Legislative Alert - Feb 12, 2023
The 2023 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 9, 2023, and is scheduled to end on Sunday, April 24, 2023.
Friday, February 17, is the last day to read in committee reports (pass bills out of committee and read them into the record on the floor) in the house of origin, except House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees, which have until February 24.
Top Action of the Week:
Hospital Mergers and Acquisitions (formerly “Keep Our Care Act”)
SB 5241/HB 1263 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the health care marketplace.
SB 5241/HB 1263 require that no material change transaction take place if it would detrimentally affect the continued existence of accessible, affordable health care in Washington State for at least ten years after the transaction occurs. The material change transaction must result in the affected communities having the same or greater access to quality, affordable care, including:
· emergency care;
· primary care;
· reproductive care;
· end-of-life care, including services provided in accordance with the Washington Death with Dignity Act; and
· gender affirming care.
Status: SB 5241 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice on Thursday, February 16 at 8:00 am.
HB 1263 has been referred to the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice to tell them you support SB 5241 and ask them to vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
Contact your representatives on the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee to tell them you support HB 1263 and ask them to schedule it for public hearing and executive session to be passed out of committee.
If you can only do one thing, contact your senators, and ask for their support on SB 5241 and HB 1263.
You can contact your legislators by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1 800-562-6000, or by e-mail using this format: firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov. If you need to look up your legislators, use the following link to find them: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
You can also use the hyperlinks in the bill descriptions to go to the bill comment page.
Budget/Revenue
Basic Income
SHB 1045 – Creating the evergreen basic income pilot program.
SUPPORT
HB 1045 finds that all Washington State households deserve basic financial security to ensure economic stability for all families. A recent feasibility study by the Department of Social and Health Services concluded that Washington Residents excluded from social and economic well-being would benefit from a statewide basic income program, with the legislature finding that a direct cash assistance program with no restrictions or requirements for recipients would help residents struggling under the weight of unprecedented income inequality. HB 1045 establishes a basic income pilot project for 7500 participants to start January 1, 2025 to provide 24 monthly payments equivalent to 100% of the fair-market rent of a 2 bedroom dwelling in the county where the participant lives. To qualify a participant must be:
· At least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor
· A resident of WA State
· Have a gross income that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level
· Are experiencing at least one of the following life transitions or conditions associated with high economic instability:
o Currently pregnant
o Parent of a child under the age of five
o Homeless
o Immigrant, refugee, or asylee
o Exiting from the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, or the criminal justice system
o Exiting a relationship or living situation due to domestic violence
o Disability or
o Behavioral health disorder
Applications for the basic income grant must be simple and low-barrier with a process that allows for self-attestation of income and life transition or condition and be available in multiple languages and formats including paper, online, and in person.
STATUS: HB 1045 has passed out of the House Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee and is now in the House Appropriations Committee where it is eligible for a public hearing and executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations Committee and let them know that you support HB 1045 and request they schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of the committee.
Property Tax Exemption to Provide Housing Funding
HB 1052 – Providing a property tax exemption for qualified real and personal property owned or used by a nonprofit entity in providing qualified housing funded in whole or part through a local real estate excise tax.
SUPPORT
HB 1052 expands the current tax exemption for real and personal property owned by nonprofit organizations providing rental housing for qualifying households or used to provide space for the placement of a mobile home is expanded to include an additional qualified funding source. With this bill rental housing or lots in a mobile home park that were insured, financed, or assisted in whole or in part through the local option Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) for affordable housing would be exempt from property taxes.
STATUS: HB 1052 is in the House Finance Committee where it is eligible for an executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Finance Committee and request that HB 1052 be scheduled for an executive session to pass out of the committee.
Working Families Tax Credit
HB 1075 and SB 5249 – Expanding eligibility for the working families' tax credit to everyone age 18 and older.
SUPPORT
HB 1075 and SB 5249 would expand eligibility for low-income families where individuals have filed an income tax return for the prior federal tax year and the individual filing is at least 18 years of age or older. Under current IRS rules individuals without children under the age of 24 are in many cases not eligible for this tax credit.
STATUS: SHB 1075 has passed out House Finance Committee and is headed to the House Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives
SB 5249 is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it is eligible for an executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Rules Committee to let them know that you support HB 1075 and ask that it be pulled to the floor for a vote by the House and contact your representatives to ask for a YES vote when it comes to the floor.
Contact your senators on the Senate Ways and Means Committee to let them know you support SB 5249 and ask that it be scheduled for an executive session to pass out of the committee.
Wealth Tax
HB 1473 and SB 5486 - Investing in Washington families and creating a more fair tax system by enacting a narrowly tailored property tax on extreme wealth derived from the ownership of stocks, bonds, and other financial intangible property.
SUPPORT
HB 1473 and SB 5486 would create a narrowly tailored property tax on extreme wealth. The property involved would include non-tangible wealth derived from ownership of stocks, bonds and other financial assets with the proceeds dedicated to education, housing, disability services and tax credits for working families. The first $250 million dollars of assessed value is exempt, thus only the wealthiest people in WA State would pay this tax.
STATUS: HB 1473 is currently in the House Finance Committee where it is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, February 14 at 8 AM.
SB 5486 has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it is eligible for a public hearing and executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Finance Committee to let them know that you support HB 1473 and ask for a YES vote to pass it out of committee.
Contact your senators on the Senate Ways and Means Committee to let them know you support SB 5486 and ask that it be scheduled for a public hearing and an executive session to pass out of the committee.
State Public Infrastructure Bank
SB 5509 – Creating the Washington state public infrastructure bank.
SUPPORT
SB 5509 provides the state with the authority to activate a State Public Infrastructure Bank with a cooperative membership organization to lend to local and tribal governments. The bill establishes the operating rules for the establishment and the powers and limitations of the state bank. As of 2021, the only state bank in the country is in North Dakota. The Bank of North Dakota has made a profit every year it has been in existence and has helped stave off the most drastic impacts of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic in North Dakota. A state infrastructure bank helps stretch state and federal dollars and meet the demands of financing large, impactful, long-term infrastructure projects. The bank would receive deposits from the state, local, and tribal governments and then invest these funds and give long term loans for infrastructure projects at a cost that is more affordable than a commercial bank loan/bond. Five years after activation, the bank shall have a goal of providing 35 percent of the amount it lends on an annual basis to support housing in low to moderate-income areas. With our state’s and country’s failing infrastructure for housing, water, and transportation, our state and local communities need a lower-cost funding source other than commercial banks so that our communities and families can thrive, and survive.
STATUS: SB 5099 is currently in the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committtee where it was scheduled for an executive session on Tuesday, February 9 but no action was taken
ACTION: Contact your senators on the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee to let them know you support SB 5509 and ask that it be scheduled for an executive session and for it to be passed out of committee.
National Infrastructure Bank
SJM 8001 – Concerning a national infrastructure bank.
SUPPORT
SJM 8001 is a resolution that requests the US Congress pass and the President of the United States sign the National Infrastructure Bank Act (NIB) or similar legislation. The National Infrastructure Bank would facilitate the long-term financing of infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bank must provide loans to public and private entities for financing, developing, or operating eligible infrastructure projects. An eligible project must have a public sponsor as well as local, regional, or national significance. The bill treats the bank as a government corporation exempt from tax, and treats contributions to the bank as charitable contributions.
Projects that receive a loan must pay all laborers and mechanics locally prevailing wages, and use only certain United States-produced construction materials unless a waiver is secured from the bank. The bank shall issue stock and may also issue bonds and maintain a discount line of credit with the Federal Reserve System.
Much of our country’s and state’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair. Many communities lack housing, workable transportation networks, and clean, safe, and sustainable water, and food production networks. For example, in the area of transportation, many low-income women and their families struggle to find reliable transportation which can affect their health – resulting in missed appointments and poor illness management, even if care is readily available, as well as access to resources for healthy food. This new infrastructure bank would also create tens of millions of high-paying jobs, train our youth with skills they could use for a lifetime, and lift many of our disadvantaged persons out of poverty and despair. Additional jobs mean more tax revenue for our cities, counties, and state, and would improve the lives of those in our communities. A National Infrastructure Bank is a win-win for our state and local communities – providing reduced-cost financial instruments for our local and state government infrastructure projects and a better quality of life for all of WA State’s residents including women and children.
STATUS: SJM 8001 has passed out of the Senate and is now in the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee where it is eligible for a public hearing and executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee to let them know you support SJM 8001 and ask that it be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session.
Economic Equity and Support for Low Income Individuals and Families
Financial Assistance for Lo-Income Citizens
SHB 1094/SSB 5125 - Creating the Washington future fund program.
SUPPORT
HB1094/SSB 5125 provide seed capital to Washingtonians who were born into and experience persistent poverty for investment in themselves and their communities by purchasing a home, pursuing education, or starting a small business. This legislation is being proposed at the recommendation of the state treasurer’s Washington future fund committee that was tasked with studying wealth inequities in Washington, analyzing the Washington future fund and other "baby bonds" investment models, and providing recommendations on program implementation to the legislature. The intent of the legislature is to reduce the capital barriers inhibiting the potential for those born into poverty to alter their financial future.
Effect of substitutes to both HB 1094 and SB 5125:
· Technical corrections
· Provides flexibility to the Caseload Forecast Council to forecast Washington Future Fund (WFF) cohorts similarly to their current forecasts.
· Clarifies that the first cohort includes people born in calendar year 2024.
· Specifies that WFF disbursements shall not be considered income for the purposes of state public assistance program, or financial assistance or financial aid eligibility, and calculation of benefit amount
· Moves the new Caseload Forecast Council duties related to the WFF program to RCW 43.88C.010—Caseload forecast council – Duties.
· Adds the Department of Health to the information sharing agreement with the OST and HCA.
· Permits the Department of Health to share birth and death data with HCA to verify participant eligibility.
· Adds one member representing a financial institution, and one member representing either a chamber of commerce or an associated development organization to the Washington Future Fund Committee.
In addition, the substitute to HB 1094 bases eligibility on enrollment in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or a medical assistance program under Apple Health Rather than criteria laid out in the Maternity Care Access program.
