The Legislature adjourned on March 7th 2024. During the short, 60-day session, the Legislature passed 376 bills into law, out of over 3,000 bills that were considered. The Legislature adopted supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets. Democrats maintained majorities in each chamber of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office.
What’s next?
With the 2024 session in the rearview mirror, focus will now turn to interim activities, including the 2024 elections. Last September, we posted about campaigns for open statewide elected office, including the Governor’s Office, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Insurance Commissioner.
With filing week approaching May 6-10, more announcements have been made, which will impact the makeup of the Washington State Legislature, including retirements, campaigning for higher office, and more. Here’s what we know so far:
The following members of the Senate will not retain their seats, whether due to retirement or seeking higher office:
- Sen. Sam Hunt, 22nd Legislative District
- Sen. Mike Padden, 4th Legislative District
- Sen. Andy Billig, 3rd Legislative District. His departure means the Senate Democrat caucus will elect a new Majority Leader at the end of the year.
- Sen. Ann Rivers, 18th Legislative District
- Sen. Karen Keiser, 33rd Legislative District
- Sen. Lynda Wilson, 17th Legislative District
- Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, 24th Legislative District. Running for Commissioner of Public Lands.
- Sen. Mark Mullet, 5th Legislative District. Running for Governor.
The following members of the House of Representatives will not retain their seats, whether due to retirement or seeking higher office:
- Rep. J.T. Wilcox, 2nd Legislative District
- Rep. Frank Chopp, 43rd Legislative District
- Rep. Joel Kretz, 7th Legislative District
- Rep. Mike Chapman, 24th Legislative District. Running for the open Senate seat in the 24th.
- Rep. Spencer Hutchins, 26th Legislative District
- Rep. Jessica Bateman, 22nd Legislative District. Running for the open Senate seat in the 22nd.
- Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, 7th Legislative District. Running for an open seat in the 5th Congressional District.
- Rep. Marcus Riccelli, 3rd Legislative District. Running for the open Senate seat in the 3rd.
- Rep. Leonard Christian, 4th Legislative District. Running for the open Senate seat in the 4th.
- Rep. Paul Harris, 17th Legislative District. Running for the open Senate seat in the 17th.
- Rep. Kelly Chambers, 25th Legislative District. Running for Pierce County Executive.
In addition, a handful of state Senators have announced they will run for higher office, but will retain their Senate positions if they do not win. If any of these legislators do win in November, an appointment process will occur. These members include:
- Sen. Manka Dhingra, 45th Legislative District. Running for Attorney General.
- Sen. Patty Kuderer, 48th Legislative District. Running for Insurance Commissioner.
- Sen. Drew MacEwen, 35th Legislative District. Running for an open seat in the 6th Congressional District.
- Sen. Emily Randall, 26th Legislative District. Running for an open seat in the 6th Congressional District.
Initiatives
During the 2024 session, the Legislature was presented with six initiatives, which garnered enough signatures from the public to be considered on the November ballot. The Legislature had three options for each initiative: 1) Do nothing, and allow it to go to the ballot as written. 2) Pass the initiative into law as written. 3) Revise the initiative through the Legislative process, and allow voters to choose between the original and the Legislature-revised version of the initiative on the ballot.
The Legislature chose option 1 for the following initiatives, which will appear on the November ballot:
I-2117, repealing the Climate Commitment Act
- I-2190, repealing the capital gains tax
- I-2124, opting out of Washington’s long-term care retirement program
The Legislature chose option 2 for the following initiatives:
- I-2111, prohibiting a state income tax
- I-2081, establishing parental rights
- I-2113, establishing new policy around vehicular pursuits
Need a refresher on the most important dates and deadlines in 2024? Click here.
There’s a lot going on between now and the November General Elections, and even more to do before the 2025 legislative session. Our consultants are already working with clients to plan ahead for a big session in 2025. Make sure you keep tuning into GTH-GOV’s blog for all the latest updates.