2022 Focus on Advocacy – February 7 Report

Half-way there: legislature winnows bills
Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org

February 3 marked the first deadline for bills to remain under consideration this session. Bills that cleared this hurdle and were sent to a budget committee have until the end of the day February 7 to pass out of those committees, so expect another winnowing before lawmakers turn their attention this week to floor action. Other bills in the Rules committee must move before the next deadline, February 15. As a reminder, House bills need to pass the House and Senate bills need to pass the Senate by 5:00 pm.

Simple majority for bonds bills advance
HB 1226 and its companion constitutional amendment HJR 4200 passed out of the House Education Committee Thursday, February 3. The longer than usual debate in committee spelled the demise of about a half dozen bills as time ran out. The simple majority bills passed out of committee by a vote of 7-6 for HB 1226 and 8-5 for HJR 4200. The bills have been scheduled for a public hearing and executive action in the House Capital Budget Committee Monday, February 7 at 8:00 am.

Read the full report here.

Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated legislative priorities and long-term positions by utilizing the WSPTA Bill Status Report.

Additional ways to stay connected:

• Each week a new newsletter, “Focus on Advocacy,” will be sent each Monday to subscribers to keep you informed on what is happening during the legislative session and how it aligns with WSPTA priorities. To subscribe simply click on the “Update your Profile” link at the bottom of any newsletter to select this newsletter or contact support@wastatepta.org.
• Subscribe to the Action Network to participate in timely action alerts through the session. As a bonus, subscribers to the Action Network receive the new “Focus on Advocacy” newsletter.
• Review the Focus on Advocacy webpage for great resources and information.
• Advocacy questions can be directed to WSPTA Advocacy Director Lizzy Sebring.