OLYMPIA, Wash. — With Democrats holding the majority in the House and Senate in Olympia in 2018, recent sessions of the Washington State Legislature have ended with Republican leadership complaining.
But Senate Minority Leader John Braun found reason to celebrate the end of the 2024 session Thursday.
“I think it’s been a good session for Republicans, but I think it’s been a good session for the people of the state of Washington,” said Braun, R-Lewis County.
Braun said he was glad Democratic proposals to limit rent increases and to increase the cap on property taxes failed to get enough votes to reach the governor's desk.
He said he was glad the legislature passed three initiatives, sponsored by conservatives, measures to ban income taxes, guarantee parental rights, and an initiative rolling back restrictions on police pursuits.
All three passed out of the House and Senate on Monday.
In 2021 legislators restricted pursuits to crimes involving suspected drunk drivers, escapees, and those wanted for sexual or violent crimes.
The initiative, which goes into effect in early June, allows for pursuits when deemed safe by a supervisor for a violation of any law.
“It’s good to see even though it was a couple of years too late," Braun said. "Democrats recognized they got it wrong.”
Speaker of the House, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, who supported the original law, and voted for the initiative, said the 2021 law was not a failure.
“I think it’s a complete victory, honestly,” said Jinkins, D-Tacoma.
Jinkins said agencies are going to keep the restrictions in place, regardless of the initiative.
“There’s nothing in that initiative that prevents local jurisdictions from continuing doing that," Jinkins said.
She said it was a productive session on several issues: housing, childcare, climate change and behavioral health.
Jinkins had supported efforts to cap rent increases and said that issue would come up during next year’s session.
"I have every confidence that we’ll get that done,” Jinkins said.
Bills headed to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk include measures to increase security at strip clubs, prohibit the open carry of weapons at zoos, aquariums, and public transportation, and households defined as low or moderate income will receive $200 rebate checks to assist with utility bills.
Inslee said the session was good for the state of Washington, highlighting money for clearing out encampments on state-owned properties, while placing residents in temporary or permanent housing, and increases in spending to help those battling opioid addiction.
"More help for tribes, schools and public health organizations in the fight against the fentanyl crisis," said Inslee. "We're going to have more treatment. It's major action against the scourge."