OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington’s legislative session began on Monday and many bills have been pre-filed concerning a variety of topics.

House and Senate leaders told reporters last week that they are prioritizing housing during the 105-day session. Bills tackling that subject include one that institutes a rent-cap which returns from last session after it failed in the Senate, and another will split lots to allow for higher density building.

Education is high on the docket as well, as many districts in the state have struggled with funding in recent years.

Other bills look to lower the blood alcohol limit (BAC) for operating a vehicle from .08% to .05%, clarify what constitutes as a hate crime and one bill looks to prohibit the presence of firearms in public and government-managed spaces where children are likely to be present.

During this session, the new governor and legislative body will also need to pass a biennium budget.

So far, governor-elect Bob Ferguson has proposed $100 million in grant funds per biennium for hiring law enforcement personnel among other things.