Senate adopts resolution honoring Sen. Matt Behnke

The Washington State Senate on March 12 adopted Senate Resolution 8,705 honoring Sen. Matt Behnke for his service to the 8th Legislative District and the state.

Senator Braun moved adoption and opened floor remarks, calling Behnke "a pro" and praising his leadership on energy, technology and higher education issues. "Look, Matt Behnke is a pro," Braun said on the Senate floor.

The resolution, read in full by the secretary, detailed Behnke's career: elected to the Kennewick City Council in 2015, elected to the state House in 2018 and to the Senate in 2022; more than two decades of service in the U.S. Army Aviation Branch, including service as a helicopter pilot; and his work as a cybersecurity professor at Columbia Basin College.

Colleagues from both parties rose to pay tribute. Senator Hansen highlighted Behnke's role on broadband and financial-aid work, saying his efforts on a FAFSA-related measure "is now on its way to the governor" and "is going to unlock tens of millions of dollars of financial aid for students in the state." Other senators praised his bipartisan approach, technical expertise and mentoring of students and staff.

After widespread floor remarks, Senator Richeli requested unanimous consent to add the names of all members as cosponsors; there was no objection. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote.

Senator Behnke rose on a point of personal privilege to thank colleagues and staff. "My heart is full today," he said, acknowledging peers, committee chairs and behind-the-scenes staff who supported his work. The floor tribute concluded with the resolution to be transmitted by the secretary of the Senate.

The resolution is honorary and expresses the chamber's appreciation for Behnke's public service; it does not create legal obligations or new policy.