• AWB posts legislative session wrap-up videos; special session under consideration to fix drug posses

    May 03, 2023

    AWB posts legislative session wrap-up videos; special session under consideration to fix drug possession law

    End of session: It was a mixed bag for employers this legislative session. Legislators took important steps to boost housing supply, jumpstart sustainable aviation fuel production, and slow spending as risk of a recession grows. At the same time, there were several missteps and missed opportunities.

    New videos: In short videos, AWB’s government affairs team breaks down the session by topic area and relevant legislation to employers.
    • Bob Battles shares a wrap-up on employment law
    • Mike Ennis discusses land use, housing and transportation legislation
    • Emily Shay gives an update on tax and budget issues
    • Amy Anderson shares an overview of health care, child care and workforce bills
    • Peter Godlewski reviews energy and environment policies
    Possible special session: The regular 105-day legislative session ended on April 23, but there is talk of a special session to find a solution to the state’s drug possession law after the Legislature failed to pass a fix. A stopgap measure expires on July 1, and without action, there will be no penalty in state law for drug possession. Gov. Jay Inslee can call on lawmakers to convene for a 30-day special session.
     
     
    2023 05 01 Inslee Kreidler

    2024 election comes into focus: Inslee, Kreidler won’t seek reelection

    Gov. Jay Inslee announced this today he will not seek reelection for a fourth term in 2024. First elected in 2012, Inslee is only the second person to serve three consecutive terms as Washington governor.

    Inslee’s decision to step down will have wide-ranging impacts all down the ballot, the Seattle Times reported. At least two top-ranking Democrats – including state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz – are quickly expected to announce runs for governor in 2024.

    Inslee, 72, previously served eight terms in Congress before defeating state Attorney General Rob McKenna to become governor in 2012.

    Also today, Washington’s longest-serving statewide elected official, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, said that he won’t seek reelection to a seventh term in office. The Seattle Times has more.

    Kreidler, 79, was first elected in 2000. A Democrat, he had previously served one term in Congress.

    The insurance commissioner is the top state regulator of Washington’s insurance industry, which includes approving rates and advocating for consumers and policyholders. Washington is one of 11 states with an elected insurance commissioner.