Washington state legislative session begins

There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session.

It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 senators.

But for many, the day didn’t end until the dinner hour as they went from taking their oath of office to listening to residents and lobbyists testify about the looming budget shortfall and a range of policy issues, like limiting rent increases and the environmental effects of fashion.

The House grabbed the early spotlight as Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, spoke to lawmakers on tackling the budget deficit and bracing for conflicts between the state and the incoming Trump administration.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/01/13/2025-washington-state-legislative-session-begins-today/