Washington Senate advances a package of transportation, health and energy bills; ferry funding and Medicaid-linked meal standards among measures passed

The Washington State Senate on March 5 advanced and passed a slate of bills covering transportation, health, energy and consumer protections, adopting floor striking amendments on several measures and sending completed bills to their final steps.

Senators adopted changes to Engrossed House Bill 2,588 to authorize county-level approaches to ferry district taxation and funding, a move sponsors said will help replace an aging ferry that serves Lummi Island. "This bill is to help us replace the Whatcom chief, which is an over 60 year old ferry for in Whatcom County that serves Lummi Island," Senator Shoemake said on the floor, stressing that "Without a ferry, this community doesn't have a way to get groceries." Shoemake said roughly 1,000 people live on the island and described the vessel as a community lifeline. The Senate adopted the amendment package and declared the bill passed as amended.

Lawmakers also approved a striking amendment and advanced Engrossed House Bill 2247, which revises veterinarian–client–patient relationship rules and adds telemedicine provisions for veterinary…