Home | About Brian | News & Media | Email Updates | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
There is just over one week left in the 2025 legislative session. It has been a whirlwind of learning and new experiences. But I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Even the late night and weekend committees and House floor debates. This is what you elected me to do and I will do it with a grateful heart as I continue to learn more about my role as your state Representative. As I’ve often said: You and I will not agree on every issue. But my door is always open, and no one will fight harder for our collective values, principles, and priorities.
New House rule shuts down debate on Parents’ Rights legislation
At the beginning of session, Democrats changed a House rule that’s been in place since 1893. Previously, it took a two-thirds vote of the representatives in the House to end debate on a bill and move to immediately vote on the legislation. This provision was reduced to a simple majority of legislators present.
The purpose of the rule was to protect the minority party and allow all voices to be heard on the House floor when considering legislation. Debate, discussion, and informed deliberation on bills is absolutely key to our Democratic Republic and to make sure all opinions, facts, and impacts of the legislation have been aired on the House floor before voting. By making this a simple majority vote, the majority party can end debate on any bill at any time! This sets a dangerous precedent of tyrannical and dictatorial rule.
Democrats used this new rule for the first time this week to end debate on legislation (SB 5181) to change the Parents’ Rights Initiative (I-2081) which passed the Legislature last year and was signed by nearly half a million voters. What’s even more troubling was they used this new rule to end debate twice! First, on an amendment that would take away an emergency clause on the bill, thus denying voters the chance to alter the law immediately by referendum. And second, to end final debate on the bill. BOTH uses were directly tied to silencing the voice of the people as the minority party in Olympia still represents well over three million voters in this state!
Transportation and Capital Budgets
The transportation and capital (construction) budgets have less money than in previous years. For the capital budget, certain projects may be delayed or have state funding reduced. For the transportation budget, lawmakers are trying to determine if a gas tax or a road usage charge (RUC, formerly Vehicle Miles Travelled Tax) should be part of transportation funding. The state’s “cap and trade (tax)” and the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) fees are expected to increase as well. See the graphic below for the potential impact on the price of fuel if several new taxes and fees are implemented as planned. I oppose any gas tax increase! I know many of you are feeling the pinch of higher prices for groceries, fuel, and property taxes. Adding more to this burden is irresponsible.
Property taxes
Speaking of property taxes. This week, Democrat budget writers released another round of tax increase proposals to close the hole in our state’s two-year operating budget. To do so, they are relying heavily on property tax increases that will hurt everyone – homeowners and renters alike. Click here to learn more about the property tax increases Democrats proposed earlier in session. Here are reasons why I, and the rest of my House Republican colleagues think these bills – and property tax increases – are not the right answer:
Many of you have contacted my office with stories about how an increase in your property taxes would make it very difficult to make ends meet, especially for those on fixed incomes. I have heard heartbreaking stories about how you fear being taxed out of your homes, literally. I am fighting against these tax increase bills. While I would never consider voting for a property tax increase, I also want you to know that I have heard you loud and clear!
Anti-gun legislation. The good and bad!
In my last legislative update, I talked about two really bad gun bills:
- HB 1163, the “Permit to Purchase” bill passed both the House and Senate and is now on the way to the governor’s office. To send the governor an e-message on this bill, click here.
- HB 1386, the “Ammo Tax” bill may still be a part of the Democrat tax plan. I’ll keep you updated.
But we may have a victory to celebrate. SB 5098 appears to be “dead” for the session. This bill further restricts the possession of firearms in certain public facilities, including parks, playgrounds, county fairs and more. While no bill is ever truly “dead” while the Legislature is in session, it would take a significant parliamentary procedure to revive the bill this year.
Bill signing
I attended my first bill-signing ceremony this week. I cosponsored House Bill 1385 which will add protections when hiring people who work with children, the developmentally disabled, or the elderly. These are truly the “most vulnerable” among us. The bill harmonizes state and federal guidelines and gives quick access to federal data bases when it comes to background checks. This will speed up the process of hiring qualified, professional, and safe individuals when working with our vulnerable populations. You can watch the short bill-signing ceremony here.
Thank you for your continued support and reaching out to my office with questions and concerns. You can always visit my website to learn more, including my News & Media page that has links to some of my floor and committee speeches, as well as A LOT of radio appearances.
And thank you for allowing me to serve you in the state House of Representatives. It is an honor to represent such great people in the most beautiful part of our state.
Sincerely,
Brian Burnett
