Every even numbered year the Legislature convenes for what is called the “short session”; a 60-day legislative session to approve supplemental budgets and pass legislation. This year, the legislative session begins on January 8, 2024.
For the 2024 Legislative Session, I will be serving as the Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee, House Environment and Energy Committee, House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee, as well as serving as Assistant Floor Leader for the House Republican Caucus.
The House Capital Budget Committee considers the state capital budget which approves money for the construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments. In addition, the committee considers grants and loans to local governments or nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, broadband, housing, school, and cultural and heritage facilities. The committee also considers bills relating to public works contracting; state buildings and land; and the authorization of state debt.
The House Environment & Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality; aquatic lands; oil spill prevention; solid waste; hazardous waste; toxics; climate change; energy; Puget Sound; and the State Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Management Act, and environmental impacts under the Growth Management Act.
The House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee considers a wide variety of legal issues, including constitutional law; privacy rights; anti-discrimination measures; commercial law; torts; probate; guardianships; civil commitment; forensic mental health; firearms; and eminent domain. The committee also considers issues relating to courts and judicial administration; and family law issues such as marriage, marriage dissolution, child support and adoption.
The short session can move quickly, so it is important to know how to access information and stay involved throughout the process. To help keep you informed, my seatmates Sen. John Braun and Rep. Ed Orcutt are participating in monthly legislative update meetings hosted by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce. Contact the chamber for more information.
In addition, I put together a step-by-step video to help you find bills, find committee hearings, and share your opinions. Be sure to visit my legislative website at www. RepresentativePeterAbbarno. com and click on the “Learn How To Get Involved in the Legislative Process” tab.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve the 20th Legislative District. It is truly an honor to support our community.
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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is an attorney with Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP.