Status: HB 1094 Passed out of the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
SSB 5125 passed out of the Senate committee on Human Services and has been referred to Senate Ways & Means.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support HB 1094 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to vote it out of committee.
Contact your senators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SSB 5125 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
HJR 4204/SJR 8205 - Authorizing investment of funds held for the purpose of reducing persistent poverty.
SUPPORT
HJR 4204/SJR 8205 call for a vote by the citizens of the State of Washington to consider an amendment to the Washington state Constitution allowing funds from public pensions, retirement funds, or industrial insurance trust fund, that are currently invested as authorized by law for the benefit of persons with developmental disabilities, also be invested for the purpose of reducing persistent poverty.
Status: HJR 4204 has been referred to House Appropriations.
SJR 8205 has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support HJR 4204 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Contact your senators on the Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SJR 8205 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Relief for Unemployed Immigrant Workers who are Ineligible for Unemployment Insurance.
HB 1095 - Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance
SUPPORT
HB 1095 provides wages for those ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, who include immigrant workers without work authorization, workers whose work authorization has expired or is awaiting renewal, and workers who recently regularized their immigration status. These unemployment insurance benefits are payable only to individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, are lawfully present for purposes of performing such services, or who are otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law at the time of their employment.
Status: Executive session scheduled for Tuesday, February 14 at 10:30 am in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards.
Action: Contact your representatives on the Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards to let them know you support HB 1095 and ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Washington State Housing Crisis
HB 1046 - Expanding housing supply by supporting the ability of public housing authorities to finance affordable housing developments by rebenchmarking area median income limits.
HB 1046 increases the area median income limits on a low-income housing development financed by a public housing authority as follows:
· For a development owned by a for-profit entity, the area median income limit is increased from 50 percent to 80 percent.
· For a development owned directly or through a partnership by a governmental entity or a nonprofit organization, the area median income limit is increased from 60 percent to 80 percent.
Status: Passed out of the House and the Senate Housing Committee, and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your Senator on the Senate Rules Committee to let them know you support HB 1046 and ask them to vote YES to schedule a floor vote.
HB 1124 - Protecting tenants from excessive rent and related fees by providing at least six months' notice for rent increases over a certain amount, allowing tenants the right to terminate a tenancy without penalty, and limiting late fees.
SUPPORT
HB 1124 requires landlords to provide at least 180 days' and no more than 220 days' notice for rent increases over 5 percent; allows a tenant to terminate a tenancy without penalty for any rent increase over 5 percent; and limits late rental payment fees under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act to $75.
Status: Referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1124 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
HB 1149/SSB 5202 - Reducing homelessness in Washington state through capital expenditures for programs that address housing insecurity.
SUPPORT
HB 1149 and SSB 5202 establish the “Washington housing crisis response act” that would reduce homelessness in Washington state through $4 billion in capital expenditures for programs that address housing insecurity, for these reasons:
· The current severe housing shortage that currently exists in Washington state impacts the ability of many Washingtonians to obtain and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.
· Multiple factors contribute to this housing crisis, resulting in a housing deficit of more than 50,000 units for over a decade.
· The deficit of new housing necessary to accommodate our growing population was 81,400 units in 2021.
· Every $100 increase in rent is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness, and 40% of Washington households spend more than 35% of their income on rent.
· To keep up with population projections, the state of Washington will need to construct an additional 1,000,000 housing units by 2040.
· Investments in housing include emergency, transitional, permanent supportive, permanent, and market rate housing to meet the diverse needs of all Washingtonians in every corner of the state.
· A significant number of individuals facing housing instability or homelessness also have behavioral health needs that are not fully supported or addressed. Behavioral health treatment capacity is essential to increasing and maintaining housing access and stability for all Washingtonians, including those with mental health and substance use conditions.
The legislature intends to support these needs by issuing bonds to provide new money for capital programs and projects that are critical to addressing the state's housing crisis.
A workforce housing accelerator revolving loan fund program will also be created by the department of commerce to provide loans to eligible organizations to finance affordable housing for low-income households.
If approved by the legislature, this act will go before the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next Washington state general election.
The first substitute bill to SB 2505 Requires a public investment impact disclosure to appear on the ballot as part of the referendum.
Status: HB 1149 was scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at January 12 at 10:30 am. Executive session has not yet been scheduled.
SB 5202 has passed out of the Senate Housing Committee and has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means committee.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards to let them know you support HB 1149 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to let them know you support SSB 5202 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1186/SSB 5256 - Making permanent and expanding the child welfare housing assistance program.
SUPPORT
SHB 1186 makes permanent and expands the Child Welfare Assistance pilot program established in 2020. This program provides housing vouchers, rental assistance, navigation, and other support services to families whose primary barrier to reunification is the lack of appropriate housing. The child welfare housing assistance (pilot) program is intended to reduce the need for foster care placement and to shorten the time that children remain in out-of-home care when placement is necessary.
The first substitute to HB 1186:
· Requires an annual rather than a bi-annual report that includes data, not just outcomes; requires that the report go to legislature instead of oversight board; and that it includes information for distribution regarding race, geography gender, ethnicity and whether or not the distribution was equitable.
The first substitute to SB 5256:
· Modifies the reporting requirement for DCYF to require that the report by providing annually beginning November 1, 2024 and at a minimum, including information, when available, regarding distribution of the Program by race, geography, ethnicity, and gender including a discuss of whether of this distribution is equitable and any recommendations for legislative changes to the Program.
Status: SHB 1186 passed out of the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee where it has been scheduled for an executive session on Monday, February 13, at 4:00 pm.
SSB 5256 was scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February 9 and is eligible to be scheduled for an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support SHB 1186 and ask them to schedule executive session and to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Ways & Means Committee to tell them that you support SSB 5256 and ask that they schedule it for an executive session and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
HB 1260/SSB 5480 - Accelerating stability for people with a work-limiting disability or incapacity.
SUPPORT
HB 1260/SSB 5480 amend existing legislation that provides essential needs and housing support services to:
· Remove outdated language and obsolete dates
· Authorize the Department of Commerce to establish income thresholds for program eligibility
· Make the support received because of this program ineligible for consideration as a debt and therefore ineligible for recovery
First Substitute to SB 5480:
· Restores the requirement that an ABD recipient who subsequently receives SSI benefits for the same period are required to pay back the ABD benefits.
· a person deemed eligible for HEN is to receive 12 months of consecutive support from the date Commerce submits its first rent subsidy on behalf of the recipient.
· codifying that HEN entities may continue to serve clients that move outside of county service areas to other county service areas within the state with the added requirement that the client notify the entity that serves the geographic area where the client is moving, and directs Commerce to support both entities, which may include financial assistance;
· forms used by individuals applying for HEN are designed in a manner that the form may be shared with DSHS;
· when reviewing a HEN recipient's continuing eligibility, the new authorization period is 12 months; and
· DSHS is to share client data for individuals eligible for HEN with Commerce and housing support entities as required.
Status: HB 1260 passed out of the House Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee and has be referred to House Appropriations Committee it has been scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, February 15 at 4:00 pm
SSB 5480 has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to be passed out of committee.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations to tell them you support HB 1260, and ask them to schedule it for executive session to vote it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell then you support SSB 5480 and ask that they schedule it for public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committe
SHB 1326 - Waiving municipal utility connection charges for certain properties.
SUPPORT
HB 1326 Authorizes municipal utilities to establish a program to waive connection charges for properties used by entities as an emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing. If a property that received a waiver is no longer being used by such an entity, any waived connection charges become immediately due and payable as a condition of continued service.
The first substitute bill: allows waiver for property “owned or developed by or on the path of “ the listed entities, rather than for properties “used” by the listed entities; removes “any other legal entity” language; makes limited partnerships and LLCs qualified for the waiver; requires that waived connection funds be funded by .general funds, grant dollars or another recognized revenue stream; removes language that requires that requires that entities must be funded in whole or in part from the state or local government housing in order to be qualified as an emergency shelter.
Status: SHB 1326 has passed the House and will now be referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to be passed out of committee.
Action: Contact your senators on the Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee to tell them you support SHB 1326 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5016 - Addressing homelessness through providing emergency shelter, incentivizing employment of workers experiencing homelessness, and building homes for a better future.
OPPOSE
SB 5016 amends current law that provides rental assistance grants to do so only in exchange for a portion of grant recipients’ income or community service.
Status: SB 5016 has been referred to the Senate Housing Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Housing Committee and tell them your OPPOSE SB 5016.
SSB 5045 - Incentivizing rental of accessory dwelling units to low-income households.
SUPPORT
SSB 5045 allows Washington state counties to exempt ADUs from property tax if the ADU is maintained as a rental property for low-income households whose adjusted income is at or below 60 percent of median household income for the county. Rent charged to a tenant may not exceed more than 30 percent of the tenant's monthly income. The taxpayer must file notice of intention to participate in the exemption program. The exemption can continue for as long as the ADU is leased to a low-income household.
The first substitute bill:
· Authorizes a county legislative authority for a county with a population of 1,500,000, or more, to exempt from taxation the value of an ADU, rather than any county.
· Requires JLARC to review the tax preference, and complete a final report by December 1, 2029 that includes: the costs and benefits associated with exempting from taxation the value of an ADU; an evaluation of the inventory analysis of existing and projected housing needs completed by the Department of Commerce; a summary of the estimated total statewide costs and benefits attributed to exempting from taxation the value of an ADU; and an evaluation of the impacts of the program on low-income households.
Status: SSB 5045 has passed out of the Senate Housing Committee as amended and has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee where it is scheduled for executive session on Thursday, February 16 at 4:00 pm
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SSB 5045 and ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
SB 5553 - Authorizing standards for temporary emergency shelters for local adoption.
SUPPORT
SB 5553 adds standards for temporary emergency shelters for local adoption to existing law that exempts buildings from state building code requirements in order to provide housing for indigent persons.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee Tuesday, February 14 at 8:00 am.
Action: Contact your senators on the Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee to tell then you support SB 5553 and ask them vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1343 - Providing local governments with options to grant rent relief and preserve affordable housing in their communities.
