoff, and while I am disappointed that some of my bills did not advance, I am very excited about those that did. When it comes to bills and budget priorities, I remain determined to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of beloved community members. Here are the latest updates on the status of some of my bills this session: 

  • SB 6009 permanently prohibits the inhumane practice of hog-tying by police, declaring it as excessive force.  This bill carries the weight of lives lost and the hopes of a community yearning for justice. This bill has been sent to the Rules Committee.  
  • SB 5883 shifts the burden of proof in due process hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from parents to school districts, aiming to promote equity. By holding school districts accountable, the legislation alleviates financial strain on parents, particularly those with limited resources and language barriers. This bill passed the Senate and has moved to the House for consideration.  
  • SB 6175 authorizes cities to establish a new property tax exemption program for commercial buildings converted into affordable housing. The legislation aims to incentivize the repurposing of existing buildings to address housing needs and promote equity. This bill is awaiting action in the Ways & Means Committee.  
  • SB 5884 clarifies courts’ authority to order restitution for environmental harm in criminal cases, addressing water pollution, air pollution, and hazardous waste management. It aims to strengthen accountability, deter potential offenders, and protect the environment. This bill passed the Senate and has moved to the House for consideration. 
  • SB 6226 mandates the Department of Social and Health Services’ Office of Fraud and Accountability to submit biannual reports to the Legislature to enhance accountability and transparency. This bill has been referred to the Ways & Means committee.  

You can follow the progress of all of my bills here.  

Other bills of interest 

Although some of my bills did not make it past the policy cutoff deadline, I am happy to share that their companions in the House continue to advance.  

  • HB 2114 enhances housing stability for tenants by restricting rent and fee increases, implementing notice requirements, and addressing challenges of affordability, evictions, and homelessness. Even though my Senate version didn’t pass, I’m happy the House bill is moving forward. I support it fully and hope it becomes law to help renters. 
  • HB 2160 prevents cities from blocking the construction of apartment buildings in areas near transit stations, encouraging more housing development to address the state’s pressing need for more homes, especially near public transportation, promoting accessible and walkable neighborhoods. 

What’s next  

February 13th is the final day for bills to pass in their house of origin, and we are diligently working to ensure our bills progress through the Senate and make it to the House. 

We remain committed to funding priorities that center the health and well-being of people in our district and state, boost economic opportunities, and support working families. My focus remains on key areas like affordable housing, community safety, infrastructure and access to behavioral health services. I will keep supporting these priorities, whether they are my bills or not because our district benefits when we lift up what positively impacts all Washingtonians. 

 

Stay involved 

I hope you will continue to stay in touch with my office about the issues important to you. All the bills we pass benefit from public input. Your time and effort help me do the best job I can representing our district. Thank you so much. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly with any questions or concerns.   

Sincerely yours, 

Yasmin Trudeau