Opinion: Update on legislation to restore fairness and local control to transit governing boards and a bill to create accountability for the I-5 Bridge project

Rep. John Ley outlines the status of several bills addressing transit governance, accountability for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project, criminal sentencing standards, and ongoing state responsibilities in his latest legislative update.

Rep. John Ley provides his latest legislative update

Rep. John Ley
18th Legislative District

The 2026 session is moving quickly, and soon we’ll be heading to the House floor to debate and vote on hundreds of bills. I appreciate your input and encourage you to continue reaching out.

Majority prevents important bill from receiving hearing

One bill that will likely not make it to the House floor would have fixed a flaw in state law that has created confusion and inequity in how public transportation benefit areas are governed across Washington state.

A 2025 change to statute unintentionally limited local flexibility and sparked disputes over who gets a seat at the table when major transit decisions are made. House Bill 2226 would correct that problem by providing communities with more flexibility in structuring transit governing boards, ensuring fair and balanced representation that reflects

18th Legislative District. Lewis and Clark Hwy 14. Camas, WA.

This bill was scheduled for a public hearing this Friday in the House Local Government Committee; however, the majority party canceled that hearing. Therefore, the bill is most likely dead for this session. It’s unfortunate they have chosen not to hear this bill. Public transportation systems are regional by nature, and their governing boards should reflect that reality. This policy is about fairness, balance, and local decision-making. It would ensure that no single city could dominate a board and that smaller cities and unincorporated areas are not pushed aside.

It’s time to take a closer look at the I-5 Bridge project

I have also introduced a bill that would bring greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility to the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project. House Bill 2669 would require the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to conduct an independent performance audit of the project. The audit would examine how the project has been planned, managed, and funded since it was restarted in 2019, with findings reported to the Legislature by December 1, 2027.

With a project of this size and cost, taxpayers deserve clear answers about how their money is being spent and whether the decisions being made will deliver the promised congestion relief. This bill is about accountability, transparency, and making sure we get the best return on investment. Click on the image below to watch a video for a deeper explanation of what this bill would do.

Joint Transportation Committee I-5 Interstate Bridge Tour, Vancouver, WA

Legislation to ensure proper jail time

I recently introduced House Bill 2670, which would slightly increase the maximum jail time for certain gross misdemeanors from 364 days to 365 days in specific situations. That one-day change may sound small, but it matters legally because a 365-day sentence preserves certain enforcement, charging, and interstate consequences that can be lost at 364 days.

There is also an immigration component to this policy. Under federal immigration law, many crimes trigger immigration consequences not based on what sentence someone actually receives, but on the maximum possible sentence under state law.

By restoring a 365-day maximum sentence for certain gross misdemeanors, the bill makes it more likely that a conviction will trigger deportation or removal proceedings under federal law, even when the actual sentence is short.

HB 2670 is a technical but intentional change that restores a full one-year maximum sentence for specific gross misdemeanor offenses — primarily domestic-violence-related assaults and DUI cases — without changing the underlying crimes or mandatory minimum penalties.

National Guard Day speech

I had the opportunity this week to speak on the House Floor as we honored the Washington National Guard. What truly sets the Guard apart is not just the battles fought far from home. It’s the quiet, determined service right here in our own communities. Click on the image below to watch my full speech.

Still working to open the Brockmann Mental Health Facility

The effort to get our Brockmann Campus mental health facility open is still ongoing. The state spent an estimated $42 million to build this 48-bed facility, but didn’t fund staff hiring to open it in the 2025 budget. Click on the image below to watch a video about these efforts.

Thank you for your support

Thank you so much for placing your trust in me to represent you in Olympia. Please continue reaching out to share your vital ideas and feedback. It’s truly an honor to serve.