The 2025 WA legislature convenes: Here’s your guide to the busy first week of the 105-day session
The wait is officially over: Monday was the first day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 regular session.
Lawmakers have lots on their plates over the 105-day stretch. For one thing, they’ll need to solve how to balance the state’s budget amid a projected $10 billion to $12 billion shortfall over a four-year period. The Democratic majority will mull imposing more taxes, such as via a controversial tax on wealth, as well as cutting staff and programs and deferring projects.
Gov. Jay Inslee will perform his final official duties on Tuesday. Inslee will deliver his state of the state address at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14; it will be streamed on TVW. At 12:30 p.m., there will be an unveiling ceremony for his official portrait; that also will stream on TVW.
On Wednesday, the state will get a new governor for the first time in a dozen years. Inslee will be exiting the governor’s mansion as Bob Ferguson, the state’s longtime attorney general, moves in. Ferguson’s inauguration will be at noon Wednesday, followed by the first inaugural ball in eight years that evening at 7 p.m.
Ferguson has said he wants to prioritize hiring more police, and he previously filled McClatchy in on plans to prepare the state for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. To help tackle the state’s budget gap, the Democrat has proposed cutting at least $4 billion in state-agency spending, not including public safety and education. He’s also cast doubt on pursuing the new wealth tax.
Legislators spent the past several weeks prefiling bills, and hearings on those bills began Monday afternoon with the public weighing in on revived legislation that would cap annual rent hikes at 7%. Other events to look out for include a Tuesday hearing on a Senate bill that would mandate public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent.
Democrats expanded their control in the House and Senate with the Nov. 5 election, and now enjoy a 59-39 majority in the former and 30-19 majority in the latter. Opening ceremonies in each chamber happened Monday.
During her opening day remarks, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins acknowledged Inslee’s 12 years of service, highlighting his leadership in combating climate change and COVID-19. The Tacoma Democrat said the state is prepared to defend Washingtonians’ values and rights against any threats imposed by the incoming Trump administration.
The current crop of state representatives make up the most diverse House in Washington history, Jinkins said. She added that she’s hopeful about Ferguson’s gubernatorial tenure, citing his track record of fighting for civil rights, consumer protection, violence prevention and more.
The speaker also noted areas of importance for Washington residents — namely affordability, good jobs, strong communities and investments in schools.
“Protecting Washington’s way of life is important,” Jinkins continued, “and we’re going to stand up for trans people, for immigrants, and for all Washingtonians who find themselves under attack by those who choose to divide us rather than unite us.”
Sine die, the last day of session, is scheduled for April 27.
This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM with the headline "The 2025 WA legislature convenes: Here’s your guide to the busy first week of the 105-day session."
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