Week of February 22nd: Legislative Update
Week 7 Legislative Update: Halfway there
We’re officially in the second half of this year’s legislative session and I’m very happy to share that all three of our priority bills (HB 1099, SB 5042 and HB 1769) are all still alive and kicking after this week’s cutoff date. Wahoo!
Here’s what we can expect for the second half of the legislative session
Our top priority right now is getting all three of our bills out of committee and to Senate or House floor for a vote. Overall, we’re feeling fairly confident that we have the votes to pass these bills. But with so many bills to hear and pass in just a few short weeks, we run into the danger that opponents of this legislation will just run down the clock until time has run out for a vote.
We can’t let that happen.
Keep Our Bills Moving
The best way to ensure that these bills pass is to make sure that legislators are hearing a constant drumbeat from people like you that we need to pass these bills NOW. We’ve got key actions this week for each of our bills to make your voice heard. Plus join us for a text bank this Wednesday to keep building our momentum. Read on for how to plug in!
HB 1099 – Adding Climate to the GMA
Our landmark bill to add a climate element to the Growth Management Act has momentum – it’s already headed to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. This bill is facing the most opposition, so it’s critical to make your voice heard: pass climate in the GMA now!
ACTION: Contact the Ways and Means Committee and ask them to vote YES on HB1099
SB 5042 – Closing the GMA Sprawl Loophole
Our legislation to close a nasty loophole in the GMA that allows unnecessary sprawl had its first hearing the House Environment and Energy committee last week, and was voted out of committee this morning. Now, we turn our focus to the entire House as we wait for SB5042 to be pulled from the House Rules Committee for a floor vote.
ACTION: Ask your Representatives to vote YES on SB5042.
HB 1769 – Sunsetting Municipal Corporations
Our final priority bill would end the veto power of municipal corporations over local housing policy. We’re thrilled to share that this bill passed out of the House last week with bipartisan support. This morning, it had its first hearing in the Senate Housing and Local Government Committee- stay tuned for more advocacy actions to come!
Join us Wednesday for a Text Bank!
Already finished emailing your legislators and signing in “Pro” at the committee hearing? Here’s our last ask for the week.
On Wednesday, we’re partnering with the Sierra Club and the Washington Environmental Council for a virtual text bank to advocate for policies that will address the climate crisis and protect our forests and farms from sprawling development.
Join us from 4:30-6 on Wednesday, February 23rd!
Together, we’re creating a brighter future for Washington communities. As we enter the back half of the session, let’s keep up the great work to see these bills all the way to the finish line.
