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January 12, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2022 legislative session is under way. With just 60 days to complete our work, I am hopeful we will use the allotted time wisely to deliver real solutions for Washington families.

2022 session | Legislative priorities

The ongoing pandemic has affected more than our health. Kids are struggling to receive a basic education, small businesses are suffering, and inflation is making life more difficult for families and those on fixed incomes.

It's not all bad news, however; with a four-year operating budget surplus projected to be $8.8 billion, $2.2 billion in reserves, and $1.2 billion in unspent federal stimulus funds, the state has more than enough to help Washingtonians weather this storm.

Alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate, I will be working to:

• Provide tax relief to working families (House Bill 1297, House Bill 1334 & House Bill 1012);
• Repeal the long-term care payroll tax and other new, unpopular taxes (House Bill 1594 & House Bill 1583);
  • 63% of Washington voters rejected the long-term payroll tax and 61% rejected the new capital gains income tax.
• Deliver much-needed safety improvements to rural highways (House Bill 1546, REAL Act & House Bill 1605);
• Champion reforms that reduce the cost of housing and childcare (House Bill 1398 & House Bill 1370);
• Give law enforcement professionals the tools they need to keep us safe (House Bill 1588);
• Ensure our kids are safely back to school (House Bill 1476); and
• Address the growing mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness problem (House Bill 1800 & HB 1860).

Business bills

With the state's significant budget surplus, the Legislature must take action to help struggling businesses. I am closely tracking business-related legislative proposals that have been introduced so far, including:

• HB 1592: Concerning military spouse employment.
• HB 1593: Expanding the landlord mitigation program to alleviate the financial burden on victims attempting to flee domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment, or stalking.
• HB 1613: Concerning shared reporting responsibilities for both the paid family and medical leave and the long-term services and supports trust programs to clarify that information collected from employer reports shall remain private.
• HB 1614: Concerning online marketplace consumer product theft and safety protection.
• HB 1617: Aligning state and school holidays.
• HB 1641: Restoring the business and occupation and public utility tax exemption for custom farming and hauling farm products.
• HB 1656: Changing the definition of theft.
• HB 1666: Clarifying the method for determining the value of specified tangible personal property incorporated as part of certain public infrastructure for the purposes of use tax and business and occupation tax.
• HB 1672: Concerning local property tax levies for conservation futures.
• HB 1677: Concerning employer tax incentives for the support of veterans and military families.
• HB 1682: Concerning a compliance pathway specific to emissions-intensive, trade-exposed businesses for achieving their proportionate share of the state's emissions reduction limits through 2050.
• HB 1683: Concerning involuntary removal of property from current use classification.
• HB 1685: Increasing the cap on gross sales for cottage food operations.
• HB 1686: Allowing the labeling of biodegradable products that are supported by recognized national or international test methods.
• HB 1687: Enhancing the college bound scholarship program by increasing opportunities for students to attend community and technical colleges.
• HB 1688: Protecting consumers from charges for out-of-network health care services, by aligning state law and the federal no surprises act and addressing coverage of treatment for emergency conditions.
• HB 1691: Concerning financial responsibility requirements related to oil spills.
• HB 1694: Concerning logistical processes for the regulation of priority chemicals in consumer products.
• HB 1698: Prohibiting latex gloves in the handling and preparation of food for sale to consumers.
• HB 1700: Concerning sustainable funding for the derelict vessel removal account using the vessel watercraft excise tax.
• HB 1702: Accelerating broadband connectivity for Washington.
• HB 1704: Regulating service contracts and protection product guarantees.
• HB 1706: Concerning truck drivers ability to access restroom facilities.
• HB 1709: Addressing safety measures for tow truck operators and vehicles.
• HB 1710: Establishing a Washington state cannabis commission.
• HB 1718: Prohibiting activities related to the production and manufacturing of fur products.
• HB 1722: Concerning the acceleration of broadband deployment.
• HB 1723: Closing the digital equity divide by increasing the accessibility and affordability of telecommunications services, devices, and training.

As the session progresses, this list will likely continue to grow. I will do my best to keep you updated with the latest information.

Another virtual legislative session

Like last year, the Legislature will be meeting virtually. Keeping you informed is a top priority for me. In the weeks to come, I will do my best to remain as accessible as possible and ensure your state government stays accountable and transparent.

Tracking a bill?

Click here to find information on specific bills. In addition, when you visit my website, you can easily view the legislation I'm sponsoring or co-sponsoring by clicking “Sponsored Bills.”

Here is a quick set of “bill tracking” instructions

Go to leg.wa.gov

• On the left-hand panel, click “Bill Information.”
• If you know the bill number, enter it in the search field and hit enter.
• Don't have a bill number? Under the section “Standard Reports,” you'll find alternative tracking tools. You can search based on topic, legislative digests, cross-references and or within a specific biennium.
• If you click on the House Floor Calendar, this helpful tool gives you a detailed list of all bills scheduled to be heard on the House floor each day.

Here's how you can stay connected

My legislative website | Here you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.

The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of online news stories. Click on the link to subscribe.

The Current | An online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans. Click on the link to subscribe.

TVW | The state's own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.

The Ledger | A legislative news aggregator.

Legislature's website | View bill reports, committee agendas, and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature here.

State agencies | You can find a list of all state agencies, boards, and commissions here.

Remote Testimony

Want to testify on a bill or other important public policy? Click here to learn about how you can make your voice heard throughout session

Thank you!

I am committed to staying connected with you as session progresses. Please contact me if you have questions about bills being introduced, bills that are scheduled for a hearing, or other state government-related issues.

During session, especially in this virtual environment, my office receives hundreds of emails per week. I will do my best to answer the ones I receive from constituents first, so please be sure to include your home address and phone number in your correspondence.

It's an honor to serve you!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Eslick