January 8, 2024

2024 Legislative Session is underway
The 60-day 2024 Legislative Session kicks off today. Some of the focus will be on the pageantry, with events such as the Governor’s State of the State address on Tuesday, and some on simply getting reacquainted with the committee process. However, in a short session with little time to waste, some committees already plan to vote on bills this first week.

Stay up to date on all the action throughout session with this weekly Legislative Bulletin. Note that we have updated our format and added a new bill tracker tool to make it easier for you to find the information you need. We are also kicking off our Friday city action calls, which you can register for below. Watch for our first weekly Bill Hot Sheet to come out next week.

Don’t forget about TVW at www.tvw.org. TVW is an invaluable resource for watching live legislative action or going back to catch a recording of a committee hearing. AWC is proud to be a sponsor of TVW and their outstanding legislative coverage. Last week, TVW featured the Associated Press Legislative Preview with legislative leaders and the Governor. It is well worth a watch.

We encourage city officials to visit your legislators throughout the session, whether in person or virtually. Make sure you have a plan for checking in with them regularly. When you’re in Olympia, please feel free to make AWC’s office your home away from home – drop in for a cup of coffee, find a quiet place for a call or meeting, use the Wi-Fi, or just stop by and say hi.

The legislative session moves quickly! If you need anything or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Government Relations team – we are here to help.

Happy reading,

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

Broad coalition supports revising the outdated property tax cap
AWC has prioritized revising the arbitrary 1% property tax cap for this session. We have been joined by a large coalition of other local government associations, a variety of labor organizations, and individual cities and counties. Read the coalition’s summary outlining their support and AWC’s updated fact sheet on this legislative priority. More

Governor’s proposed supplemental budget highlights
The Governor’s recenlty released supplemental budget proposals invest in a number of city budget priorities for 2024, including $10 million to fund police officer recruitment and retention, housing, and behavioral health. The $71.8 billion operating budget reflects almost $2 billion in additional spending. See our budget matrix for more details on city impacts. More

Six ballot initiatives for 2024 likely going to the Legislature, then voters
Sponsors turned in signatures between November and December for six initiatives to the Legislature, most of which could impact cities. The Secretary of State is now in the process of verifying the signatures to certify the initiatives. AWC’s role is to provide factual educational information on the potential impacts of an initiative on cities, where applicable. City officials should familiarize themselves with PDC rules regarding ballot measures. More

Meet the lobbyists
Watch this brief video for an introduction to the AWC lobbyists and each issue area, hear about what we expect to focus on during this short 60-day session, and find out how you can get involved.

Learn how to testify on a bill
There are three ways to engage in the legislative process. Watch this video to learn how you can sign in to testify on a bill remotely, in person, or in writing. With so many choices to get involved, your city advocacy can be stronger than ever before.

AWC's new bill tracker
Stay current on city-related bills moving through the Legislature and read AWC’s weekly coverage through our new bill tracker. Learn how to use the tracker with these brief instructions and short video.

Tip: Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates.

The first week of session brings an array of topics and bills, including two competing proposals to address the state’s stagnant recycling rate (HB 2049 & HB 1900), bills regarding even-year elections (HB 1932), federal funding access and more. Check out the bills added to the tracker this week:

Affordable housing: Co-housing preemption bill (HB 1998)
Broadband: Codifying CERB’s broadband program (HB 1982)
Emergency management: Long-term community recovery after disasters (HB 1952)
Energy: Clean buildings incentives (HB 1976), energy efficiency loans (SB 5570)
Federal: Emergency infrastructure assistance program (HB 1870)
General government: Cannabis businesses (HB 1650), adult entertainment establishments (HB 2036)
Homelessness: Towing vehicles used as a residence (SB 5730)
HR & labor relations: Employer-sponsored political speech (HB 1940/SB 5778), employee personnel files (SB 5924), interest arbitration for 911 dispatchers (SB 5808)
Human services: Lowering administrative barriers for childcare businesses (HB 2101, HB 2111, SB 5941)
Land use: UGA swap bill (SB 5834)

To ask a question or provide us with input on bills, contact the Government Relations team.

Last call for grants to remove fish-blocking culverts! The application deadline for 2025-27 Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board grant funding is January 18. Over $45 million is available in this grant cycle, with projects requiring a 15% match. These can be costly repairs—don't miss out on this funding source! More

SAO reminds local governments that audit timeliness is a team effort post-pandemic. After the significant increase in federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Auditor needs cities’ help to keep audits timely. More

Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) updates guidance on agency and grassroots lobbying. The start of the legislative session is a good time for cities to review the PDC’s guidelines on lobbying by public agencies—especially the recently updated guidance on grassroots lobbying and the public agency prohibition on indirect lobbying through communications to the public. More

AWC city action calls start January 12 (AWC members only)
Join our city action calls each Friday at 12:30 pm during the legislative session to hear updates from your AWC lobbyists on the latest action on the hill and progress on bills of importance to cities. Make sure to sign up in advance each week. Register now to receive the link for this week’s call.

Updated fact sheets on AWC’s priority issues
As session begins, now is a good time to review AWC’s fact sheets on legislative priority issues. They are updated with the most recent data and make great tools for conveying messages to your legislators.

Meet with legislators during our sold-out City Action Days, February 7-8
City Action Days will take place during legislative floor action, which means that legislators will be in caucus meetings, in floor debate, and voting on bills from the House or Senate floors. It may be challenging to meet with them during this time. There’s usually a floor action dinner break, though you may need to be flexible and patient about when that takes place.

If you can’t arrange a sit-down meeting, ask your legislator if you can “pull them off the floor” for a few minutes. You can arrange this directly with the legislator with a note, a text message, or the help of their legislative aide. Legislators typically have some flexibility to come out during this time, so you can have the opportunity to speak with them directly.

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