SUPPORT
HB 1343 provides communities with a local option to preserve and increase healthy, high quality, and affordable rental housing opportunities for very low-income households when the governing authority has found that there are insufficient affordable housing opportunities available. It also encourages the development of housing opportunities that are affordable to renters at below market rent levels.
Status: HB 1343 is scheduled for an executive session in the House Housing Committee on Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 am, but no action was taken.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Housing committee to tell them you support HB 1343 and ask that they schedule a vote to pass it out of committee.
Exempting essential needs from sale and use tax
SB 5136 - Exempting permanently from the sales and use tax purchases of clothing, products for children, and prepared food.
OPPOSE
SB 5136 removes from exemption the sales and use tax purchases of clothing, products for children, and prepared food.
Status: SB 5136 has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Ways & Means Committee and tell them you OPPOSE SB 5136. and ask them to take no further action.
HB 1431 - Clarifying that meals furnished to tenants of senior living communities as part of their rental agreement are not subject to sales and use tax.
SUPPORT
HB 1431 amends current law excluding certain items from sales and use tax to include food, drink, or meals furnished by a senior living community to tenants as part of a rental or residency agreement for which no separate charge is made, regardless of whether the tenant is a resident.
Status: HB 1431 was scheduled for public hearing in the House Finance Committee on Thursday, February 2 and is now eligible to be scheduled for executive session to be voted out of committee.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Finance Committee, tell them you support HB 1431 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
SHB 1628 - Increasing the supply of affordable housing by modifying the state and local real estate excise tax.
SUPPORT
HB 1628 increases the state real estate excise tax at a rate of 4 percent to the portion of the sale price that is over $5,000,000. This increased revenue must be deposited separately from the other portions and as follows: 30 percent to the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, 30 percent to the Apple Health and Homes Account, 15 percent to a new Developmental Disabilities Trust Account, and 25 percent to the Affordable Housing for All account for operations, maintenance, and service for permanent supportive housing.
It also creates the Developmental Disabilities Trust Account, which may be used for providing grants and forgivable loans to housing programs to support people with developmental disabilities. These grants and loans can be used for operations and maintenance costs, housing- related services, technical assistance to nonprofit organizations serving or housing populations with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and rental subsidies.
It also provides for local governments to impose an additional real estate excise tax at a rate of up to 0.25 percent. If a city does not impose the tax at the full rate by June 30, 2024, the county may impose the tax within the city up to a combined rate of 0.25 percent. At least half of the revenue from the tax must be used for the capital construction or acquisition of affordable housing; any remainder may be used for operations, maintenance, and services related to the affordable housing, and may only be used for permanent housing, rather than temporary, transitional, or shelter housing. Housing is affordable if the monthly costs of the housing do not exceed 30 percent of the income of a household making 60 percent of the county median income, adjusted for housing size, if the housing is rental housing; or do not exceed 35 percent of the income of the same household if the housing is owner- occupied
The first substitute:
· Allows revenue from the new local government .25 % real estate excise tax to be used on infrastructure costs associated with affordable housing,
· removes the distinctions between the uses that local governments are allowed to put revenue from the first .25% real excise tax that current law makes based on the size of the county or city and whether or not it is planning under the GMA
· allows for councilmanic imposition of the second .25% local government real estate excise tax by counties and cities within those counties that choose to plan under the GMA (currently they can do so only with voter approval)
· Would make changes to the way the first and second .25% local government real estate excise taxes can used in two general ways. First it would allow for each real estate excise tax to be used for the capital purposes that the other can be used for; it would make permanent the changes that were put in place in 2021 that would allow local governments to use 35% instead of 25% of real estate excise tax funds on maintenance, and it would remove the one-million-dollar cap on the amount that can be used..
Status: HB 1628 passed out of the House Committee on Local Government and will be referred to the House Appropriations Committee where it will be eligible for a public hearing and executive session to pass out of committee.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support SHB 1628 and ask that they schedule it for public hearing and executive session and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
ESSB 5173 - Personal Property Exemptions – “the Fair Shot Act”
SUPPORT
ESSB 5173 increases the personal property exemptions to help keep families out of poverty and to modernize antiquated marriage property laws that did not provide women with their own property exemptions. In a bankruptcy case, a debtor can protect equity in their personal property up to a certain limit to prevent a bankruptcy trustee from seizing and selling property for the benefit of creditors. This bill increases exemptions on a car inside and outside bankruptcy from $3,250 to $15,000, and increases “tools of the trade” from $5000 to $15,000 to help small business owners stay in business in the face of financial tragedy. Additionally, there are bankruptcy specific exemptions that increase the personal property “wild card” exemption to $10,000.00 and the personal injury exemption to an unlimited amount if they file bankruptcy. The personal property exemptions, inside and outside of bankruptcy are also doubled (or stacked) for married spouses.
The 1st Substitute amends the bill as follows:
· Increases the value limit for certain exemptions of personal property from execution, attachment, and garnishment.
· Clarifies that in the case of married persons, each spouse is entitled to the exemptions of personal property from execution, attachment, and garnishment.
· Requires that each dollar amount be adjusted every three years, beginning April 1, 2026, by the Department of Revenue to reflect changes in the consumer price index for all urban consumers, all items, for the Seattle area, as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
· Exempts worker's compensation payments from execution, attachment, or garnishment.
STATUS ESSB 5173 was voted on in the Senate and passed 29-19-1. The bill is now in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee. It is unclear whether this bill will proceed under HB 1400 or ESSB 5173 as right now they are both the same bill in the House.
Action: Contact your House members in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and tell them you SUPPORT ESSB 5173 and ask them to schedule it for a public hearing. If your House members are not on the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee, contact them and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1051 - The Robocall Scam Protection Act
SUPPORT
HB 1051 reduces the vast number of illegal robocalls received by Washingtonians through a modernization of the Washington anti-robocalling statute, RCW 80.36 et al. Changes to the statute aim to update the definition of automatic dialing to prohibit the initiation of an unsolicited robocall to a Washington resident who has placed their name on the federal Do Not Call Registry or to knowingly facilitate illegal robocalls. It will also combat fraudulent and misleading caller identification. A commercial solicitation violation is considered a per se violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), and a person injured by such violations may receive remedies under the CPA. In addition, the person may bring civil action to enjoin further violations and recover actual damages or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater.
This is a very complex issue that will require many amendments before being passed, but those have not yet been developed. Look for more.
Status: HB 1051 passed out of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and has been referred to the Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1051. and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SB 5059 - Pre-Judgment Interest for Civil Cases (primarily insurance)
SUPPORT
SB 5059 allows interest to accrue on personal injury claims while they await trial and before a court judgment. This bill incentivizes quick and faire settlements in civil cases.
Status: SB 5059 has passed out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee and has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee which scheduled a public meeting February 7.
Action: Contact committee members in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SB 5059 and ask them to schedule it for executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1152/ SSB 5171 - Promoting Equitable Pricing of Good and Services Based on Gender
SUPPORT
HB 1152 and SB 5171 prevent higher products for women’s products. According to a 2015 study produced by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, women's products carry a higher price tag 42 percent of the time and men's products carry a higher price tag 18 percent of the time. This study found that products marketed towards women were priced an average of 7 percent higher than substantially similar men's products.
SSB 5171 includes amendments to:
· Change the definition of "substantially similar."
· Remove the prohibition against gender-based price discrimination from the consumer protection act and makes a violation of the prohibition a per se violation of the consumer protection act.
· Removes the creation of specific civil penalties for a violation of the prohibition against gender-based price discrimination
Status: HB 1152 was scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on February 1. No action was taken as its likely the Senate bill will move first.
SSB 5171 has passed out of the Senate Committee on Law & Justice and has been referred to Senate Ways & Means.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business to tell them you support HB 1152 and ask them to vote it out of committee.
Contact your senators on the Senate Ways & Means Committee and tell them you support SSB 5171. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Transportation
HB 1651 – Limits time debt collectors can hold a vehicle for unpaid tickets
SUPPORT
HB 1651 prevents abuse by debt collectors in the collection of parking tickets.. Not being able to register your car is a huge potential life disruptor. HB 1651 puts reasonable time limits on the registration holds for unpaid tickets, gives authority for payment plans to make getting out from under unpaid ticket burdens possible, and reworks how registration holds are allowed.
Status: HB 1651 has been scheduled for a public hearing in the House Transportation committee on Wednesday, February 15 at 4:00 pm.
Action: Contact your House members in Transportation and tell them you SUPPORT HB 1651 and ask them to set it for an executive session to pass it out of the committee.
Consumer Protection & Business.
HB 1666 – Regulates Public Debt and Prohibits Unfair, Deceptive And Unconscionable Practices In Debt Collection.
SUPPORT
HB 1666 has three good parts 1) Bringing public debt collection under the same regulation as private debt collection, 2) Prohibiting unfair, deceptive and unconscionable practices in all debt collection and 3) Reducing the fee allowed for debt collectors of public debt from 50% of the debt amount to 9%. It also has one section added as a poison pill that allows debt collectors to pass on fees for the use of payment by credit card on to the person they are collecting the debt from (this is also a stand-alone bill - HB 1727 - see below). We want this provision moved in the executive committee.
Status: HB 1666 is referred to the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee where it was scheduled for a public hearing on February 7.
Action: Contact your House members in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee and tell them you SUPPORT HB 1666 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee wih an amendment to take away the poison pill provisions.
HB 1727 – Pay to Pay Bill re Debt Collector Transaction Fees on Defaulted Debt.
OPPOSE
HB 1727 will require consumers with defaulted debt in collections to pay a fee to pay debt with a credit card or debit fee to debt collectors when they are not a willing consumer in this relationship. The consumer in this relationship is the entity collectors are collecting for, therefore these costs should be negotiated through that contract. Encouraging the use of credit cards to pay for previous debt does not help a person struggling with debt and could exacerbate their financial situation.
Status: HB 1727 is referred to the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee and is scheduled for executive session on Tuesday, February 14 at 1:30pm
Action: Contact your House members in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee and tell them you OPPOSE HB 1727 and ask them to vote it down.
Violence Against Women
Support for victims of crime
SHB 1028 - Supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed responses in the legal system.
