[Legislativecommittee1] FW: WLTA End of Session Legislative Overview

Mon Apr 28 16:06:26 PDT 2025

FYI

George

George Peters, WTP

Executive Director

Washington Land Title Association

 <https://washingtonlandtitle.com> https://washingtonlandtitle.com 

Mail: PO Box 328, Lynnwood, WA 98046

Delivery: 6817 208th St SW, #328, Lynnwood, WA 98036

206-437-5869 (Mobile)

206-260-4731 (Fax)

 <mailto:execdirector at wltaonline.org> execdirector at washingtonlandtitle.com

This is a confidential communication intended solely for the named
recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy it and call
George Peters at 206-437-5869 immediately. Thank you.

From: Sam Miller <sam at sound-gov.com> 
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 2:59 PM
To: JP Kissling (jpkissling at fitico.com) <jpkissling at fitico.com>; Maureen
Pfaff <maureen at olypentitle.com>; Michelle Taylor <mjtaylor at firstam.com>;
George Peters <execdirector at washingtonlandtitle.com>
Cc: Carrie Tellefson <carrie at sound-gov.com>
Subject: WLTA End of Session Legislative Overview

Good afternoon all, 

Below is my final legislative session overview. We will send out a final
bill tracker after the 20 day period passes in which the governor has to
sign legislation. Please don't hesitate to contact Carrie or me with any
questions you may have. 

Sine Die 2025

The 2025 Washington State legislative session has been one of the most
tumultuous and emotionally charged sessions in recent memory, marked by
significant political tension, major fiscal challenges, and the deaths of
two beloved legislators. From the opening days, the atmosphere was fraught
with division. Deep ideological splits over how to address the state's
financial crisis created a highly charged environment where lawmakers
frequently clashed not only along party lines but also within their own
caucuses.

The most pressing issue was the staggering $16 billion budget deficit. The
reality of the shortfall quickly consumed legislative discussions, setting
the tone for the months ahead. Proposed cuts sparked widespread protests and
added to the strain inside the building. In response, a range of revenue
ideas were volleyed around the Capitol, from new taxes on capital gains to
expanded sales tax bases and proposals for bond measures. 

The session was further shaken by the death of former House Speaker Frank
Chopp (D-43). A towering figure in state politics for decades, Chopp's
passing was mourned across party lines, with tributes highlighting his
enduring legacy on affordable housing and social justice issues. Adding to
the heavy mood, Senator Bill Ramos (D-5) passed away while in office a mere
two weeks from Sine Die. 

The final $77.8 billion operating budget includes nearly $6 billion in cuts
and close to $9 billion in new revenue over the four-year outlook -
significantly less revenue than legislative Democrats had initially sought.
Governor Ferguson (D) previously rejected each version of the revenue plan,
citing concerns that the proposals were "too risky." The final budget also
steers clear of furloughs for state employees, an option both Governor
Ferguson and Senate Democrats had floated earlier in the session. It remains
unclear whether Governor Ferguson will support the budget in full or issue
partial vetoes. His decision will be closely watched, as it could either
cement cooperation with the legislative majority or trigger a new round of
political negotiations in a special session.

Please enjoy a list of all of the bills passed by the 2025 Legislature
<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y7SHEic-5UTB9MyAE1tFsrvehQNjnimCNHqjfOK
7f_4/edit?usp=sharing> linked here. Many are still subject to Governor
Ferguson's signature. Bills that are delivered to the governor more than
five days before the Legislature adjourns have five days to be acted on.
Bills that are delivered fewer than five days before the Legislature
adjourns have 20 days to be acted on by the governor. Both are counted as
calendar days, not business days. Sundays are not counted, but Saturdays and
state holidays are counted.

Best regards,

Sam

Sam Miller 

Government Affairs Consultant 

mobile: (253) 432-0804

sam at sound-gov.com <mailto:sam at sound-gov.com> 

 <https://bit.ly/soundgovsolutions> 

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