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SR 8659

Honoring Senator Bill Ramos.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 46 co-sponsors

The resolution formally honors Senator Bill Ramos, recognizing his advocacy for equity, transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8659

Summary: Senate Resolution 8659 (SR 8659) — Honoring Senator Bill Ramos

Overview

SR 8659 is a commemorative Senate resolution adopted to honor and celebrate the life, service, and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos. The measure acknowledges his sudden passing on April 19, 2025, and expresses gratitude for his contributions to the state, particularly in the areas of transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship. The resolution was adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 27, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly mourn the loss of Senator Bill Ramos and recognize his “humility, joy, and fierce dedication” to public service.
  • To celebrate his career across local, state, and federal levels, and to honor his commitment to equity and community service.
  • To inspire ongoing commitment to the values he embodied—equity, kindness, and service to working families and Latino communities.

Background on Senator Ramos

  • Represented the 5th Legislative District (Issaquah to Snoqualmie Pass and Enumclaw) as a state Senator from January 2025 until his death.
  • Previously served on the Issaquah City Council (2016–2019) and as a state Representative (2019–2025).
  • Prior to elected office, worked with the United States Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, collaborating with over 50 tribal nations to advance transportation equity in rural and tribal communities in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
  • Held leadership roles including chair of the Government & Tribal Relations Committee (House) and vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee; member of the Senate Members of Color Caucus.

Key Provisions and Provisions of the Resolution

  • Formal statement of mourning and celebration of Senator Ramos’s life and leadership.
  • Acknowledgement of his work to center equity, transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship in policy.
  • Expressions of gratitude for his service to working families and the Latino community, and recognition of his personal qualities (kindness, optimism, musical and cultural contributions).
  • Calls to carry his spirit forward in Senate work and community life; encouragement to live with humility, joy, purpose, and kindness.
  • Directions that copies of the resolution be transmitted to his wife, Sarah Perry; his children, Maya and Max; and the community he served.

Who/What is Affected

  • Primarily a commemorative act affecting the Senate’s official record and public messaging.
  • No direct statutory changes, fiscal implications, or regulatory impacts; symbolic recognition of a departing colleague.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: April 27, 2025.
  • Adopted: April 27, 2025.
  • Status: Adopted.
  • Administrative note: Certified by the Secretary of the Senate (Sarah Bannister) as a true copy of Senate Resolution 8659.

Additional Context

The resolution serves as a formal tribute and historical record of Senator Ramos’s life and contributions, reinforcing the values he championed and encouraging others to honor his legacy through service to their communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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