Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’re now in the seventh week of the legislative session. This past Friday marked the deadline for most bills to advance out of their policy committees. Bills in the Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees have until this Friday to move forward. While not every bill will pass this session, many will remain in play next year. I’ll continue working to pass legislation that strengthens our communities and improves the lives of all Washingtonians and those of us in the 46th Legislative District. 

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with several constituents and stakeholders to discuss the issues that matter most to our communities. One of those meetings was with parents and students from various northeast Seattle schools, where we had a thoughtful conversation about the challenges students and families face. Education is the foundation of our future, and I remain committed to advancing policies that ensure all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. 

Legislative updates 

Here are some of my bills that continue to advance: 

  • SB 5098 — Helps keep public spaces safer by prohibiting weapons in parks, playground facilities, and fairgrounds. This bill was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and is awaiting further action.  
  • SB 5118  — Addresses our state’s physician shortage by removing the sunset provision on a key licensing policy, allowing more qualified doctors to serve our communities.
    This bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee and awaits a vote on the Senate floor.  
  • SB 5077 — Expands voter access by integrating more government agencies and online platforms into the registration process. This bill passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee. 
  • SB 5069 — Ensures Washingtonians have access to accurate and timely election information by requiring a voter pamphlet for both primary and general elections every year. This bill had a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and awaits further action. 
  • SB 5101 — Expands workplace leave and safety accommodations to hate crime victims, giving them the same protections as those facing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further action.  
  • SB 5667 — Improves Amtrak Cascades service by enhancing travel time, reliability, and frequency — responding directly to constituent feedback on the need for better intercity rail service. This bill had a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee and awaits further action.  

You can track the status of all my bills here.  

Standing with our communities 

As I’ve emphasized before, immigrant communities continue to face growing challenges, including increased deportations and harmful policies that create fear and uncertainty. These actions go against our values and weaken the fabric of our diverse communities. We won’t be intimidated by fear-driven policies that seek to divide us. Instead, we’ll keep pushing for fair and compassionate policies that prioritize safety, dignity, and the well-being of all families. 

If you or someone you know needs support, The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs has launched a Rapid Response Hub with legal, financial, and social services. You can access those resources here.  

I’m also proud to have joined my colleagues in the Latino Democratic Caucus in co-signing a statement from our chair, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, addressing safety concerns for undocumented immigrants. You can read the full statement, available in both English and Spanish, here.  

How can you participate? 

  • Stay in touch: Share your thoughts on important bills. You can reach me by phone, email, or request an in-person meeting. 
  • Testify on bills: Voice your opinion by testifying on bills in committee. You can testify in person at the Capitol or remotely from any location with internet access. You can also submit written testimony to be included in the official legislative record. Learn more here. 
  • Tune in from anywhere: Watch live coverage or catch past committee hearings, floor sessions, and more online at tvw.org. 

For more information on how to participate in the legislative process, click here. 

Save the date 

On March 20, Reps. Gerry Pollet and Darya Farivar and I will host an in-person community town hall in our district. We’ll answer your questions, discuss the progress we’ve made this session, and hear directly from you about the work still ahead. More details on the time and location will be shared soon, so stay tuned for updates via email and on my social media pages. 

As always, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or by calling my office at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my activities by visiting my website or following me on Facebook,  X and Instagram for regular updates.    

Sincerely,    

  

 

Sen. Javier Valdez