Support
SHB 1028 provides greater support, tracking for crime victims and witnesses by specifying greater training, data keeping, sharing of rape kit information and deadlines among legal entities (especially prosecutors). Specifies in the intent section that all sexual assault survivors deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, including through trauma-informed, food faith investigation of every report of sexual assault.
Status: Had a Public Hearing in House Appropriations Feb. 6
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Appropriations and ask for it to be scheduled for executive session. Let them know you support SHB 1028 and ask for it to be voted out of committee.
SSB 5081 - Concerning victim notification.
Support
SB 5081 amends current law on violent offense notification of victims, witnesses and those requesting this service that any records and information of their request are exempt from public inspections and copying.
The substitute bill includes five additional crimes added to the list of offenses for which DOC must provide a statement of the rights of victims and witnesses to request and receive notification: domestic violence offenses, assault in the third degree, unlawful imprisonment, vehicular homicide by disregard for the safety of others, and controlled substance homicide.
Status: Substitute bill passed the Senate chamber on third reading, went to the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee.
Action: Contact your Representatives in the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee. Tell them you support SB 5081 and ask them to schedule it for a public hearing and executive session.
SB 5070 - Concerning victims of nonfatal strangulation.
Support
SB 5070 amends current law on nonfatal strangulation to provide an effective date and to indicate an emergency status.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Ways and Means Committee Feb. 14 at 4:00 pm.
Action: Contact Senate Ways and Means Committee members; let them know you support SB 5070 and ask them to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1089/ SB 5114 - Supporting adults with lived experience of sex trafficking.
Support
SHB 1089 and SB 5114 create a program for healing, support, and transition services for any person age 18 or older who has been forced or coerced to perform a commercial sex act, or a person who was induced to perform a commercial sex act when they were less than 18 years of age. Amendment states that an individual is not required to initially identify themselves as an adult with lived experience in order to access the services that are created under the bill.
Status: SHB 1089 had a public hearing in House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 4:00 PM.
SB 5114 has been scheduled for a Public Hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee Feb.13 at 4:00 PM.
Action: Contact your Representative on the House Appropriations Committee, let them know you support HB 1089 and ask them to schedule an executive session and pass it out of committee.
Contact Senate Ways and Means Committee members, tell them you support SB 5114 and ask them to schedule an executive session and pass it out of committee.
Regarding the treatment of persons apprehended by the police and/or subject to judicial action
HB 1025 Creating a private right of action for harm from violations of the state Constitution or state law by peace officers.
Support
HB 1025 provides a meaningful legal remedy under state law for persons injured when a peace officer or the state employing the officer violates the state constitution or state law.
Status: Rescheduled for executive session in House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary for Feb 10 at 10:30 AM.
Action: Let your Representatives on this Committee know you support HB1025 and ask them to pass it out of committee.
SB 5042 - Authorizing the use of vascular neck restraints.
Oppose
SB 5042 defines chokehold and allows specific neck hold restraint.
Status: Referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
Action: Contact your Senator on the Senate Law and Justice Committee and let them know you oppose SB5042. Ask that they take no further action on this bill.
SB 5076 - Concerning the authority to hold a person without bail until their first appearance on a domestic violence or protection order case.
Support
SB 5076 allows a police officer to keep in custody until a release by a judicial officer, a person without a warrant when the officer has probable cause that any of the various protection orders have been issued.
Status: Referred to the Senate Law and Justice committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Law and Justice committee, indicate your support and ask that they schedule a public hearing and executive session for SB 5076 .
SB 5075 - Establishing a judicial sentencing database.
Oppose
SB 5075 adds a new section to judicial sentencing for an electronic database which will track judicial sentencing practices regarding felony crimes and likewise prosecutorial recommendations in regard to those cases and compare them to past levels of sentencing and prosecution.
Status: Referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Law and Justice Committee. Tell them that you Oppose SB 5075 and ask them to take no further action.
Hazing
HB 1002 - Increasing the Penalty for Hazing
Support
HB1002 increases the penalty for hazing that results in bodily harm to a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Status: Has been referred to Rules where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote
Action: Let your Representatives on the Rules Committee know you support HB 1002 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote and to vote YES when it goes to the floor.
Protecting children from child abuse and neglect
HB 1036 - Providing duty of clergy to report child abuse or neglect.
Support
HB 1036 expands the definition of clergy and requires that they report abuse other than that received under clergy-penitent privilege.
Status: First reading assigned to House Human Services, Youth and Early Learning committee.
Action: Let your Representative know you support HB 1036 and ask them to schedule a public hearing.
SHB 1059 - Protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Support
SHB 1059 Protects a minor child from being photographed or from being part of a live performance which depicts the minor in sexually explicit conduct where the minor is unconscious or unaware of the photograph or recording. The 1st substitution bill adds language clarifying that when an individual takes a photograph or a video of another person committing the offense, that individual is not committing the offense. The individual must be acting in good faith to assist an investigator or prosecutor by documenting the offensive behavior.
Status: Passed out of House Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry Committee and referred to house Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee, let them know you support HB 1059 and ask for it to pass to a floor vote.
SSB 5033 Reclassifying the sentence for the crime of custodial sexual misconduct.
Support, the “Kimberly Vinder’s Law”
SSB 5033 reclassifies the sentence for custodial sexual misconduct to Class B and Class C felonies, stronger than misdemeanors. The amendment changes the title of the act to, “The Kimberly Vinder’s Law.”
Status: Passed out of Senate Law and Justice and referred to the Senate Rules Committee, where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to let them know you support SB 5033 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SHB 1165 Concerning civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images.
Support
SHB 1165 repeals the current statute imposing civil liability for wrongful disclosure of intimate images and replaces it with the Uniform Civil Remedies for the Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act.
The substitute bill specifies that a person is not liable for good-faith disclosures made in law enforcement activities, instead of good-faith disclosures made in law enforcement.
Status: Passed the House, now assigned to Senate Law & Justice Committee.
Action: Contact your Senator in Law & Justice, ask for a public hearing for SHB 1165 and let them know you support it.
.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Universal Health Care
SJM 8006 - Senate Joint Memorial requesting the federal government to create a universal
health care program.
Support
SJM 8006 is a joint petition to the President and both chambers of Congress to create a universal health care program. It requests allowance of a waiver for Washington State to create and develop a Universal health care system for the state if there is no federal action.
Status: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 14.
Action: Contact both your Senators on the Committee on Health & Long-Term Care and to tell them you support SJB 8006 ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committe
Hospital Mergers and Acquisitions (formerly “Keep Our Care Act”)
SB 5241/HB 1263 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the health care marketplace.
SB 5241/HB 1263 require that no material change transaction may take place if it would detrimentally affect the continued existence of accessible, affordable health care in Washington State for at least ten years after the transaction occurs. The material change transaction must result in the affected communities having the same or greater access to quality, affordable care, including:
· emergency care;
· primary care;
· reproductive care;
· end-of-life care, including services provided in accordance with the Washington Death with Dignity Act; and
· gender affirming care.
Status: SB 5241 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice on Thursday, February 16 at 8:00 am.
HB 1263 has been referred to the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice to tell them you support SB 5241 and ask them to vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
Contact your representatives on the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee to tell them you support HB 1263 and ask them to schedule it for public hearing and executive session to be passed out of committee.
Death with Dignity Act
SHB 1281/SSB 5179 - Increasing access to the provisions of the Washington death with dignity act.
SUPPORT
HB 1281, the “Death with Dignity Act” allows a qualified patient with a terminal illness with six months or less to live to request medication that the patient may self-administer to end his or her life. A qualified patient must meet the following requirements:
· be a competent adult and a resident of Washington;
· the attending physician and a consulting physician have determined that the patient suffers
from a terminal disease and the patient has voluntarily expressed the wish to die;
· the patient has made a request for medication on a form provided in statute; and
· the form is signed and dated by the patient and at least two witnesses who attest to their
belief that the patient is competent, acting voluntarily, and not being coerced to sign the request.
The first substitutes to both HB 1281 and SB 5179:
· Expands the health care providers authorized to perform the duties of the Death with Dignity Act (Act) to include advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
· Reduces the required 15-day waiting period between the first and second oral requests for medications to seven days and eliminates the 48-hour waiting period for the written request.
· Prohibits health care providers from contractually prohibiting an employee from participating in the Act while outside of the scope of employment and not on the employing health care provider's premises.
· Requires hospitals and hospices to submit their policies regarding access to end-of-life care and the Act to the Department of Health.
Status: SHB 1281 has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SSB 5179 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SHB 1281 and ask that they schedule it for a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the Senate.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules committee to tell them you support SSB 5179 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the House.
Improved Insurance Coverage for Medical Equipment and Procedures
SHB 1261 Cost Sharing for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Exams.
SUPPORT
SHB 1261 mandates that health plans include coverage of supplemental breast examination methods without imposing additional costs to the insured. For plans with a health savings account the cost sharing must be at the minimum level.
First substitute includes digital breast homosynthesis, also called three-dimensional mammography, in the definition of diagnostic breast examination. Coverage for this service is already required as a diagnostic mammography service. It also adds references to the new section that’s created by the bill prohibiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast examination to the existing statutes required for mammography.
STATUS: Passed out of the House Committee on Appropriations on February and will now be referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SHB 1261 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SHB 1151 - Mandating coverage for fertility services.
Support
HB 1151 mandates that Washington state health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and standard fertility preservation services in Washington State.
The substitute bill limits the application of the coverage requirements for fertility services to large group health plans for plans offered by health carriers and removes any provisions related to only individual and small group health plans.
Status: Referred to the House Appropriations Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to be voted out of committee.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support SHB 1151 and ask them to schedule public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1222 - Act relating to requiring coverage for hearing instruments.
Support
HB 1222 requires any group health plan issued or renewed after Jan 1, 2024, to include coverage for hearing instruments (except OTC hearing aids) including bone conduction apparatuses. An allowance of $2,500 per ear every 3 years is made.
The substitute bill:
· modifies the coverage requirement by specifying that a health carrier may establish a
benefit limit for the hearing instrument of no less than $2,500 per ear with hearing
loss every 36 months.
