OLYMPIA, WA – Monday marks the beginning of the 2024 legislative session for Washington State lawmakers. It is slated to last 60 days, ending on March 7th.
Monday will feature the opening-day ceremonies in the Senate and House chambers, followed by a joint legislative session in the House chamber on Tuesday for Governor Jay Inslee’s final State of the State address.
“Because this is considered a “short session,” fewer bills will be introduced and considered than in last year’s 105-day session. The main objectives for legislators this year will be to create and pass supplemental operating, capital and transportation budgets,” Senator Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) says.
One issue the southeast Washington lawmaker has already prepared a bill for is getting electric vehicle owners to start paying for the use of the state-owned EV charging stations.
Another important issue Schoesler says he will focus on is defending against policies that would remove the four Lower Snake River dams while implementing alternative, effective ways to protect, preserve, and enhance the state’s salmon populations.
