Rep. Stephanie Barnard on key bills and community engagement
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, provides a legislative update from Olympia as the 2025 session reaches its halfway point. With deadlines approaching, she discusses key legislation she is working on, including House Bill 1406, which supports economic development as Hanford job losses impact the region; House Bill 1819, aimed at strengthening the power grid through reconductoring; and House Bill 1824, which helps local birthing centers by reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
Barnard also highlights problematic bills that have been stopped, including Senate Bill 5382, which would have made it harder for citizens to run initiatives, and Senate Bill 5312, which would have weakened sex offender registration requirements. Barnard encourages constituents to stay informed and engaged, directing them to resources like Stop Bad Bills to track harmful legislation. She also invites community members to an 8th District town hall on March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Tri-City Regional Chamber, where they can ask questions and share concerns.