· modifies the provisions applying to qualifying health plans for health savings
accounts by removing provisions related to establishing the plan's cost sharing and replacing it with a requirement to apply a deductible to the coverage required at the minimum level necessary to preserve the enrollee's ability to claim tax exempt contributions and withdrawals;
· exempts grandfathered large group health plans from the requirements of the bill; and
· makes technical and clarifying language changes, such as replacing "covered
individual" with "enrollee."
Status: 1st Substitute bill passed out of the House Appropriations and will now be referred to the House Rules Committee where it will be eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Rules Committee to let them know you support HB 1222 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SHB 1134 - A bill to provide guidance in implementing the 988 Behavioral Health crisis response and suicide prevention system
SUPPORT
SHB 1134 amends ands and improves the existing crisis response and suicide prevention system. 988 is the universal telephone number within the United States to access National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline. In 2021 HB 1477 established crisis call center hubs. This bill HB 1134, guides the establishment of mobile rapid response crisis teams, directs the University of Washington to establish a crisis training and trauma program, directs the Department of Health to develop informational materials, and establishes liability protection for the entities and personnel acting within the scope of their training. It extends the dates related to establishment, reporting, and funding of the new crisis call centers (988).
The first substitute bill makes detailed changes to the original bill that specify reporting requirements, staffing requirements, agency jurisdiction, training requirements, standards for response time and further details.
Status: Passed out of the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness and will be referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1134 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
HB 1583/SB 5555 Act Creating profession of Certified Peer Specialist
Support
HB 1583/SB 5555 address the shortage of professionals to care for behavioral health needs. Peers already provide needed support, guidance, and motivation but this is primarily a volunteer activity. This bill establishes a new professional category to be included in the behavioral health workforce. It establishes a board to format training requirements and continual education expectations. It also establishes disciplinary guidelines. This would allow individuals in this position to bill for their services once certified. Formation for this coursework is scheduled completion in 2025. Funding for this commission and training services must be approved by June 30, 2023.
Status: HB 1583 was scheduled for executive session in the House Health and Wellness Committee on February 10 but no action was taken.
SB 5555 was scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee on February 1.
Action: Contact your Representatives in the House Health and Wellness Committee to tell them you support HB 1583 and ask them to vote it out of committee.
Contact your Senators on the House Health and Wellness Committee to tell them you support SB 5555 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Improving Behavioral Health Care
HB 1242 – Act to create a Behavioral Health work group to study root causes of increased behavioral health issues.
Support
HB 1242 creates a behavioral health work group to study root causes of increased behavioral health issues. Members of the work group are to include individuals who have received services and family members, providers with actual experience, tribal members, clergy members, advocates, law enforcement officers and other individuals with actual practical experience.
Requires a progress report to the Governor and legislature no later than 12/15/23. Recommendations are due no later than 11/15/24.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 8:00 am on Friday, February 17.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness to tell them you support HB 1242 and ask them to Vote YES to pass it out of committee.
SB 5263 - Concerning access to psilocybin services by individuals 21 years of age and older.
Support
SB 5263 provides for supported adult use of psilocybin under the supervision of a trained and licensed psilocybin service facilitator in order to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of all people in this state, and to reduce the prevalence of behavioral health disorders among adults in this state. Studies conducted by nationally and internationally recognized medical institutions indicate that psilocybin has shown efficacy, tolerability, and safety in the treatment of a variety of behavioral health conditions, including but not limited to addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 16 at 8:00 am.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Labor and Commerce Committee and tell them you support SB 5263. Ask them to vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1718 – An Act to create the “Parks Rx” health and wellness Pilot Program.
SUPPORT
HB 1718 allows that the legislature finds that a cost-effective path to physical and mental health is exercise and physical activity. There is much research documenting on the link between being outdoors and health benefits. This act will establish a program to incentivize residents to use public parks and open spaces for activity to improve physical and mental health. The pilot program will expire August 1, 2027.
STATUS: Referred to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to be voted out of committee.
ACTION: Contact your representative on the House Health Care and Wellness regarding to tell them you support HB 1718 and ask that they schedule it for public hearing and executive session to vote it out of committee.
HB 1776- A bill to require coverage for applied behavioral analysis.
Support
HB 1776 mandates health plans to provide coverage for ABA therapy.
Status: HB 1776 is scheduled for public hearing Tuesday, Feb 14,2023 at 1:30 pm. It is scheduled for Executive Session Friday Feb 17,2023 at 8:00 am.
Action: Contact your Representative on Health and Wellness Committee to tell them you support HB 1776 and to ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Prescription Drug Affordability
HB 1269 – Amending the prescription drug affordability board
Support
HB 1269 mandates that the Health Care Authority that reviews prescription drug affordability data and establishes prescription drug upper payment limits identify drugs that have been marketed for 7 years, not solely for the treatment of a rare disease.
These are :
1) brand name prescription drugs that begin at a price of $60,000/year or a price increase of 15% in one year or 50% in three years.
2) biosimilar products priced 15% less than brand name 3) generic drugs costing $100 or
more for 30 day supply or have increased by 200%.
By Jan 1, 2027 the Board may set an upper payment limit for 12 drugs/year. Any savings generated for a health plan because of this upper payment limit must be used to reduce costs to consumers.
Status: Passed out of the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness and will be referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your Representative in the House Rules Committee to let them know you support HB 1269 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
Reproductive Rights
SJR 8202 and HJR 4201 - Amending the State Constitution to address reproductive freedom.
Support
SJR 8202 and HJR 4201 resolve to submit for a vote in the next general election a new Article to the Constitution that will guarantee reproductive freedom without denial or interference by the state.
Status: HJR 4201 has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible for to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SJR 8202 has passed out of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee and been referred to Rules where it is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness to tell them you support Contact HJR 4201 and them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Contact your Senators on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SJR 8202 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.
HB 1115/SB 5242 - Prohibiting cost sharing for abortion.
Support
HB 1115/SB 5242 amend current legislation to require health plans that provide maternity care or services to also provide a covered person with equivalent coverage for abortion of a pregnancy. This legislation also applies to student health plans. HB 1115 also prohibits the imposition of cost sharing by a health carrier for abortion of a pregnancy.
Status: HB1115 has been referred to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to be passed out of committee.
SB 5242 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee at 4:00 pm on Monday, February 13.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Health Care & Wellness Committee to tell them you support HB 1115 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee
Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means to tell them you support SB 5242 and ask that they schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1469/SB 5489 - Concerning access to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment in Washington state.
Support
SHB 1469/SB 5489:
· Define protected health care services in Washington to include reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment.
· Restrict the ability for a court to issue, and law enforcement to enforce, subpoenas, warrants, criminal process, extradition, and other court orders for civil or criminal liability that is based on the provision or receipt of protected health care services.
· Restrict Washington businesses from complying with records requests or subpoenas for information related to the provision or receipt of protected health care services.
· Create a cause of action for interference with protected health care services when certain civil or criminal actions are filed against an aggrieved party or a subpoena is issued to a person in Washington.
· Allow any protected health care services provider or employee to apply to the Secretary of State's Address Confidentiality Program.
· Authorize the Attorney General to bring an action to enjoin any person from violating the act and to recover costs for such action.
The first substitute to HB 1469:
· requires a court to find that a false attestation was intentionally submitted and that the document or investigation did seek information related to protected health care services for the statutory penalty of $10,000 per violation to apply:
· for a foreign subpoena; or
· when a judge in another state commands a person in Washington to testify in a criminal prosecution or grand jury investigation;
· imposes an affirmative duty on any person making a charge or complaint before a judge or magistrate with the commission of a crime in another state to disclose if the crime is related to criminal liability that relates to protected health care services;
· clarifies that an application for an ex parte order seeking the interception of any communication or conversation does not need to state whether information about protected health care services is being sought unless such information is being sought by the application;
· clarifies that state and local boards and commissions are also prohibited from cooperating with or providing information to individuals, agencies, commissions, boards, or departments of another state for the purpose of enforcing another state's law or assisting an investigation that is related to another state's law;
· requires that statutory damages for a claim for interference with protected health care services may only be recovered if the underlying action is found to be frivolous;
· allows a person in Washington that receives a subpoena from any court to move to modify or quash the subpoena if:
· the information sought concerns protected health care services; and
· liability in the underlying action is based on a cause of action or criminal liability that is not available under Washington law or the law of another state that is substantially similar to Washington law;
· requires the Attorney General's Office to maintain a list of any laws of another state that impose criminal liability for the provision or receipt of protected health care services and make the list available to the Washington State Patrol; and
· requires the Washington State Patrol to monitor out of state warrants and determine if a warrant is for the arrest of any person in connection with protected health care services. Any warrant that is identified as such must either be removed from the Washington Crime Information Center or clearly noted that the warrant is not enforceable in Washington.
Status: SHB 1469 has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5489 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SHB 1469 and ask that they schedule a floor vote and vote YES to vote it out of the House.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 5489 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to vote it out of the Senate.
SB 5098 - Relating to Abortion on the Basis of a Down Syndrome diagnosis
OPPOSE
SB 5098 would prohibit any provider performing or assisting in an abortion for the reason of Down Syndrome.
Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care to tell them you Oppose SB 5098 and ask that they take no further action on this bill.
SB 5260 – An Act to protect and assist employers that provide access or benefits for reproductive health care services.
Support
SB 5260 allows an employer who has had a judgement placed on them in any state for accusation of provision, assistance, or material support for reproductive health services that are legal in this state, to recover damages from any person that acted to bring forth the judgement. It also prohibits retaliation against an employer for the above actions. The employer shall receive a tax benefit for any charitable donations to an organization providing reproductive health care.
Status: Referred to Senate Labor and Commerce Committee where it was scheduled for a public hearing on January 24.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Labor and Commerce Committee to tell them you support SB 5260 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5580 An Act for improving maternal health outcomes.
Support
The new section details the authority in creating a post delivery and transitional care program aimed at women with a substance use disorder at delivery. This allows for 5 additional days in hospital so the parent may gain access to specialized medical and social support. It will extend health care coverage from 60 days post-partum to 1 year (12 months) post-partum. By January 1 2024 the authority will develop screening tools and evaluate the outcome of the program.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care on Tuesday, February 14 at 8:00 am.
