Washington leaders call 60-day session a 'banner' year, highlight behavioral health, schools and climate measures

Governor Inslee and legislative leaders on Monday described the recently concluded 60-day legislative session as highly productive, pointing to new investments in behavioral health, special education and transportation and defense of climate and tax policies.

“We consider it a banner here for a short session,” the governor said, praising lawmakers for measures he said will expand support for students, special education and school construction while stepping up treatment for behavioral-health needs. He singled out the Olympic Heritage Hospital and a large behavioral-health funding commitment as evidence the state will “move the needle” on treatment over the next few years.

The leaders also highlighted a roughly $150,000,000 commitment aimed at encampment removal and homelessness programs and new transportation measures that the governor said will improve safety, including automated speed enforcement and funding for five electric ferries. “That’s gonna be a good day to see when they’re launched,” he said.

Speaker Jenkins described the session as unusually bipartisan and noted that about 80% of bills that passed drew support across the aisle, while House and Senate leaders cited housing, behavioral health, fentanyl response, climate and childcare as priority areas that made measurable advances.

The governor and lawmakers emphasized global and long-term policy goals. Inslee defended the legislature’s climate bills and said recent legislation — including a linkage measure and changes at the utilities regulator — will help lower program costs and accelerate a transition to less-polluting fuels.

On the pandemic-era response, the governor listed one of his signature accomplishments as the state’s work to reduce COVID-19 fatalities, and he said the changes to the state’s long-term care plan (including a portability feature) are a significant legislative improvement.

Leaders also acknowledged bills and proposals that did not pass, including a transit-oriented development financing bill and a rent-stabilization measure. They framed those outcomes as part of the multi-step legislative process, noting some disagreements between chambers on financing and priorities.

The briefing closed with the governor thanking legislative families and a standing ovation for those families. “Thanks to the media. We need you. Keep writing,” he added as the session wrap concluded.

The governor said the administration will continue to implement programs funded this year and to work on unresolved items in the interim.