Legislative Alert for April 10, 2023

The 2023 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 9, 2023, and is scheduled to end on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

The Operating Budget proposed by the House (HB 1140) has passed the House Appropriations Committee and is now in the House Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a vote by the full House.

The Operating Budget proposed by the Senate (SB 5187) passed the Senate on Friday, March 30, and it was amended and passed by the House on Monday, April 3.

Negotiations are beginning for the final budget between two houses and the governor’s office.

 The cutoff for bills to be passed by both houses of the legislature is April 12 at 5:00 pm (except initiatives and alternatives to initiatives, budgets and matters necessary to implement budgets, and differences between the houses.)

Top Action of the Week

SB 5768 - Protecting access to abortion medications by authorizing the department of corrections to acquire, sell, deliver, distribute, and dispense abortion medications.

SB 5768:

·         Authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to engage in an activity constituting the practice of pharmacy or wholesale distribution of abortion medications to any healthcare facility in Washington state.

·         Requires DOC to establish and operate a program to deliver, dispense, and distribute abortion medications individually or wholesale at cost not to exceed list price.

·         Requires DOC to charge a fee of $5 per dose to offset the cost of secure storage and delivery of medication.

·         Exempts DOC from obtaining a wholesaler license.

Status:  Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means on Wednesday, April 12 at 12:30 PM

Action:  Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means to tell them you support SB 5768 and ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.  Cutoff rules have been suspended for this emergency legislation that was called in response to the Texas ban on abortion medications.

If you can only do one thing this week, contact your senators, and ask for their support on SB 5768.

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

Budget Proposals:

The state’s revenue forecast was released on Monday morning, March 20.  “Washington’s projected Near General Fund revenue collections for the 2023–25 state budget have decreased by about $483 million, according to estimates released today by the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The projection represents about a 0.7% drop from the number forecast last November. Total Near General Fund revenues are now projected at $65.7 billion for the next two-year state budget cycle, which begins July 1.”[1] 

As noted by the Budget and Policy Center’s Schmudget Blog, “Total state personal income is now expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.4% through June 2024 – down from the 5% growth rate predicted in November 2022. Further out, forecasters also project lower total personal income compared to the previous forecast.

The slowing economy means $245 million less in state sales tax collections during the 2023-2025 budget cycle, as consumers will have fewer resources to spend on taxable goods and services. Slower growth in the economy also means business activity will curtail, resulting in $49 million fewer Business and Occupation (B&O) tax receipts than previously anticipated. Sharp reductions in home sales and construction activity are expected to diminish Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) collections by $263 million in the coming budget cycle.”

Nearly 30% of our state’s children live in households with low incomes or face burdensome housing costs with children of color more likely than white children to be part of a family that struggles financially.  So, what does this mean for the budget and what can you do to assure that our state’s legislature takes action to assure that we raise the funds necessary to help our communities through the future and deal with our state’s historic racist economic and discriminatory policies?[2]  Your Senators and Representatives need to hear from you that we need to equitably raise funds for the improvement and betterment of our communities by enacting a wealth tax on high-income earners (HB 1473 and SB 5486 – see below), and modifying the Estate Tax so that it is more progressive (HB 1795 – see below).  This along with the Capital Gains Tax (which the WA State Supreme Court upheld on Friday, March 24) will help address our state’s historic regressive tax system which puts the burden of the state’s cost on the least able to afford it and also bring in necessary funds to address the needs of our state residents.

Operating Budget

HB 1140 - Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium operating appropriations.

SB 5187 – Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium operating appropriations.

HB 1140 and SB 5187 are the starting bills for the 2023-2025 operating budget.  Governor Inslee proposed this budget as presented in these bills just before the beginning of this year’s legislative session. His proposal was a good starting place for meeting our state’s needs.  But our legislators need to hear from us now and during their budget negotiations. The details in these bills are changing. 

Before making their budget proposals, both chambers were waiting for the revenue forecast, which was released on Monday, March 20. As noted above the state is expected to a $483 million revenue decrease over the next two years. And in order to deal with the shortfall from our state’s regressive tax system we need additional revenue and a budget that reflects the needs of our state’s residents. These estimates though do not reflect the lived experiences of many of our state’s residents thus making it difficult for our poorest individuals and families to survive especially BIPOC and other disenfranchised groups.

Both the House and Senate Budgets address some of our state’s labor market issues that have resulted from the societal changes due to the Covid pandemic.  Many of our healthcare and community service agencies have faced worker shortages including state workers, home-care providers, employees of assisted living programs, adult-family homes and care facilities, and mental health facilities. Many of the workers in these facilities are women of color who have been hardest hit by the increased costs of living.