Action: Write to your Senator on the Health and Long-Term Care Committee to tell them you support SB 5580 and ask them to vote YES to vote it out of committee in executive session
Enhancing Access to Health Care
HB 1041 - Authorize prescriptive authority to Psychologists.
Support
HB 1041 responds to the current recognized need for mental health care in an environment where there is a lack of providers comfortable in prescribing psychiatric medications. Current legislation is amended to allow for training at a Masters level equivalent of psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The applicant must be a licensed psychologist holding a Doctorate degree in Psychology who has also successfully completed additional Masters Level training including supervised clinical experience, in psychopharmacology
Status: Scheduled for public hearing on January 13 in House Committee on Health Care and Wellness
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness, tell them you support HB 1041 and ask that they schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1069 - Relating to Mental Health Counselor Compact
Support
HB 1069 creates a multi-state compact that would provide reciprocal licensure to mental health counselors who practice in different states within the compact, increasing accessibility to of patients/clients to more service providers. All specific requirements to licensure and professional behavior would apply within the compact. Disciplinary actions could be initiated in any state and would be recognized by all states.
The first substitute bill:
· changes, for individuals with counseling degrees, the licensing requirements for the Washington-issued mental health counselor credential to reflect the requirements of the Counseling Compact (Compact)
· retains the ability of persons with degrees in related disciplines to become licensedmental health counselors; and
· clarifies that persons who do not have counseling degrees are not qualified to exercise
the Compact privilege unless their academic programs meet the Compact standards.
Status: Has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Committee on Long-Term Care where it is eligible to be scheduled for public hearing and executive session.
Action: Contact your representatives in the Senate Committee on Long-Term Care to tell them you support HB 1069 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee..
SHB 1035 - An Act relating to prohibiting Health Care Entities from restricting certain health care services by health care providers.
Support
SHB 1035 amends current legislation to prohibit Medical Care Entities from restricting Health Care Providers, either employed or contracted, from:
· Providing approved health care services making referrals for services related to complications of pregnancy including but not limited to miscarriage management and treatment for ectopic pregnancies in cases where failure to provide the service would violate the accepted standard of care or when the patient presents a medical condition that appears to put the patient’s life at risk may cause irreversible physical damage
· Providing medically accurate and comprehensive information to a patient regarding the patient’s health statue including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, recommended treatment, treatment alternatives, and any potential resist to the patient’s health or life
· Providing information regarding Washington’s deathe with dignity act
· Providing referrals to patients
· Providing health services in cases where failure to provide the services would pose a serious risk to an individual’s life or health, or would violate the standard of care.
A health care entity may not discharge, demote, suspend, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against a health care provider for providing services in compliance with this legislation.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on January 17.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Health Care & Wellness Committee to tell them you support HB 1035 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
HB 1027/ SB 5036 - Concerning Telemedicine
Support
HB 1027 extends the time frame for telemedicine used in real-time by either audio alone or audio-visual technology. The bill defines reimbursement parameters and instructs insurance agencies to accept charges equal to in-person visits. It also defines the necessary relationship between provider and patient and allows a three year interval between in-person visits. The in-person visit and evaluation does not have to be with the same individual providing the telemedicine service as long it is with someone within the group.
Status: HB 1027 passed out of the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness and was referred to the Rules committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5036 has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session.
Action: Contact your representatives on the Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1027 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
Contact your Representatives in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee to tell then you support SB 5036 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1073 – Concerning Medical Assistants
Support
SHB 1073 designates any fully trained, in an approved certified program, Medical Assistant to be employed as a Medical Assistant-Certified during that interim period while awaiting the full registration to be processed.
The first substitute bill allows phlebotomists who have completed their training to work under supervision as required for a period of up to 180 days after filing their application; authorizes certified medical assistant to establish intravenous lines without medication under the supervision of a healthcare provider and requires that a medical assistant may administer intravenous injections only under the direct visual supervision of a healthcare practitioner; and removes limitation on registered medical assistants in preparing patients for and assisting with examination procedures and minor office surgeries that utilize more than local anesthetic, and authorizes medical assistants to prepare patients if the procedure requires minimal sedation.
Status: Passed out of the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness and has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SHB 1073 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SHB 1452 To establish a State Medical Reserve Corp
Support
SHB 1452 establishes a a State Medical Reserve Corp within the Department of Health. This is a network of volunteers organized to supplement existing resources. The Secretary of Health is responsible for determining an emergent threat and then deploying the State Medical Reserve Corp. This includes both human and veterinary medicine.
Due to its emergency application this bill would be enacted immediately.
The substitute bill:
· changes the name of the State Medical Reserve Corps to the State Emergency
Medical Reserve Corps; and
· removes the provision that states that except as otherwise expressly provided in the chapter creating the State Medical Reserve Corps, a health practitioner is not authorized to provide services outside of the practitioner's scope of practice.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on February 6.
Action: Contact your Representative in House Appropriations to tell them you support HB 1452 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee..
SB 5120 – An Act relating to establishing 23 Hr Crisis Relief Centers in Washington State.
Support
SB 5120 provides for a crisis diversion center that replaces Crisis Stabilization Centers and/or Triage Centers. Entities previously known as “Triage Centers” will now be known as 23 Hour Crisis Relief Centers. These will offer access to behavioral health care for no more than 23 hours and 59 minutes. They are available as drop-offs for first responders and as walk-ins for individuals. Assessment by Designated Crisis Responders is available if further treatment or holding is needed. The Secretary of Health is responsible for construction and management of licensure or certification.
The first substitute bill:
· Specifies that CRCs must serve adults.
· Expands the definition of first responders.
· Establishes a deadline of January 1, 2025, for DOH to create rules.
· Modifies provisions related to the CRC's capacity to accept admissions, no refusal
policy, treating wound care, and transition to aftercare.
· Requires CRCs to track declined admissions and make that data available to DOH.
· Requires CRCs to provide access to a prescriber and be able to dispense medications
· Requires DOH to develop standards for determining medical stability before an
emergency medical services drop-off at a CRC.
· Requires establishment of rules that prohibit discharges or transfers to a CRC from
nursing homes, assisted living facilities, enhanced services facilities, soldier’s and veterans’ homes, and adult family homes, and hospitals without a formal relationship to the CRC.
· Requires real-time bed tracking technology to track the availability of recliner chairs in CRCs.
Status: Passed out of the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care and has been referred to Ways & Means
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to let them know you support SB 5120 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5288 – An Act relating to Physical Therapists performing intramuscular needling.
Monitor
SB 5288 amends current law to define the practice parameters of physical therapists who have taken the didactic and practical education to perform intramuscular needling as a therapeutic measure. It is not to interfere with ongoing acupuncture therapy, which will still require a referral from a licensed health care provider.
Status: Passed the House Committee on Appropriations and will be referred to House Rules Committee.
Action: Monitor
SB 5411 An Act addressing a shortage of Primary Care Services by Increasing the scope of practice of Naturopathic Practitioner.
SUPPORT
SB 5411 amends RCW 18.36 to allow naturopathic practitioners to increase their prescribing ability to include Schedule II medications. These are narcotic medications such as morphine, opium derivatives, codeine and hydrocodone. Also included are the stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin.
It also gives them authority to sign certificates and documents within their scope of practice such as disability forms, guardianship, hospice forms and similar legal documents.
All established regulatory and disciplinary cautions shall apply to naturopathic practitioners.
STATUS: Referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee, where it is eligible to be scheduled for a public hearing and executive committee.
Action: Write to your Senators on the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee to tell them you support SB 5411 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1038 / SB 5184 Concerning licensure of Anesthesiologist assistants.
Support
HB 1038 provides for a new health profession in WA state that would be licensed by the Washington Medical Commission. Requirements, in a general sense, would include completing an anesthesiologist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, completing a licensing exam and submitting proof of mental and physical capacity. The Commission must adopt rules for the practice by and supervision of anesthesiologist assistant. It is proposed a physician supervise up to four assistants at any one time.
Status: HB 1038 was scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on January 20.
SB 5184 was scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care on January 31.
Action: Contact your Representatives in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness to tell them you support HB 1038 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass out of committee.
Contact your senators in the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee to tell them you support SB 5184 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SHB 1168 Providing Prevention Services, diagnosis, treatment, and support for prenatal substance exposure.
SUPPORT
SHB 1168 expands the scope of the existing Interagency Agreement to include prenatal exposure to substances other than alcohol. The bill directs Department of Children, Youth, and Families to partner with a knowledgeable provider to offer and advise on services and to increase 3 additional providers by June 1 2024. Also by June 1 2024 the Health Care Authority must submit recommendations to the Legislature to increase access and services and supports.
The first substitute bill specifies that the bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
STATUS: Scheduled for executive session in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, February 13 at 4:00 pm.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives on the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support HB 1168 and ask them to Vote YES to pass it out of committee.
HB 1713 – Increasing access to health care services in rural and underserved areas of the state.
Support
HB 1713 will add a section to RCW 74.09. This new section describes a pilot program to increase medical
assistance program payments to those health care groups that serve a high number (50%) of patients that are enrolled in medical assistance programs. The pilot program will run July 1,2024 to July1, 2027.The rebalance payment will cover the difference between medical assistance reimbursement and the amount 100% of Medicare reimbursement standard.
STATUS: Scheduled for Public hearing in the Health Care and Wellness Committee on Wednesday, Feb 15, at 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Contact your representative on the Health Care and Wellness to tell them you support HB 1713 and ask the to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Sex Re-Assignment of Minors
HB 1214 - An Act relating to the protection of children’s bodies.
OPPOSE
HB 1214 restricts all health care providers from providing or referring for an individual under 18 years old, gender transition procedures. This includes medications to change or delay puberty development. It also classifies such action as a Class C felony.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness to tell them you OPPOSE HB 1214 and ask them to take no further action on this bill.
Long-Term Care of Medicaid Patients and Protection of Patients in facilities regulated by DOH
SB 5103 An Act for payment to acute care hospitals for difficult to discharge Medicaid patients waiting for placement to post-acute and community settings.
