Today marks day 33 of session, meaning we are more than halfway through this short, 60-day session.
Right now, legislators are “on the floor” debating bills in the full House and full Senate. All bills must be passed out of their chamber of origin (i.e. Senate bills must be voted out of the Senate, and House bills must be voted out of the Senate) by next Tuesday, February 13 at 5pm. We also anticipate the House & Senate to release their budget proposals within the next two weeks.
Successful Day of Action
Thank you to everyone who joined us to take action in support of Ninth Grade Success! While the bills we were supporting (HB 2053 and SB 5408) died this week, we have been focused on securing a budget proviso. Your action yesterday to contact your lawmaker came at a perfect time to influence the budget proposals (if you haven’t emailed your lawmaker yet, there’s still time!) Liz & Kia were in Olympia with our lobbyist, amplifying your voices and messages to lawmakers.
Bill Updates
- SB 5974 to eliminate uncollectible juvenile court debt passed the Senate last week, and has a House hearing next week. Click here to sign in pro by Feb 14 at 12:30pm.
- Among the priorities for our High School Success Coalition, several are moving forward:
- HB 2025 to expand college work study options to support postsecondary access is waiting for a vote in the House.
- HB 2214 which would automatically qualify SNAP recipients for the Washington College Grant is awaiting a vote in the House. Its companion bill, SB 6300 did not advance past Senate Ways & Means.
- SB 5904 which would align timelines for state financial aid programs with federal aid programs is scheduled for a vote in the Senate today!
- Unfortunately, SB 6254, which would have created a financial aid certification program and expanded navigation support at high schools and colleges did not advance out of Senate Ways & Means and is dead for the session.
- Among the juvenile justice priorities we are tracking:
- HB 2217 would make some technical changes to ensure that most youth who commit offenses while under 18 are charged in juvenile court. It’s a commonsense and broadly supported bill that removes loopholes keeping youth from a more developmentally appropriate case resolution. It is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
- SB 6063 which would remove juvenile strikes from 3 strikes is still awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
Thank you for your continued advocacy, and for standing for students across Washington State!
In advocacy,
Liz Trautman
Government Affairs Director
