Next bill is a good one, SB 5862 which provides 3% COLA increase for the PERS 1 retirees -- these are the oldest retirees in our system, largely retired female teachers in their 80s. Let's do it. #waleg
The sportsbetting bill passes 70 votes to 26, a very interesting mixed no vote. Now we're doing SB 5880 which would allow some private labs to process toxicology tests from DUI charges. Right now those have to be done at a state-owned lab which has a huge backlog. I'm a yes. #waleg
I'm planning to vote no on this -- I'm just not comfortable with expanding sports betting at this time without a stronger regulation of the illegal prop bet markets as well. But obviously since this is on the floor, they've got the votes between Rs and Ds. #waleg
The pro argument: This betting is happening illegally already on platforms like Kalshi and also you can currently bet on out of state college teams - let's legalize and regulate this. The con argument: sports betting increases harassment of student athletes and problem gambling. #waleg
We're back doing bills. We just did a good one on property tax reform. Now we're doing one on sports betting, which would allow you to be on college teams in WA but not college athletes. It does not expand the types of places where you can gamble #waleg
My work here is done
We're currently on a 15 minute break that has lasted 40 minutes. #waleg
With the procedural over, we're on bills. #waleg
On the procedural motions, it's the practice for the two caucuses to hang together and that's what happened here. This kind of action is called being "8th ordered" because it's the 8th order under the rules to refer bills in/out of committees. #waleg
First up, the Republicans are going to try a procedural motion to force the millionaire's tax bill to be referred back to the Appropriations committee instead of just coming from the Finance committee to the floor. This would kill the bill. #waleg
Good afternoon! We have gaveled in in the House. We have less than 5 hours to run a lot of bills. #waleg
The through line for me is always this: how can I make Washington more just, safe, prosperous and healthy?
In every session in big ways and small, out front and behind the scenes, there are a million ways to help that work advance and also to bring ideas forward that will advance later. #waleg
In addition to the bills I directly sponsored, I’ve worked hard this session on policies within Transportation, Housing, and of course taxation. And I proposed transformative bills on bike/pedestrian safety and higher education affordability #waleg
Three bills to stand up for homeowners rights in HOAs and improve HOA practices (1500, 1501, and 2354). And a trailer bill to the first ever law I ever made — licensing music therapists — to make it easier for them to work while awaiting exam results #waleg
Most of my “big big” bills were too big for a short session, but what did pass is still good and meaningful. 1687 to help Seattle work better with the social housing PDA, 2091 to make it easier for the state union to communicate with the folks they represent. #waleg
Good morning! I’m proud to say that all six of my bills that were alive at cutoff have PASSED the Senate and are on their way to the Governor. I think that’s a personal best for my prime sponsor legislation and a huge testament to the work of the amazing advocates on these teams. #waleg
We got it done!
We PASSED IT!! Good night!!!! Everyone sleep. #waleg
Also while we got some of these amendments withdrawn -- the people whose time isn't really being well handled in these big debates is staff. They have to research, prepare, and draft all 50 plus amendments, most of which don't get used #waleg
Having one speaker for/one against each amendment (or one from each side if we agree) would be such a great way to do all our debates here. We would get a lot more done and honestly, probably all be more engaged in the debate itself. #waleg
Now adopting the striking amendment and then we're on to final passage. #waleg
Last three amendments. The end is in sight. #waleg
I got to speak on an amendment! Which meant I had to put my jacket back on. #waleg
This is going a lot faster now. So far it's one speech per side and each speech is short. We could do all our debates this way! #waleg
It's Night Floor (TM)! Anything can happen and tonight it did. #waleg
Whew! Six hours ago we started the debate on this bill to require sheriffs to (checks notes) have the same qualifications as the police officers they lead. After slogging through oral roll call votes, about 10 of the remaining 25 amendments were withdrawn and we're back to voting normally. #waleg
We've been at ease for a while waiting for the Republicans to come out of caucus. #waleg
Personal update: I just spilled a lot of coffee on my desk. #waleg
It's 11:30 PM and we're still here. We're about halfway through the amendments, and the Republicans are starting to repeat themselves so once again I have no updates to provide. #waleg