Support
SB 5103 directs the Health Care Authority and DSHS to require or provide payment to the hospital for any days of a hospital stay in which the individual does not meet requirements for acute care. The patient would need placement in a facility that supports various levels of living service needs but there are no placement openings available.
First substitute bill:
· Increases Administrative Day Rate from the average skilled nursing facility rate to $700 per day and clarifies that the qualifying patients include patients of a Medicaid managed care organization.
· Adds that allowable medically necessary services performed for a patient awaiting discharge shall be billed by and paid to the hospital separately from the daily rate, which may include, but are not limited to hemodialysis, laboratory charges, and x- rays.
· Clarifies that pharmacy services and pharmaceuticals shall be billed and paid separately.
· Specifies that the requirements for billing and payment for inpatient care remain unchanged.
· Directs HCA to adopt rules requiring managed care organizations to establish uniform administrative and review processes for the day rate payment.
· Replaces “placement” with “discharge” and broadens discharge location to include any appropriate placement location.
Status: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means on Thursday, February16 at 4:00 pm.
Action. Contact your Senators in the Senate Ways & Means to tell them you support SB 5103 and ask that they schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SSB 5271 – Protecting patients in facilities regulated by DOH by establishing uniform enforcement tools addressing any facility found to be in non-compliance with regulations.
Support
SSB 5271 establishes a Commission to regulate the practice of pharmacy and enforce all the laws of its jurisdiction. Non-compliance with regulations can result in serious injury, serious harm, impairment or death. Actions can include fines or holding or revoking licensure and certification. Facilities affected include Birthing centers, Medical Testing Sites, Ambulatory Surgical Facility, Home Health Agency, private Behavioral Health Hospital, Residential Treatment facility, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
First Substitute Bill:
· Requires DOH to establish specific civil fine amounts for noncompliance based on the number of surgical procedures performed by an ambulatory surgical facility on an annual basis.
· Modifies the definition of technical assistance to apply to private establishments.
· Requires DOH to establish specific civil fine amounts for noncompliance based on the operation size of a pharmacy.
Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means where it is eligible to be scheduled for public hearing and executive session.
Action: Contact your representatives on the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SSB 5271 and ask them to schedule public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Civil and Equal Rights
Constitutional Amendment
SJR 8202/HJR 4201 - Constitutional Amendment for Abortion
Support.
SJR 8202/HJR 4201 propose amendment to the Washington State Constitution to guarantee an individual’s reproductive freedom decisions which includes the choices to choose contraception and abortions.
Status: SJR 8208 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care at 8:00 am on Tuesday, January 31.
HJR 4201 is in the Health Care & Wellness Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for public hearing and executive session to be voted out of committee.
Action: HJR 4201 Contact the Chair and your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness to tell them you support Contact HJR 4201 and them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass them out of committee. Marcus Riccelli (Chair), Emily Alvarad (Vice Chair), Mary Leavitt (Vice-Chair), Andrew Barkis, Frank Chopp,
SJR 8202 Contact the Vice Chair, Karen Keiser, of the Senate Rules Committee and your Senato to tell them you support SJR 8202 and ask them to schedule a floor vote once they know they have a 2/3 majority..
Voting Rights
HB 1048/SB 5047 - Enhancing the Washington voting rights act
Support.
HB 1048/SB 5047 provide that persons or organizations who file a notice of intent to challenge an election system under the Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA) may recover costs incurred in conducting the necessary research, if the notice causes the political subdivision to adopt a remedy that is approved by the court; they grant standing to organizations to challenge election systems under the WVRA on behalf of their members; they permit counties to increase the number of county commissioners to prevent a violation of the WVRA against members of an Indian tribe, and they make several language changes to other aspects of the WVRA.
First Substitute to SB1048 expands the ability to challenge a political subdivision's voting system under the WVRA is to include tribes that are located at least in part in the political subdivision. Organizational standing is modified such that an organization must have a voter who resides in the political subdivision on its roster of members and volunteers.
First Substitute to SSB5047 requires that Organizations must demonstrate that their membership includes a voter who resides in the political subdivision to have standing to file a WVRA claim. Indian tribes may file WVRA notices or claims. Gives Tribes ability to challenge an election subdivision and recover costs under the Washington State Voter’s Act. Historically Reservations in Eastern Washington have been put in separate LDs to diminish the Native American Vote.
Status: SHB 1048 passed out of the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations and has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SSB 5047 has passed out of the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections and will be referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it will be eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Call your representatives and the Chair of the House Rules Committee, Lauri Jinkins, to tell them your support SHB 1048 and ask that they schedule it for a floor vote.
Call your Senators and the Vice Chair, Karen Keiser, of the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SSB 5047 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
HB 1174 - Improving access and removing barriers to jail-based voting.
Support
HB 1174 directs each county auditor to create a Jail Voting Plan for each county, city, and tribal jail, with assistance of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) and a jail employee who has been designated as the Jail Voting Coordinator. The Plan must include details about how the jail will help people who are incarcerated to:
· register to vote or update their voter registration.
· access proof of their identification or residency in order to register to vote;
· access information about, and materials necessary for, eligibility for voting and voting rights restoration.
· access information about candidates, including voters' pamphlets;
· access materials necessary to fill out ballots; and complete their ballots in secret.
The plan must also include details about how the jail will:
· provide visible information in the jail about registering to vote and accessing a ballot;
· ensure that all people who are incarcerated are made aware of key dates surrounding registration and ballot return; and
· accommodate people with disabilities to register to vote and fill out ballots.
Jails must
· provide people who are incarcerated with voter registration and ballot-related. Ballots must be made accessible starting at least 18 days before a primary or general election.
· permit election officials from the county auditor's office and the OSOS to enter the jail at least 30 days in advance of each primary and general election for voter registration outreach and education. Jails must document all voting-related requests and complaints, and they (along with the county auditor) must collect data related to voter registration and ballot return from people who are incarcerated.
· provide information about and materials necessary for registering to vote to all people who are released from their custody.
Status: Referred to Appropriations on February 2..
Action: Contact your representatives on the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Tim Ormsby, to tell them you support HB 1174. Ask them to schedule a to and public hearing to pass to an executive session.
HB 1312 - Concerning jury service.
Support
HB 1312 allows person of 70 years of age or older to opt out of juror service if the persons attests that they are unable to service due to health reasons.
Status: Passed out of the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and will be referred to the House Rules Committee where it will be eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1312 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote.
SB 5112/HB 1229 – Secure Automatic Voter Registration
Support
SSB 5112/HB 1229 amend existing Department of Licensing (DOL) automatic voter registration to make it more efficient. Changes include:
· providing a process for applicants to opt out of registration after completing the DOL application.
· Requiring daily transmission by the DOL of voter registration information to the county auditor
· Requiring the county auditor to send an acknowledgement notice package by nonforwardable mail to the applicant
· Provides requirements for voter registration challenges
First Substitute Bill to SB 5112 requires that, if requested by the Secretary of State, the Department of Licensing is to transmit copies of documents used by applicants who are being automatically registered to vote to demonstrate United States citizenship, and states that applicants for standard forms of identification who provide documentation indicating status as a noncitizen will not be provided an opportunity to register to vote. DOL and SOS shall determine types of documentation which indicate status as a noncitizen.
Status: Senate Transportation Committee.
HB 1229 was referred to State Government and Tribal Relations on Jan 11.
Action: SB 5112 Senate Transportation took action in Executive Session on Feb 2. Awaiting new weekly update for further action. SSB 5112
HB 1229 has been scheduled for a public hearing on Feb 7, at 1:30 pm in the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee. Contact the Chair, Bill Ramos, of the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee and your representatives, and tell them you support HB 1229 and pass to an executive hearing. Also sign up to testify or vote pro on this bill for the public hearing
Civil Rights in the Judicial System
SB 5128 - Concerning jury diversity
Support:
SB 5128 requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to collect data on juror demographics and establish a childcare assistance program workgroup for jurors. It also provides additional compensation for jurors who qualify for a means tested state-run benefits programs and permits jury service summons to be sent electronically
Status: Passed out of the Senate Committee on Law & Justice and referred to Senate Ways & Means, where it is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, January 31, at 4:00 pm.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SB 5128. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5046 Concerning Postconviction Access to Counsel
Support
SB 5046 amends current law to provide appointment of state-funded public defense counsel for indigent adults and juveniles to file and prosecute one, timely personal restraint petition; petition a sentencing court when the legislature creates an opportunity to do so; and challenge a conviction or sentence if a final decision of an appellate court creates an opportunity to do so.
Status: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Tuesday, January 31, at 4:00 pm.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Ways & Means Committee and let them know you support SB 5046. Ask them to contact the Chair of Ways & Means Committee and request that they schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People
SB 5137 - Creating a missing and murdered indigenous women and people cold case investigations unit.
Support
SB 5137 creates a cold case investigations unit within the offices of the Attorney General for the primary purpose of assisting federal, municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and people. (It is time for our State Government to step up and begin to repair over 95 years of overt harm to Native Americans in Washington State between 1894 and 1989.
Status: First Reading January 4, 2023.
Action: Contact your Senator and the Chair, Manka Dhingra of the Senate Committee on Law and Justice to tell the you support SB 5137 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1555 - Concerning extradition of persons to and from Indian jurisdiction.
Support
HB 1555 establishes that if Washington state seeks the extradition of an Indian from within the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe in this state, the state shall comply with any applicable requirements of tribal extradition law, and that further, an Indian tribe that permits extradition by this state of Indians from a tribal jurisdiction may request the extradition of Indians from state jurisdiction.
Status: Public hearing scheduled in the House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry on February 7 at 4 pm.
Action Contact your representatives and the Chair, Roger Goodman on the House Committee on Community Safety, and Reentry to tell them you support HB 1555 and ask them to pass to executive session. Sign up to testify or vote pro on this bill.
Accountability of School Districts in utilization of the Since Time Immemorial Curriculum in Washington State Schools
HB 1332 - Supporting public school instruction in tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes.
Support
HB 1332 amends existing legislation regarding public school curriculum that teaches tribal culture and history to require collaboration with tribes local to individual schools districts, and adds reporting requirements to hold schools accountable for implementation of the curriculum in their regular instruction programs.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Education at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 7.
