Despite facing challenges and resistance from Democrats who refused to hear many worthy bills proposed by Republicans, some noteworthy legislation has managed to stay alive by making it out of committee.

Friends, The first major deadline of the 2024 legislative session passed last week. Policy bills had to make it out of their committee of origin by January 31 to survive, meaning plenty of proposals went by the wayside. Just a few days ago, on February 5th, the second major deadline occurred. Finance-related bills referred to the House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees had to be voted out of their committees to stay in the running. Despite facing challenges and resistance from Democrats who refused to hear many worthy bills proposed by Republicans, some noteworthy legislation has managed to stay alive by making it out of committee. House Republicans have been diligent in tracking both "the good bills" and "the bad bills." You can find detailed information on their website here. Here are some bills that have successfully passed out of their committees: House Bill 1967 – Sponsored by Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen (R-25th LD), aims to prohibit a defendant convicted of a fatal hit-and-run from being eligible for a first-time offender waiver. SB 5906 – Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-19th LD), creates a statewide drug overdose prevention and education campaign, emphasizing the dangers of methamphetamines and opioids, with a focus on fentanyl. SB 6134 – Sponsored by Sen. Chris Gildon (R-25th LD), initiates programs to prevent overdoses and illicit use of opioids, including developing a mapping system for overdoses, creating a Washington State Opioid Trends Review Committee, and restoring funding to local law enforcement task forces to combat drug trafficking. We can certainly consider those efforts well-placed. Further, we can all breathe a sigh of relief at the news that a handful of the Democrats’ insane bills have failed in committee, including: SB 5770: To repeal the voter-approved 1% property tax increase limit and replace it with a 3% limit. HB 2030: Allowing prisoners serving time to vote, serve on juries, and run for public office. HB 1868: Proposing a ban on small gas motors used in outdoor equipment. Shift WA is committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in the 2024 session, including which bills move forward and if Democrats attempt to sneak any of their failed bills back in during the budgeting process. However, we need your support to continue our efforts. Please consider contributing today to help us advocate for the values and principles that matter to hardworking Washingtonians. Thank you for your ongoing support, The Shift WA team DONATE