News Releases

Highlights include record-setting affordable housing construction and $5 billion plan for fish culverts OLYMPIA – Senate leaders announced their proposal for the 2025-27 capital budget on Monday, which will fund construction and infrastructure projects across Washington state. “When I began our work on the capital budget this year, I had a few bedrock principles in mind,” said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), vice ...

Legislation strengthening criminal penalties against corporate actors responsible for pollution spills and other environmental crimes passed the Washington State Senate Tuesday on a 29-20 vote. Under current law, violations of federal environmental law face harsher penalties than state violations. Senate Bill 5360, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), comprehensively updates state statutes to more closely align with federal penalties, enabling ...

The Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha will be officially recognized by Washington state under legislation sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) passed by the Senate Wednesday. State days of recognition are days passed into law as officially recognized by the state. These are not paid holidays, but employees can use their personal paid time off to utilize ...

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) to pass rent stabilization and other tenant protections will be heard 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the Senate Housing Committee. The hearing can be streamed live or watched on replay at TVW here. The bill, Senate Bill 5222, is a companion to House Bill 1217, the House companion bill introduced ...

Legislation strengthening criminal penalties against corporate actors responsible for pollution spills and other environmental crimes was introduced Thursday by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma). SB 5360 comprehensively updates these statutes to more closely align with federal law. This includes stronger criminal penalties to ensure that those who violate Washington’s laws on clean air, clean water, and hazardous waste are held accountable ...

Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), vice chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee for the capital budget, released the following statement in response to the capital budget proposed by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday: “I would like to thank the governor and his team for all their work. This budget proposal will be an important foundation to our capital budget writing ...

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at increasing affordable housing was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 6175, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), represents a collaborative effort to address the pressing need for accessible housing options, particularly for low- and moderate-income households in urban areas. The newly enacted legislation introduces provisions for a sales and ...

OLYMPIA — A groundbreaking bill aimed at advancing justice and protecting human rights was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday.  Senate Bill 6009, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), prohibits the dangerous and inhumane practice of hog-tying by law enforcement officers.  The bill establishes that hog-tying constitutes the use of excessive force, a practice ...

OLYMPIA – A bill addressing a crucial issue in special education was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday.   Senate Bill 5883, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), promotes equity by placing the burden of proof on school districts in due process hearings relating to special education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ...

OLYMPIA – Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) and other House and Senate legislators, representing landlords, renters, and homeowners, held a press conference Friday emphasizing the critical need to advance legislation aimed at stabilizing excessive rent increases and other important protections to help families plan for increased housing costs.  House Bill 2114, sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-White ...