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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s springtime here at the Capitol, and we’ve just passed another important deadline in the legislative session. I wanted to give you a quick update on some of the bills I’ve been working hard to move forward. A good number of them have made it through the House and are now being voted on in the Senate. I’m hopeful that the Senate will approve these bills soon and send them to the governor to become law.
I focus on the kind of legislation that helps folks in our rural communities—bills that support agriculture, small towns, working families, and the people who keep Washington running. Here’s a rundown of what’s still moving.
House Bill 1294: Pesticide Safety Committee
This bill keeps the Pesticide Application Safety Committee going through 2035. It’s a group of folks from agencies, farms, health experts, and more who work together to make sure that pesticide use is safe for farmworkers, families, and the environment.
Why it matters: It keeps good people at the table working on real solutions for pesticide safety in agriculture.
Status: The bill passed the House unanimously and now awaits a final vote from the Senate.
House Bill 1522: Wildfire planning for electric utilities
This bill requires electric companies to file wildfire safety plans and update them regularly with the state. The goal is to help prevent wildfires without raising costs too much for customers.
Why it matters: It helps keep our communities safe from wildfires while keeping power reliable and affordable.
Status: The bill passed the House unanimously and now awaits a final vote from the Senate.
House Bill 1648: Supporting childcare providers
This bill gives childcare providers more time to meet education requirements and lets folks with years of experience show they’re qualified without jumping through unnecessary hoops.
Why it matters: It keeps childcare centers open, especially in rural areas where we don’t have enough of them.
Status: The bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. A few changes were made along the way, so the House will have to agree to them before Gov. Ferguson signs the bill.
House Bill 1650: Small airport improvements
This bill lets small airports use local real estate tax money for capital projects. It’s a way for communities to keep their airports running strong without needing new funding.
Why it matters: It supports small town airports that are important for emergency services, travel, and local, rural business.
Status: The bill passed the House with a vote of 96-1 and the Senate with a vote of 47-2. It now heads to Gov. Ferguson’s desk for signature to become law.
House Bill 1705: Large animal vets
This bill creates a group to study the shortage of large animal vets in Washington state, a shortage that exists nationwide. We need more folks willing and able to care for our livestock, especially in our rural areas.
Why it matters: Healthy animals mean safe food and strong farms. We’ve got to fix the vet shortage.
Status: The bill passed the House with a vote of 96-1, and it passed the Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to Gov. Ferguson’s desk for signature to become law.
House Bill 1912: Ag fuel exemption fix
This bill makes it easier for farmers to use the fuel exemption under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). It gives clear guidance and sets up a public directory so folks can find sellers offering exempt fuel.
Why it matters: It makes sure farmers can get the fuel exemption they’re promised—plain and simple.
Status: The bill passed the House with a vote of 93-4 and now awaits a final vote from the Senate.
House Joint Memorial 4002: Medal of Honor Bridge
This one is close to my heart. It asks the state transportation commission to consider naming the I-90 bridge over the Columbia River at Vantage the “Medal of Honor” bridge to honor those awarded our nation’s highest military award and have had a profound effect on keeping our freedom secure.
Why it matters: It’s a small way to show big respect for the heroes who gave so much for our freedom.
Status: The bill passed the House unanimously and now awaits a final vote from the Senate.
Take a listen to my recent radio reports
I had the chance to chat with KIT and KPQ Radio about these very bills. Take a listen by clicking on the photos below.
Common sense solutions for Central and rural Washington
All of these bills are built around common sense. They don’t make big headlines, but they solve problems and help folks in real, practical ways. I’ll keep working hard to see them all the way through.
Thank you for the honor of letting me represent you. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out anytime.
Sincerely,
Tom Dent
