OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The 2024 state Legislative session has wrapped up, with many bills heading to Governor Inslee for the last time.

Inslee closed out the final day of his last legislative session as governor on Thursday by describing it as a banner year in the state’s fight against climate change. He highlighted SB 6058, which is expected to link Washington’s carbon market with California and Quebec.

However, one of the biggest climate policies passed during his tenure hangs in limbo. Conservative-backed initiatives that would repeal the state’s year-old carbon pricing program will be heading to voters in November after lawmakers opted not to consider it this session.

An initiative to repeal a tax on the sale of stocks and bonds and one that could threaten a long-term care insurance program will also head straight to voters.

Initiatives that would give police greater ability to pursue people in vehicles, declare a series of rights for parents of public-school students and bar an income tax were approved by lawmakers on Monday.

Among the nearly 400 bills passed by state lawmakers, at least two will have an impact on the Whatcom County judicial system.

HB 1992, sponsored by 42nd District Rep. Joe Timmons, would increase the number of Whatcom County Superior Court judges from 4 to 5.

SB 5825, sponsored by state Senator Sharon Shewmake, would give judges the power to appoint water rights commissioners and referees. Those commissioners would need to be trained on various laws related to the adjudication process.

Both bills are seen as vital ahead of the court’s water rights adjudication for the Nooksack River later this spring.

Timmons said in a statement that adding another judge will help with the court’s caseload in both the water rights adjudication and other cases yet to be heard by the Superior Court.