February 19, 2024

Legislative budget season has begun
With only three weeks left in the session, the Legislature is turning its attention to the supplemental updates to the operating, capital, and transportation budgets. The Senate and House are releasing their respective proposals and will likely adopt them later this week, and then the real works starts to negotiate a final version that both bodies can agree on. Last week’s revenue forecast was up modestly from the November forecast—and up over $1 billion from when the Legislature adopted the 2023-25 biennial budgets last session. Revenue growth has remained steady, but as any budget writer knows, expenses have also continued to grow. AWC has communicated to legislative budget leaders the funding priorities that are important to cities. We encourage city officials to share these priorities with your legislators and ask the budget writers to include them in their drafting.

While the budgets are a primary focus this week, policy bills continue to work their way through the process ahead of the two major upcoming cutoff deadlines. To have a chance at passing this year, bills must pass out of the opposite house policy committees by February 21 and out of fiscal committees by February 26. Our bill tracker and Hot Sheet highlight some of the key bills we’re following.

We still have some especially important bills in play – some good, some bad – that we need your help with. Stay current on legislative happenings. Take some time to check out any local town hall meetings your legislators may be hosting. And, as always, let us know if you have any questions.

Candice Bock
Government Relations Director

Contact your Senators to oppose the transit-oriented development bill
The famous “TOD” bill—HB 2160—has been heard in the Senate Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee and is scheduled for a vote first thing in the morning on February 20. Please continue to share your perspectives with your Senators. You can reach out directly or use the comment form attached to the bill’s legislative page. More

Senate and House release supplemental budget proposals following revenue forecast
The Senate and House have released proposed operating, capital, and transportation budgets over the last several days. The Senate capital budget was heard on February 15, and the others are scheduled for hearings this week. For more details on impacts to cities, watch for an update and city budget matrix in CityVoice later this week. More

Three law enforcement recruitment and retention bills still moving

• Under SB 6242, the state would pay 100% of costs for basic law enforcement training. Since the 2017-2019 biennial budget, the state has only paid 75% of a recruit's training at the academy and required local governments to pay the remaining 25% of total costs, or nearly $5,000 per recruit. More
• SB 5424 would allow Washington law enforcement agencies to adopt flexible work policies. More
• Under SB 6157, DACA recipients would be authorized to serve as law enforcement officers in Washington. More

Register for the 2024 Legislative Session recap webinar
April 11 | Online
Join the AWC Government Relations team for a full recap of city-related issues from the 2024 Legislative Session. AWC’s lobbyists will provide an overview of the outcomes of AWC’s legislative priorities, summarize the impacts of passed legislation on cities, and talk through the adopted state budgets. Attendees who stay to the end will learn how to make the most impact during the legislative interim to prepare for 2025. Register now!

Keep the Affordable Connectivity Program funded: Sign NLC’s letter of support
Twenty-two million American households risk losing access to broadband as early as May if Congress does not act soon. A bipartisan, bicameral extension bill has been introduced. Members of Congress need to hear from you to understand the issue is a priority. Sign NLC’s local leader letter of support to tell Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program and keep low-income families online. NLC membership is not necessary to sign on. More

Ten things we learned at City Action Days
Although City Action Days took place in a smaller venue this year, we had a full house with around 250 city officials in attendance from all over the state. Also notable was the number of newly elected city officials—nearly a quarter of attendees—which brought great energy to the event. Check out this video and photos of your colleagues and read about ten things we learned at City Action Days.

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

Many city bills saw floor action and important updates this week:

• Affordable housing: Housing SEPA trailer bill (SB 6061)
• Budget & finance: Supplemental budget proposals (HB 2104, SB 5950, HB 2089, SB 5949, HB 2134, SB 5947); Levy lid lift flexibility (HB 2044); Business license rate notice (SB 5897); Tourism promotion fee exemptions (HB 2137)
• Emergency management: Wildfire mitigation and resiliency workgroup (HB 2330)
• General government: Ticket sales licensing (HB 1648)
• HR & labor relations: Unemployment benefits for strikers (HB 1893); WA Cares Fund (SB 6072); L&I’s Stay at Work program (HB 2127, SB 5368)
• Human services: Behavioral health (HB 1929, HB 2247, SB 5853, SB 5906, SB 6228, SB 6251, SB 6308); Childcare (HB 2195, SB 6038)
• Land use & planning: Neighborhood cafes (HB 2252); Transitional housing/shelter siting and oversight (HB 2474); Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code (SB 6120)
• Pensions: LEOFF 2 benefits and eligibility (SB 6197)
• Public safety & criminal justice: First responder wellness and support (HB 2311); Catalytic converter theft (HB 2153); Training for public defenders and prosecutors (SB 5780); Supporting crime victims and witnesses (SB 5937)
• Public works & infrastructure: Prompt payment (SB 6040); Construction change orders on public works projects (SB 6192)
• Transportation: Traffic safety cameras (HB 2384)

Tip: Bookmark the bill tracker and check back regularly for the latest updates.

AWC & AG briefing: J&J opioid settlement
February 28 | Online
Cities that are eligible to sign on to the new opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson (as outlined in the One Washington MOU) are invited to join AWC and the Attorney General's Office for a webinar to learn more about the settlement and how to sign on before the May 11 deadline. Register now.

Public records grant applications now open
Local governments can now apply for a public records grant from the Secretary of State to help improve their retention, management, and disclosure of public records. Applications are due March 1. More

AWC Friday City Action Calls (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.

Connect with your legislators at local town halls
Legislators host local town hall meetings throughout the session. Some are hosted in person, and some are virtual. Check your legislators’ websites to find out when and where their town halls take place and plan to attend. Listening in and voicing the issues important to your city is a great way to ensure your legislators and constituents are aware of your city's legislative needs.

Lobbyist pro tips
During City Action Days, our lobbyists shared some tongue-in-cheek “pro tips” as well as a few gems of advice. Here are some highlights:

• Testimony is often limited to one minute – it goes fast, so get to the point.
• Even when more time is allowed, be brief, don’t talk your bill to death.
• The city strictly enforces parking in the neighborhood near the Capitol.
• The gift shop has basics like aspirin, gum, and a fun assortment of Washington-themed items.
• You can’t take coffee into the hearing rooms (even at 8 am).

wacities.org/Advocacy | Legislative issues
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