Friend – It’s been an exciting and productive few weeks in Olympia! As we approach the halfway mark of this short session, I wanted to give you some key updates on our progress and the work still ahead.
Passed & Introduced in the Senate:
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Landmark legislation banning law enforcement officers – including ICE – from wearing face-concealing masks while on duty. The horrific events we’ve seen unfold in Minneapolis are part of a disturbing trend here in WA and nationwide: masked federal agents acting without accountability and terrorizing communities with impunity. Washington is leading by example, upholding transparency, protecting public safety, and standing up to unchecked power.
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Historic legislation to make our roads safer. After years of work, the Senate finally approved legislation to reduce Washington’s legal blood alcohol limit for drivers – a commonsense, evidence-based policy already used successfully around the world. This vote brings us closer to a simple change that will save lives and make our roads safer for everyone. This is thanks to Senator John Lovick for his leadership and persistence, and I’m proud to stand with him as a cosponsor of this lifesaving effort.
What I’ve been working on:
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Helping schools limit student cellphone use. As schools everywhere adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape, my bipartisan bill would provide school districts with the information they need to implement effective policy and make the best decisions they can for their students. I’m proud to stand with our educators and restore focus, connection, and mental wellbeing in schools across Washington.
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Tackling the housing affordability crisis. For too long, private real estate listings have made Washington's house market less fair for buyers and renters. My bill would require real estate brokers to advertise all available homes in WA to the public – an important step towards ensuring buyers and renters can consider all available properties when they're looking for a place to call home.
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Exploring the possibility of creating an affordability index for appliances. Big household appliances aren’t built to last the way they once were – and when you’re spending hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, that really matters. Families are being forced to replace essential items more often, without clear, reliable information to help them plan or compare long-term costs. That’s why I introduced legislation to explore creating an appliance affordability index, so Washingtonians can better understand expected lifespan, upkeep costs, and overall value before making a purchase. It’s about giving people the tools to make smart, budget-friendly decisions.
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Protecting pedestrian safety and accessibility. Construction projects shouldn’t cut people off from hospitals, schools, or parks – especially when they rely on walking or have mobility challenges. I introduced a bill after hearing from constituents about projects that eliminated safe pedestrian access and forced people into unsafe or unreasonable detours. The proposal would require construction plans to maintain accessible pedestrian routes near these critical locations, building on policies that already work in cities like Seattle and Tacoma. It’s a practical step to make sure our transportation system serves everyone, not just drivers.
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Strengthening Washington’s supply chain. A more competitive and resilient supply chain helps lower costs for Washingtonians, creates jobs, and supports long-term economic growth. My bill, which passed unanimously, is part of our larger commitment to reducing costs for Washington families however we can, and I’m proud to continue this fight.
I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished so far, and looking forward to delivering even more solutions in the time remaining in this legislative session.
More updates to come,
Marko
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