Look at the legislative schedule and you will see fewer hearings than usual, and more agendas that say “possible action on bills previously heard in committee.” That’s because Wednesday the 25th is the cutoff for bills to clear their initial policy committee. Fiscal committees have a longer cutoff — Monday, March 2.
While legislative veterans know that no bill is completely dead until lawmakers adjourn, we will have a much better idea after the cutoffs of the proposals that have a serious chance to become law. Our request bills on protecting private investment information submitted to the endowment, simplifying public works contracting processes, and making permanent the tuition policy for graduate school are all moving forward.
Also, we welcome new Rep. Laura Grant-Herriott to Olympia. She will represent the 16th District (Walla Walla) and is replacing her late father, Rep. Bill Grant, who passed away earlier this year. After being selected by county commissioners Friday, she was sworn in and plans to arrive in Olympia Monday.