Update from Olympia

We are more than halfway through legislative session, with less than 40 days left. The revenue forecast was just released Tuesday, March 18th, and shows a projected decline of $845 million in the next two year budget which covers 2027-29. This is in addition to the already projected budget deficit bringing the total shortfall to $13billion. Senator June Robinson released a statement saying that the decline was expected, and “reinforces the need for a balanced and sustainable approach as we finalize the 2025-27 operating budget.”

Here’s an update on the bills that we have been advocating for this legislative session:

End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products, including Menthol – HB 1203/SB 5183

Sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves & Sen. T’wina Nobles

The House version moved from the Consumer Protections & Business Committee to the Finance Committee, but the bill was not scheduled for a hearing in time for the cutoff in Finance. The Senate version was similarly heard in the Health & Long-Term Care Committee, but did not get scheduled for a vote in time.

Free School Meals – HB 1404/SB 5352

Sponsored by Rep. April Berg & Sen. Marcus Riccelli

Both bills were scheduled for public hearings, but not scheduled for a vote in time to move out of committee. While this bill was listed as a priority for Governor Ferguson, we believe that the cost in the face of the budget deficit was the ultimate reason why this bill failed to move this year.

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools – HB 1863

Sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule

The bill was referred to the House Education Committee, but not scheduled for a public hearing in time to move out of committee. During interim, we plan to engage with stakeholders to continue to build support and look for a Senate sponsor.

Stroke Registry – HB 1545/SB 5602

Sponsored by Rep. Lisa Parshley & Sen. Marcus Riccelli

The House version was heard in the Healthcare Committee, but it was not scheduled for a vote in time to move out of committee. The Senate version was referred to the Health & Long-Term Care Committee, but it was not scheduled for a hearing in time to move out of committee. We believe that cost was another reason why this bill failed to move this year.

 

Next week, we’ll focus on what we see in the operating budgets. Republicans released their Operating Budget on March 11th, and Democrats are set to release their Operating Budgets next week.