Whose bills are on the chopping block?
Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org
During 60-day sessions, deadlines to move legislation out of policy and fiscal committees are compressed. February 3 represents the day bills need to pass out of policy committees to remain under consideration this session. While there are always exceptions, some bills won’t be advancing. Bills that pass the policy committee are sent to a budget committee, usually if there’s a fiscal impact to the state of more than $50,000, or directly to the Rules Committee. Bills sent to budget committees (Appropriations, Finance, Capital Budget and Ways & Means) must pass the fiscal committee by February 7. And all bills must be voted out of the chamber in which they started by February 15.
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.