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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the legislative session moves toward its final days, the pace inside the Capitol inevitably accelerates. Bills move quickly, debates run late into the night (and often into the early mornings), and decisions that carry long-term consequences are often made in a matter of hours.
Moments like this are a reminder that the purpose of the Legislature is not simply to pass laws, but to ensure that the laws we pass respect the constitutional framework that protects the liberty of every Washingtonian.
The American system of government was built on a simple but powerful idea: authority should flow from the people, and government power must always remain constrained by constitutional limits.
As this legislative session draws to a close, several proposals moving through Olympia test that principle in important ways.
Government power and constitutional guardrails
Two bills debated this session raise important questions about the expanding reach of state authority.
Senate Bill 5974 allows an unelected state commission to effectively remove a county sheriff through decertification. Sheriffs are unique in our system because they are chosen directly by the voters of their county. If a sheriff violates the public trust, the constitution already provides a remedy through the recall process. Shifting that authority from the voters to a state bureaucracy changes that relationship in a fundamental way.
You can read a great article on this bill in The Center Square here. From there, you can scroll down and watch my floor speech.
Another measure, Senate Bill 5925, expands the power of the Attorney General to compel documents and sworn testimony before a lawsuit is even filed. In practical terms, individuals, businesses, religious organizations, and nonprofit groups could be forced to respond to an investigation before a judge ever reviews the underlying claim. In that situation, the process itself can become the punishment.
In 1775, Patrick Henry warned that liberty depends on vigilance against the gradual expansion of government power. The policies may change across generations, but the principle remains the same. Authority in our system should flow from the people and remain constrained by constitutional guardrails.
You can read my op-ed on this bill by clicking below.
Patrick Henry said ‘Give me liberty.’ Senate Bill 5925 says ‘Hand over your records.’ – Rep. Hunter Abell
Parents, schools, and the role of voters
A recent decision from the United States Supreme Court reaffirmed an important constitutional principle: parents retain a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. Following that ruling, House Republican leaders sent a letter to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction asking how Washington’s policies compare to those criticized in the case.
In Washington, more than 400,000 citizens recently signed Initiative to the Legislature 26-638 addressing fairness in girls’ sports. That level of public engagement reflects the seriousness with which families view these issues.
When questions involving parental rights, student opportunity, and educational policy generate this level of public concern, the most appropriate course is often the simplest one: allow the people themselves to weigh in.
The growing cost of government
Another major debate expected to continue in the coming days involves a proposed income tax on high earners and the rapid growth of the state operating budget.
The House majority recently advanced an operating budget approaching $80 billion, the largest in Washington history. Supporters of that proposal argue that new revenue sources are necessary to sustain current spending levels.
But the underlying issue is not a sudden collapse in state revenue. Over the past decade, state revenues have grown substantially. What has grown even faster is the size of government spending.
Against that backdrop, the proposal to establish a new state income tax on “high earners” raises serious concerns. Washington voters have repeatedly rejected income taxes over many decades because they understand a simple truth: once a new tax structure is created, it rarely remains limited to its original target.
Sound fiscal policy requires discipline, restraint, and a recognition that government must live within sustainable limits.
TVW’s Freshman Profiles
I recently had the opportunity to join my colleague Rep. Deb Manjarrez for an episode of TVW’s Freshman Profiles, a series highlighting new members of the Legislature and the communities we represent.
During the conversation, we discussed the unique character of our districts, the people and industries that shape them, and the priorities that led us to run for office. For me, that includes representing the communities of Northeast Washington, where agriculture, natural resources, and small businesses play a central role in both our economy and our way of life.
We also spoke about the responsibility that comes with serving in the Legislature and the importance of ensuring that the voices of our local communities are heard in Olympia.
If you’re interested in learning more about the district I’m honored to represent, and why I chose to step forward and serve, I invite you to watch the full conversation here. Or click the image above.
In closing
Serving in the Legislature carries a profound responsibility. The decisions made here shape the policies that affect families, businesses, and communities across Washington.
Even during the long days and late nights that mark the end of a legislative session, I remain committed to defending the constitutional principles and practical solutions that help our communities thrive.
Sincerely,
Hunter Abell
