This pace is picking up as the first cutoff date approaches
Committees are still hearing bills that have been introduced this session (of which there are many). Committee chairs are also deciding which bills will be considered for action by scheduling executive sessions. Most bills must advance out of their policy committee by February 4 to continue through session. There is an exception for bills that are considered “Necessary to Implement the Budget" (NTIB), which are given more time for consideration and action.
Hanging out with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts crew prior to the hearing on HB 2499.
HB 2499: Conservation District Elections
Last Tuesday, the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations held a hearing on HB 2499, the bill that addresses conservation district elections and creates new requirements for supervisors.
The committee heard from several conservation districts, the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, and other interested parties. The State Conservation Commission (SCC) also testified on the bill, expressing concerns about technical challenges, new policies that have not been fully vetted, and unintended consequences.
This bill is scheduled for an executive session on Tuesday, February 3, at 1:30 pm. At this time, the committee could choose to take action, including the adoption of a substitute bill that was proposed during the hearing this week. They could also take no action.
SCC has proposed amendments that would bring this bill into alignment with the recommendations in the Joint Committee on Elections report. If the bill does not pass out of committee by the policy cutoff on February 4, it will be considered dead. If it advances, it will be referred to the House Committee on Appropriations for further consideration, including its fiscal impact.
What does engagement with the Governor’s Office look like throughout session?
SCC is engaged in weekly meetings led by the Governor’s Senior Policy Advisor on Natural Resources, Owen Rowe. Since starting in his role at the beginning of Governor Ferguson’s term, Owen has taken the time to meet with SCC to learn about our work as a state agency and the work that conservation districts do to advance locally-led conservation.
He also attended a Commission meeting that was hosted by Jefferson County Conservation District last summer. We’re grateful that he has taken the time to get to know the work of districts and the importance of voluntary conservation.
During the session, Owen hosts a morning meeting on Thursdays to keep natural resource agency leadership apprised of broader considerations that evolve throughout the legislative session, including how the budget process is shaping up.
Owne hosts another meeting at noon the same day, which is reserved for agency legislative staff to review bills as they move through the legislative process, so he can learn about opportunities and challenges. Both meetings are a critical touchpoint with the Governor’s Office during the fast-paced legislative session.
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