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February 5, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session is in full swing, and things are heating up. In this update, I’ll share key developments in Olympia, provide an update on one of my top priorities this session — the MATCHED Act — and touch on the status of some of my other legislative efforts.

Big rule change

There has been significant media coverage surrounding a controversial rule change that allows a simple majority vote to end floor debate, replacing the two-thirds threshold that had been in place since 1893. This change undermines the spirit of open debate and discussion. The two-thirds rule, established in 1891, has long protected both parties, ensuring that all voices are heard.

Read more here:

• WA House Dems change 132-year-old rule requiring supermajority to end debates | The Center Square
• Republican lawmakers protest rule change they say could limit House debate | The Spokesman-Review

Parental Rights Initiative Under Attack

Last year, Washingtonians overwhelmingly approved the Parents’ Bill of Rights (I-2081), a citizen-led initiative backed by nearly 450,000 signatures and bipartisan support. This measure ensured parents had access to information about their children’s education and reaffirmed their role as primary stakeholders.

Now, House Bill 1296 seeks to roll back these protections. The bill includes an emergency clause, which blocks citizens from overturning it through a referendum — effectively silencing the families who supported I-2081. I strongly oppose this effort to undermine parental rights.

On Thursday, Democrats advanced HB 1296 out of the House Education Committee. Republicans opposed the measure and introduced several amendments to safeguard parental rights — all of which were rejected. One key amendment would have required schools to immediately notify parents or guardians if their child is the victim of misconduct by a school employee.  

• Learn more about some of these amendments in this X thread.

What’s next? HB 1296 is expected to be scheduled for debate and a vote on the House floor very soon. If you oppose this bill, I urge you to contact the bill’s sponsor and Democratic legislators who support it.

The MATCHED Act

For years, local governments — particularly in underserved areas — have faced a significant obstacle in securing federal funds: many grants require state matching dollars that struggling communities simply don’t have. By addressing this challenge, House Bill 1057, also known as the MATCHED Act, ensures Washington provides the necessary matching funds, unlocking resources for housing, broadband expansion, infrastructure, workforce training, and more.

This strategic investment empowers communities to maximize federal and private funding, driving long-term economic growth. Click below to watch my latest legislative update on how the MATCHED Act supports rural and economically distressed communities.

My other key priorities this session include:

• House Bill 1344 – Expanding access to respite care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caregivers by reducing administrative barriers and improving waiver program accessibility. This bill strengthens caregiver support, enhances the quality of life for those with disabilities, and ensures families can thrive in their communities.
  
• House Bill 1406 – Enhancing the accountability and effectiveness of associate development organizations by improving performance reporting, funding allocations, and oversight. My bill ensures ADOs promote economic development through data-driven evaluation, clear performance targets, and equitable funding for both rural and urban areas.
  
• House Bill 1250 – Increasing the number of accredited law enforcement and corrections agencies by improving operational standards and public trust. This bill addresses accreditation barriers through funding, policy development, and training while promoting data-sharing and collaboration to enhance agency performance and officer well-being. Strengthening accreditation aligns with the state’s commitment to accountability, professionalism, and public safety.
  
• House Bill 1210 – Supporting clean energy development by allowing clean energy businesses to benefit from existing targeted urban area tax preferences. This bill promotes sustainable economic growth, encourages investment in clean energy, and aligns with Washington’s carbon-neutral goals while prioritizing family-wage jobs and ensuring compliance with labor and environmental standards.
  
• House Bill 1824 – Reducing redundant inspections for accredited birthing centers by eliminating unnecessary state surveys if facilities meet equivalent accreditation standards. The Department of Health retains oversight through selective validation surveys and enforcement authority, streamlining processes while maintaining high-quality maternal healthcare.

To see a complete list of bills I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring this session, click here.

Stay connected

Your engagement is essential, especially during the legislative session. Your input helps guide my work in Olympia and ensures that your voice is heard. Here are some resources to help you stay informed and involved:

• My legislative website: You will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
• How you can be involved in the legislative process: This includes a citizen’s guide to effective legislative participation.
• How to comment on a bill: You can send legislators comments on legislation.
• Committee Sign-In – Remote Testimony: Testify on legislation during public hearings.
• The Ledger: A legislative news aggregator that is updated frequently.
• Capitol Buzz: Sent out each weekday, featuring stories from media outlets throughout the state, including newspaper, radio, and television.
• The Current: This is an online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans that is sent out weekly during the legislative session and every month during the interim.

Please feel free to reach out to my office if we can assist with anything.

It’s an honor to represent you in Olympia!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Barnard