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February 6, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We’ve reached an important date for this 2024 legislative session. Wednesday, Jan. 31, was the last day bills without a fiscal note could be considered and passed out of their respective committees in the chamber in which they originated.

Bills I’m Working on This Session

I’m pleased to report that all but one of the bills I’m sponsoring made it out of their respective committees. They are all currently waiting for a vote by the entire House.

House Bill 1982 would strengthen rural broadband service in Washington by codifying the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Rural Broadband program. This simple bill would have a big impact on our rural communities and tribes. Click here to read more and on the image below to watch me explain in more detail.

House Bill 2045 would facilitate the removal of fish barriers on lands owned by local governments by creating the “Adopt a Fish Barrier” program, through which local governments may receive private donations. The donors’ contributions would be recognized with a sign at the corrected barrier, much like the “Adopt a Highway” program. Click here to read more and on the image below to watch me explain in more detail.

House Bill 2204 would allow beverage producers a temporary emergency permit – with no fees – to move their place of business to another beverage producing company in the event a natural disaster forces them to close. This bill came about after the Tunnel Five Fire forced several wineries to shut down production last summer. Click here to read more and on the image below to watch me explain in more detail.

House Bill 2255 would require the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to regularly audit the data in the Cannabis Central Reporting System, with a goal of identifying and preventing illegal inversion and diversion of cannabis into and out of Washington’s regulated cannabis system. This would eliminate bad operators by ensuring the producers we work with follow state standards. Click here to learn more.

House Bill 2260 intends to bring fairness to a situation that lacks equity. Under current law, when a store clerk sells alcohol to a minor they can be charged with a criminal penalty. If a restaurant worker or someone that serves alcohol sells to a minor, they are given a fine instead of being charged with a criminal penalty. Under this bill, the LCB could impose a civil penalty for the store clerk instead of issuing a criminal citation. Click here to learn more.

I will continue to update you on the progress of these bills as we move forward.

Update on the Statewide Initiatives

Many of you have heard about the six statewide initiatives certified by the Secretary of State in January. Each of those initiatives was recently introduced to the Legislature. Click on the links below to learn more.

• I-2113 would restore vehicular pursuit tools to law enforcement.
• I-2117would repeal the state’s cap-and-trade program.
• I-2081would establish a parents’ bill of rights.
• I-2109would repeal the capital gains excise tax imposed on sales and exchanges of long-term capital assets by individuals with capital gains over $250,000.
• I-2111 would codify Washington state’s longstanding tradition of prohibiting state and local personal income taxes.
• I-2124 enables working individuals to choose not to participate in the Washington Cares Fund, a long-term care payroll tax program.

What’s Next?

House Republicans made a separate motion on the floor for each initiative to receive a prompt public hearing in committee. The majority party unanimously voted against the motion each time.

Here’s what could happen moving forward:

1. The Legislature may adopt the initiatives as proposed and they would become law without a vote of the people.
2. The Legislature may reject or refuse to act on the proposed initiatives, and they must be placed on the ballot at the next general election.
3. The Legislature may propose a different measure dealing with the same subject for any of the initiatives and both measures must be placed on the next general election ballot.

If there are any updates, I will keep you posted.

Thank You for Your Support

As your representative in the 17th District, my goal is to be your voice in Olympia. Please continue reaching out to me to share your input as this session progresses. You can reach me using the contact info below. It’s truly a privilege to represent you.

Thank you!

Kevin Waters