Legislative Update: Consumer Protection & Business, my legislation, and our upcoming town hall

Friends and neighbors,

This week we began floor debate, which means proposed legislation has cleared multiple hurdles and is still viable. In my latest video I update you as the Chair of the Consumer Protection & Business committee. I recently had the opportunity join Ranking Member Eric Robertson on the Impact on TVW to discuss what has happened in the committee this session. I hope it is informative.

My legislation that is still working its way through the process

I have 12 bills that are still viable. These proposed policies range from preventing gun violence, updating professional licensing, to improving the child support system, and addressing the housing crisis. Here are some highlights:

House Bill 2118 – Updates the responsibilities of gun dealers to improve safety and security, prevent theft, and improve the ability of law enforcement to solve crimes.

House Bill 2308 – Removes hurdles and creates an incentive to convert existing structures into housing. Long lead times for plan approval and high interest rates are affecting our ability to build. Our landfills are full of construction materials. We should adapt to the changing nature of work and the resulting vacancies in commercial space to rapidly house families.

House Bill 1097 – Prohibits the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. This policy aligns us with national standards.  We have come too far to still be testing cosmetic products on helpless animals.

House Bill 1889 – Removes immigration status as a consideration for granting professional licenses in Washington. We have stringent requirements for attaining an occupational license in our state.  Immigration status should not be one of them.  Every member of our community should be able to contribute.

House Bill 2254 – Updates the child support schedule so it is fairer for people receiving and paying child support. Also grants a 30-day suspension of payment for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder. This recommended action from the Child Support Work Group is long overdue.

House Bill 1054 – Prevents apartment or homeowners associations from limiting the number of unrelated people who can live in a home.  Out of date policies don’t recognize modern families and ways that we can be of service to our neighbors.

House Bill 1867 – I have finally advanced a policy that assists seniors in our district, but removing the need to file an estate tax return, when no estate tax is owed.  In our most difficult moments, we should not be required to complete unnecessary forms or processes.

Next week we will finish House of Origin floor debate and then begin to consider bills in committee that have been sent to us by the Senate. These are important steps to ensure that legislation is fine-tuned and thoroughly vetted.

In-person town hall meeting next week

My seatmates and I are hosting an in-person town hall meeting on Saturday, February 17^th. We will take questions and provide updates on developments in the legislature this session. We hope to see you there!

As always, please reach out if you have questions, thoughts, or concerns and can’t join us for the town hall event next week. I will get back to you when I can.

Thanks again,

Rep. Amy Walen.