Note: The following e-newsletter was sent to Sen. Leonard Christian’s subscribers March 6, 2026. To subscribe to Sen. Christian’s e-newsletters, click here.
Long days on the Senate floor have been the hallmark of the final week of our 2026 legislative session. We are scheduled to adjourn next Thursday.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week I found myself in the spotlight because of remarks I made on the Senate floor Wednesday, and I think I ought to offer a few words of explanation. I’m glad I was able to call attention to a bill that could have horrific consequences for vulnerable individuals who receive services from the state. But I do understand that some of the language I used has given offense to the state’s developmentally disabled community, which certainly was never my intention.
The bill in question is House Bill 1390, which would repeal the state’s Community Protection Program and put people at risk while they are under the state’s care. I’m not going to repeat the phrase I used on the floor, but you can read about it here. I’ve had some great conversations these last few days about outdated terms that once were commonly used but are no longer considered acceptable in today’s society.
I think it is important that we focus on the underlying policy that provoked the debate Wednesday and the reason I and so many others feel so passionately about this issue. Under this legislation, we would be moving developmentally disabled offenders who are likely to commit new acts of sexual violence into other programs and services operated by DSHS without including any guardrails or safeguards. The language of the bill does not include any provisions limiting the placement of these individuals with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offered several amendments on the Senate floor that would have addressed the vast majority of our concerns with this bill, by requiring adequate safeguards to protect those who could so easily be victimized. Our fears were summarily dismissed by our majority colleagues.
Repealing the Community Protection Program without adequate safeguards or transition plans is a recipe for disaster. While the language I used was not in keeping with current norms, this legislation is an offense against common sense. I hope wisdom will prevail when this bill returns to the House for concurrence, and if it is approved by the Legislature, that the governor will veto it when it reaches his desk.
After session, I look forward to meeting with members of the developmentally disabled community to discuss their agenda and how we might be able to address this issue while protecting individuals who are under the state’s care.
Spokane Valley ice arena gets $300,000 boost in Senate capital budget
House is expected to follow suit in its version of the budget
Architectural rendering of proposed ice arena. (Garco Construction)
Last summer the city of Spokane Valley was floored when an anonymous wealthy benefactor and a private development firm stepped forward with an offer to develop a modern indoor ice arena on city-owned property at 2100 N. Sullivan Rd. They offered $16 million if the city could come up with the rest of the $25 million needed for the project. The city so far has committed $4 million for roads, sewers and other infrastructure. We’re doing our part in the Legislature, too.
In the Senate, I am delighted to report that we have included $300,000 for this important project in our capital budget this year. The question isn’t whether we will provide funding, but rather how much. A preliminary version of the House capital budget provides $400,000 for the project, and it soon will receive a vote on the House floor. We will work for additional funding in next year’s capital budget.
I think we all recognize this is an offer we can’t afford to pass up. This arena will provide new opportunities for youth sports, hockey leagues and figure skating. Space is short right now on Spokane-area ice rinks, and this arena will allow us to expand league play and host tournaments we cannot accommodate at the present time. It will serve as a hub for tourism and economic development, generating nearly $7 million a year in direct benefit to our local economy. The city would have a $9.4 million option to buy the arena if it wishes. Also planned is a hotel and commercial space, which the developer would retain.
The developer also plans a hotel and commercial space, which it would retain. The city has agreed to provide $4 million for local infrastructure.
This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Spokane Valley, and I am glad the Legislature is willing to help bring it across the finish line.
Interior of proposed ice arena. (Garco Construction)
Don’t forget – town hall meeting set March 28
Our town hall meeting in Spokane Valley is right around the corner. We’ll recap the events of our 2026 legislative session at this in-person event. The town hall starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place. I look forward to seeing you and taking your questions. I hope you can make it!
Thanks for reading,
Leonard Christian
4th Legislative District
Contact me!
If you have a comment about state government, or a concern with a state agency, I hope you will reach out to my office. My most important duty is to serve you.
Mailing address: Post Office Box 40404, Olympia, WA 98504
Email: Leonard.Christian@leg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 786-7606
Leave a message on the Legislative Hotline: 1 (800) 562-6000
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