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The 2021 legislative session by the numbers

The Legislature adjourned Sunday after a session defined by the unique virtual manner in which it was conducted and the wide range of issues before the body.

The Democratic majorities were successful in passing legislation on priorities such as pandemic response, fiscal policy, environmental policy, police reform, and child care. Some policies, such as the capital gains tax and cap-and-invest, have been on the Democrats’ wish list for years.

The Legislature has just wrapped up an historic and truly extraordinary session. It has been the most innovative, having produced unprecedented and legacy making advances as all-encompassing as any session in the last 25 years,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Washingtonians received progress on climate, progress on equity, progress on our tax system, and progress protecting our workers and families, and more. And all of this was accomplished safely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.”

While Republicans were unsuccessful in stopping the Democrats’ big ticket agenda items from passing, their leadership is anticipating a backlash as the new policies come to pass. They also joined with Democrats to achieve a few notable bipartisan wins, such as the Working Families Tax Exemption.

All that said, how does the 2021 session look by the numbers? Statistics below are broken by caucus and individual member.

Statistics on each caucus

In total, 335 bills passed the Legislature in 2021. Democrats passed 266 (79.4%) and Republicans passed 69 (20.6%). Of the 335 total bills that passed, 24 bills (7.1%) squeaked through on party line votes.

According to records maintained by the Office of Program Research, the 335 total will be the lowest number for an odd year, 105 day session since at least 1983.

Source: Office of Program Research

Of the 158 Senate bills that passed, 122 (77.3%) were Democratic bills and 36 (22.7%) were Republican bills. Of the 177 House bills that passed, 144 (81.4%) were Democratic bills and 33 (18.6%) were Republican Bills.

Statistics on individual members

Democratic Senator(s) with the most bills passed: Sens. Marko Liias, Emily Randall, Karen Keiser each prime sponsored 7 bills that passed the Legislature.

Republican Senator(s) with the most bills passed: Sen. Judy Warnick prime sponsored 6 bills that passed the Legislature.

Democratic Representative(s) with the most bills passed: Rep. Amy Walen prime sponsored 6 bills that passed the Legislature.

Republican Representative(s) with the most bills passed: Rep. Ed Orcutt prime sponsored 4 bills that passed the Legislature.

First-term legislators with the most bills passed: Sen. T’wina Nobles and Rep. April Berg each prime sponsored 5 bills that passed the Legislature.


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