Our legislature reviews hundreds of proposed pieces of legislation during sessions. This year, with the help of our team, I have drafted and introduced twelve bills. Six passed the House and five passed the Senate. So far, two have been signed by the Governor with more scheduled.

As a first-time legislator, I would like to share how proposals become law with a bill that I’ve introduced this year, House Bill 1658, which allows high school students to earn credit for paid work experience and financial education.

Every bill that we introduce comes from individuals within our community, just like you. In this instance, I spoke with community members in Mount Vernon who expressed a desire for financial education.

Many of our young adults want to learn how to make better financial decisions for life after high school.

As the vice chair of the Education Committee, I spoke with colleagues to work out a solution. Our policy staff worked with me to draft and introduce a bill that was inclusive, cost-effective and constitutional.

After introduction, HB 1658 was referred to the Education Committee for a public hearing. At the hearing, I listened to testimony from numerous groups including the Washington State PTA and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. It was wonderful to hear how this bill will help every student gain financial knowledge and professional development.

The committee then scheduled an executive session to pass or reject this bill. On Feb. 14, HB 1658 was voted out of committee with unanimous support and referred to the Rules Committee.

The Rules Committee can pull bills to the House floor for debate before the entire body. In this case, HB 1658 passed the House with 93 yeas and 4 nays with members from both sides expressing strong support.

Once passed, the same process is repeated in the Senate. This provides another opportunity for the public to comment and for legislators to make important changes if needed.

Fortunately, HB 1658 passed all these hurdles and enjoyed another strong bipartisan vote of 44 yeas and 5 nays. If a bill is voted out of the Senate with any changes, the bill comes back for another House vote to ensure both chambers agree on the final bill version.

In this case, HB 1658 was voted out of the Senate without changes. On April 10 and 11, the bill was signed by the speaker of the House and president of the Senate and will be delivered to the governor to be signed into law.

As always, thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my life-long dedication to public service.

As a veteran having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, trained at a naval nuclear reactor plant and served in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as a public affairs officer, I am honored to serve you here in the Washington State Legislature.