WA Dem lawmakers use 'unprecedented abuse of power' to shut down debate, pass bill to gut parental rights

Tensions flared Monday as Democrats in the Washington State House of Representatives passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5181 (ESSB 5181), legislation Republicans say guts Parental Rights Initiative 2081—just one year after it was enacted with broad legislative support and widespread public backing.

House Republicans expressed outrage over what they called an “unprecedented abuse of power,” accusing Democrats of using a newly adopted rule to shut down debate and silence minority voices—twice within 90 minutes—during the bill’s final passage.

“We knew this day might come, but to see it unfold during the Parental Rights initiative—backed by nearly half a million voters—is a disgrace,” said Deputy Republican Leader Rep. Chris Corry (R-Yakima). “House Democrats rewrote the rules at the start of session to muzzle the minority,” he said.

The controversy centers on a procedural rule change implemented by House Democrats earlier this session, eliminating a 132-year-old provision dating back to 1893. That rule had required a two-thirds supermajority to cut off debate on bills or amendments. Under the new rule, a simple majority is now enough to end discussion, granting the majority party significantly more control over floor proceedings.

Republicans argue that Democrats used this new authority to suppress debate on amendments tied to the high-profile parental rights bill, including one that would have removed the emergency clause—effectively blocking any potential public referendum. “The debate on the amendment was about whether the people’s voice matters,” Corry said. “House Democrats have made it crystal clear: they don’t trust or value the will of the people.”

House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn), issued a blistering caucus-wide statement, calling April 14 “a dark day for representative government.”

“Senate Bill 5181 not only undermines Initiative 2081, but it erodes public trust in our schools and sidelines families at a time when transparency and engagement are more critical than ever,” said Stokesbary. “Democrats didn’t need to silence us—they chose to. That tells you everything you need to know about how much they value the voices of the three million Washingtonians we represent,” he added.

He continued, “By rewriting the rules and weaponizing them against our caucus, Democrats have set a dangerous precedent… They’ve turned the People’s House into a rubber stamp for those in power.”

Republican Reps. Dan Griffey and Travis Couture, both from Allyn, also condemned the rule changes and accused Democrats of shutting down common-sense amendments with broad public support.

Among the rejected proposals:

• Locker Room and Shower Access: Griffey’s amendment would have required schools to provide same-sex locker rooms by default while accommodating transgender students separately.
• Girls’ Sports Protection: A measure to ban biological males from participating in all-girls competitive sports leagues.
• Parental Notification: Couture’s amendment would have required schools to notify parents if their district allowed students under 18 to excuse themselves from class without parental consent.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about basic privacy and respect,” Griffey said. “Students shouldn’t be forced into uncomfortable situations because Olympia bureaucrats are pushing an agenda.”

Couture called his proposal “a basic safety measure,” revealing that a legislative review found 229 of 280 Washington school districts permit minors to self-excuse without informing parents. “That blew my mind—and the minds of every parent I’ve talked to,” Couture said. “It’s outrageous. It’s dangerous. It could be deadly. All we asked was that parents be told. Democrats said no.”

Despite the legislative setback, Republican lawmakers say they will continue pressing the issue, arguing that House Democrats are trampling voter intent and undermining transparency.

“This is bigger than one bill,” Griffey concluded. “It’s about whether the people’s voice matters. Right now, House Democrats are making sure it doesn’t.”