With just 13 days to go in this year’s 60-day scheduled session, some 400 bills now remain alive for consideration by lawmakers, following the latest cut-off deadline on Feb. 24. That was the last day for bills from the opposite chamber to be approved by House and Senate policy committees.

While the focus last week was on committee action, the full Senate passed its version of the Capital Budget, SB 5651, by a unanimous 49-0 vote. In the House, HB 2076, a closely watched measure to regulate rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, passed along party lines on Wednesday.

House Bill 2076 — Concerning rights and obligations of transportation network company drivers and transportation network companies

Passed the House on Feb. 23 by a vote of 55-42 (one member excused).

The new provisions would apply statewide, but would leave Seattle’s existing local ordinance that regulate licensing and permitting of rideshare companies and drivers in place. Opponents say that the proposed legislation would create confusion, inefficiencies, and higher costs for consumers, while threatening the independence of drivers. The bill was sent to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Rep. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) Yes

Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-POrt Townsend) Yes