This week the Washington State Senate released the committee structure for the 2015 session. The committee structure will resemble the committees from the prior legislative session with the exception of a new committee.
The Senate Accountability and Reform Committee, to be chaired by newly elected Senator Mark Miloscia, will focus on issues involving the management of government including transparency, efficiency programs and strategic planning.
Committee leadership, in general, provides for continuity from last session. Senator Barbara Bailey will continue to chair the Senate Higher Education Committee. In addition, Senator Andy Hill will Chair the Senate Ways & Means Committee and Senator Jim Honeyford will continue as Vice Co-Chair focusing on the capital budget.
Some of the changes for the 2015 session include:
- Senator Michael Baumgartner will replace Senator Randi Becker as Vice Chair on Higher Education
- Senator John Braun as Vice Co-Chair replacing Senator Michael Baumgartner and the addition of Senator Bruce Dammeier as Vice Chair with a focus on education finance
- Newly-elected Senator Judy Warnick will replace Senator Brian Hatfield as chair of Agriculture, Water and Rural Economic Development
- Senator Mike Baumgartner will replace former Senator Holmquist Newbry as Chair of Commerce and Labor
- Senator Don Benton will replace the former Co-Chair structure of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee replacing Co-Chair Steve Hobbs and Senator Jan Angel will take on the role as Vice Chair
- Senator Mark Miloscia will replace Senator Kirk Pearson as Vice Chair of Human Services and Corrections
- Senator Brian Dansel will serve as Vice Chair for Natural Resources and Parks
- Senator Sharon Brown will replace Senator John Braun as Chair of Trade and Economic Development and Senator John Braun will replace Senator Jan Angel as Vice Chair
- Senator Joe Fain will join Transportation as Vice Chair for the transportation budget and Senator Don Benton as Vice Chair.