Action: Contact your Representatives and the Chair, Sharon Tomiko, of the House Committee on Education to tell them you support HB 1332 and ask them to pass to an executive session to vote it out of committee. Sign up to testify or vote pro on this bill.
Lunar New Year and Official State Holiday
HB 1516 - Making lunar new year a state legal holiday.
Support
HB 1516 adds to the state’s list of legal holidays the Saturday before the beginning of the lunar new year, which is the date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene
Status: Scheduled for a public hearing in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on February 8, 1:30 pm.
Scheduled for executive session in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on February 10, 8 am.
Action: Contact your representatives and the Chair, Bill Ramos, on the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee to tell them you support HB 1516 and ask them to vote yes to pass it out of executive session. Sign up to testify or vote pro on this bill before the public hearing. As a Samish person, I can note that Lunar New Year is also a traditional noted event among the Samish People. I can not speak for any other Native American Nation.
HOUSE COMMITEES
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Mike Chapman (Chair), Melanie Morgan (Vice Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Bruce Chandler, Tom Dent, Shelley Kloba, Joel Kretz, Debra Lekanoff, Ed Orcutt, Joe Schmick, and Larry Springer
Appropriations Committee:
Timm Ormsby (Chair), Steve Bergquist (Vice Chair), Nicole Macre (Vice Chair), Mia Gregerson (Vice Chair), April Berg, Kelly Chambers, Bruce Chandler, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Chris Corry, Travis Couture, Lauren Davis, Mary Dye, Joe Fitzgibbon, Drew Hansen, Paul Harris, Debra Lekanoff, Gerry Pullet, Marcus Riccelli, Skyler Rude, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Joe Schmick, Tana Sen, Tarra Simmons, Vandana Slater, Larry Springer, Mike Steele, Drew Stokesbary, Monica Jurado Stonier, Steve Thrainger
Capital Budget Committee:
Steve Tharinger (Chair), Lisa Callan (Vice Chair), David Hackney (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Emily Alvarado, Jessica Bateman, Greg Cheney, Leonard Christian, Travis Couture, Mary Dye, Carolyn Slick, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Shelley Kloba, Mari Leavitt, Jacquelin Maycumber, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Melanie Morgan, Gins Mossbrucker, Tina Orwall, Strom Peterson, Julia Reed, Alicia Rule, Bryan Sandlin, Clyde Shavers, Chris Stearns, Mike Steele, and Kevin Waters
Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry
Roger Goodman (Chair), Tarra Simmons (Vice Chair), Lauren Davis, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Dan Griffey, Jenny Graham, Dan Griffey, and Bill Ramos
Consumer Protection and Business Committee:
Amy Wallen (Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Mike Chapman, Greg Cheney, April Connors, Chris Corry, Brandy Donaghy, David Hackney, Stephanie McClintock, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Sharon Tomiko Santos, and Mike Volz
Education Committee:
Sharon Tomiko Santos (Chair), Clyde Shavers (Vice Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lisa Callan, Carolyn Eslick, Paul Harris, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Gerry Pullet, Skyler Rude, Bryan Sandlin, Mike Steele, Monica Jurado Stonier, and Joe Timmons
Environment & Energy Committee:
Beth Doglio (Chair), Sharlett Mena (Vice-Chair) Peter Albano, Stephanie Barnard, Liz Berry, Travis Couture, Davina Durer, Mary Dye, Jake Fey, Keith Goehner, Debra Lukianoff, Alex Ramel, Vandana Slater, Chipalo Street, and Alex Ybarra
Finance Committee:
April Berg (Chair), Chipalo Street (Vice Chair), Frank Chopp, Frank Chopp, Cyndy Jacobsen, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Larry Springer, Drew Stokesbary, My-Linh Thai, Amy Wallen, and Sharon Wylie
Health Care and Wellness Committee:
Marcus Riccelli (Chair), Emily Alvarad (Vice Chair), Mary Leavitt (Vice-Chair), Andrew Barkis, Frank Chopp,
Housing Committee:
Strom Peterson, (Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Mari Leavitt (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Jessica Bateman, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Debra Entenman, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Julia Reed, and Jamila Taylor
Human Services, Youth and Early Learning
Tana Senn (Chair), Julio Cortes (Vice Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Lisa Callan, Travis Couture, Tom Dent, Carolyn Eslick, Roger Goodman, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Skyler Rude, and Alicia Rule
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, and Veterans Committee:
Cindy Ryu (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Alicia Rule (Vice Chair), Stephanie Barnard, Kelly Chambers, Leonard Christian, Chris Corry, Julio Cortes, Dave Paul, Tana Senn, Clyde Shavers, Cipalo Street, Kevin Waters, Mike Volz, and Alex Ybarra.
Labor and Workplace Standards Committee:
Liz Berry (Chair), Mary Fosse (Vice-Chair) Dan Bronoske, April Connors, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Rric Robertson, and Suzanne Schmidt
Local Government Committee:
Davina Duerr (Chair), Emily Alvarado (Vice-Chair), April Berg, Keith Goehner, Dan Griffey, and Marcus Ricelli
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee:
Vandana Slatter (Chair), Debra Entenman (Vice Chair), Julia Reed (Vice Chair) Bruce Chandler, Drew Hansen, Cyndy Jacobsen, Mark Clicker, Mari Leavitt, Joel McEntire, Dave Paul, Gerry Pullet, Suzanne Schmidt, Joe Timmons, Kevin Waters, & Alex Ybarra
Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee
Shelley Kloba (Co-Chair), Sharon Wylie (Co-Chair), Kelly Chambers, Greg Cheney, Melanie Morgan, Tina Orwall, Kristine Reeves, Eric Robertson, Chris Stearns, Jim Walsh, and Kevin Waters
Rules Committee:
Laurie Jinkins (Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lauren Davis, Joe Fitzgibbon, Keith Goerner, Mia Gregerson, Paul Harris, Cyndy Jacobsen, Joel Kretz, Mari Leavitt, Debra Lekanoff, Sam Low, Jacquelin Maycumber, Melanie Morgan, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Tina Orwall, Gerry Pullet, Alex Ramel, Suzanne Schmidt, Tarra Simmons, Larry Springer, Monica Jurado Stonier, Jim Walsh, and J. T. Wilcox
State Government and Tribal Relations Committee:
Bill Ramos (Chair), Chris Stearns (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Leonard Christian, Mia Gregerson, Sam Low, and Sharlett Mena
Transportation Committee:
Jake Fey (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Dave Paul (Vice Chair), Joe Timmons (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Liz Berry, Dan Bronsky, Mike Chapman, Julia Cortes, Tom Dent, Beth Doglio, Davina Durer, Debra Entenman, Keith Goerner, Dan Griffey, David Hackney, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Sharlett Mena, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Bill Ramos, Eric Robertson, Suzanne Schmidt, Jamila Taylor, Mike Volz, and Sharon Wylie
SENATE COMMITEES
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee:
Kevin Van De Wege (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Ron Muzzall, Christine Rolfs, Rebecca Saldaña, Sharon Shoemake, Shelly Short, Derek Stanford, Keith Wagoner, and Judy Warnick
Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee:
Derek Stanford (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Perry Dozier, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, and Mark Mullet
Early Learning and K-12 Committee:
Lisa Wellman (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Clair Wilson (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Brad Hawkins, Sam Hunt, Jim McCune, Mark Mullet, and Jamie Pedersen
Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee:
Joe Nguyen (Chair), Liz Lovelett (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, Shelly Short, Yasmin Trudeau, and Lisa Wellman
Health and Long Term Care Committee:
Annette Cleveland (Chair), June Robinson (Vice Chair), Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Jeff Holy, Ron Muzzall, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Ann Rivers, and Kevin Van De Wege
Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee:
Emily Randall (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, and Marko Liias
Housing Committee:
Patty Kuderer (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Chris Gildon, Ann Rivers, Sharon Shoemake, Yasmin Trudeau, and Jeff Wilson
Human Services Committee:
Clair Wilson (Chair), Claudia Kauffman (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Joe Nguyen, Judy Warnick, and Jeff Wilson
Labor & Commerce Committee:
Karen Keiser (Chair), Steve Conway (Vice Chair), Rebecca Saldaña (Vice Chair), John Braun, Curtis King, Drew MacEwan, June Robinson, Mark Schoesler, and Derek Stanford
Law & Justice Committee:
Manka Dhingra (Chair), Yasmin Trudeau (Vice Chair), Patty Kuderer, Jim McCune, Mike Padden, Jamie Pedersen, Jesse Solomon, Nikki Torres, Javier Valdez, Keith Wagoner, and Lynda Wilson
Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee
Liz Lovelett (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Claudia Kauffman, Shelly Short, and Nikki Torres
Rules Committee:
Karen Keiser (Vice-Chair), Andy Billig, John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Curtis King, Patty Kuderer, John Lovick, Ron Muzzall, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Jesse Solomon, Shelly Short, and Clair Wilson,
State Government & Elections Committee:
Sam Hunt (Chair), Javier Valdez (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Phil Fortunato, Bob Hasegawa, Patty Kuderer, and Jeff Wilson
Transportation Committee:
Marko Liias (Chair), John Lovick (Vice Chair), Sharon Shewmake (Vice Chair), Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Noel Frame, Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, Claudia Kauffman, Curtis King, Liz Lovelett, Drew MacEwan, Ron Muzzall, T’wina Nobles, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Javier Valdez, Clair Wilson, and Jeff Wilson
Ways & Means Committee:
Christine Rolfes (Chair), Mark Mullet (Vice Chair – Capital), June Robinson (Vice Chair – Operating & Revenue), Andy Billig, Matt Boehnke, John Braun, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Sam Hunt, Karen Keiser, Joe Nguyen, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Mark Schoesler, Nikki Torres, Kevin Van De Wege, Keith Wagoner, Judy Warnick, Lisa Wellman, and Lynda Wilson
Hint: You can view bills by going to the following website and plug in the bill number for which you want to view the history and status: http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/
Thank you!... to the following people who contributed to this edition of the WA State NOW 2023 Weekly Legislative Alert:
· Cathy Baylor
· Christina Henry
· Linda Malanchuk-Finnan
· Linda Tosti-Lane
· Lisa Weber
· Pat Weber