With a phone call, WA governor keeps emergency powers bill alive

Senate Bill 5434, which aims to reform Washington's emergency powers, is set for a crucial vote after Governor Bob Ferguson's timely call to the committee chair. This bipartisan legislation is designed to give the Legislature a voice in emergency declarations, addressing concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic when former Governor Jay Inslee's emergency powers were a point of contention. Senator Keith Wagoner, the bill's sponsor, asserts that the legislation does not strip the governor of authority but ensures timely legislative engagement. Under the proposed law, the Legislature can terminate a state of emergency by a simple majority vote if in session, and it sets a 30-day limit on prohibited activities unless extended by the Legislature. This initiative, backed by 17 legislators, underscores a collective effort to improve accountability and transparency in governance.

The bill seeks to prevent the unilateral extension of emergency powers, which sparked fierce debates in the past. Ferguson expressed optimism about the bill's passage, reflecting a commitment to responsible governance. With lessons learned from the pandemic, this legislation aims to prepare Washington State for future emergencies while balancing power dynamics between the executive and legislative branches.