“The proposed House budget would spend nearly $70 billion over the next two years, an increase from the $59 billion budget plan approved two years ago. Among other things, it would expand the number of K-12 schools providing free breakfast and put $172 million toward boosting special education in K-12 schools.

The House budget also makes room to make debt payments in the event the Legislature approves – and voters in November ratify – a $4 billion bond proposal put forward by Gov. Jay Inslee to fund affordable-housing construction.”[3]  Both budgets increase funding for childcare programs.

Both budgets address many but not all of the needs of our state’s residents especially those with low-income and marginalized communities.  The House version though addresses these issues better.  In comparison to the Senate budget, it does the following:

·         Funds healthcare coverage equivalent to Medicaid for uninsured adults regardless of immigration status,

·         Increases the TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) grant amount,

·         Increases asset limits for TANF,

·         Better funds the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD), Cash Assistance Program, and Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC),

·         Funds a guaranteed basic income program in Tacoma,

·         The House budget fully funds abortion access in WA State.  The Senate proposal does not have sufficient funds to deal with all of the increased costs associated with persons seeking abortion and other reproductive health care coming into our state. [4]

Also, to be noted is that the Senate proposal does not have sufficient funds in the proposal to deal with all of the increased costs associated with persons seeking abortion and other reproductive health care coming into our state. 

STATUS:  HB 1140 has passed the House Appropriations Committee and is now in the House Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a vote by the full House.

SB 5187 passed the Senate on Friday, March 30, and it was amended and passed by the House on Monday, April 3.

Negotiations are beginning for the final budget between two houses and the governor’s office.

ACTION:  In order and be able to serve our states residents, especially those that are marginalized and disenfranchised in our state we need you to deliver a message to your representatives in regard to HB 1140 and senators in regard to SB 5187 that WA State needs a new progressive revenue stream and not budget cuts.  Comprehensive tax reform is also needed to ease the disproportionately high tax burden on our poorest communities. Let them know that you support the House version of the budget over the original Senate version in that it better addresses the needs of our lower-income and marginalized communities and better addresses the full funding of abortion and reproductive access.

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 Senate Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a floor vote by the full Senat

ACTION:  If your senator is on Senate Rule Committee let them know you support HB 1052 and ask that it be pulled to the floor for a vote by the full Senate by the April 12th cutoff.  Also ask your senator to vote YES on HB 1052 when it comes to the floor.

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.  On February 14 a public hearing was held with 2200 constituents signing in to support the bill and more testifiers than the committee made time to hear. It is eligible for an executive session. Since the bill raises revenue, it is not subject to fiscal cut off and thus remains alive.

SB 5486 is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it had a public hearing on March 9 with over 2500 Washingtonians, representing over 128 organizations statewide, signed in support of the legislation. It is eligible for an executive session. Since the bill raises revenue, it is not subject to fiscal cut off and thus also remains alive.

ACTION:  Contact your representatives on the House Finance Committee to let them know that you support HB 1473 and ask for an executive session to be scheduled and for a YES vote to pass it out of the 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 an executive session to pass out of the committee.

Estate Tax

HB 1795 - Making the estate tax more progressive.

SUPPORT

HB 1795 makes changes to the Washington State estate tax, including increasing the exclusion amount, changing deductions, and making changes to the rates and rate structure. The exclusion amount is increased to $2.659 million and language providing for an annual adjustment is updated to reflect the CPI for the Seattle Metropolitan area. It also directs any increased estate tax revenues into the newly created Progressive Policy Account. Funds from this account may only be used to address intergenerational poverty, beginning with the implementation of recommendations from the legislative-executive WorkFirst Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force and the Homeownership Disparities Work Group.

STATUS:  HB 1795 is currently in the House Finance Committee where it is eligible for an executive hearing. Since the bill would raise revenue, it is considered “Necessary to implement the budget” (NTIB) and so is not subject to cutoff rules and thus remains alive.

ACTION:  Contact your representatives on the House Finance Committee to let them know that you support HB 1795 and ask that it be scheduled for an executive session to pass it 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 is in the House Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a vote by the full House.

ACTION:  Contact your representatives on the House Rules Committee to let them know you support SJM 8001 and ask that it be pulled to the floor for a vote.  Also, ask your representatives to vote YES when it comes to the floor.

Economic Equity and Support for Low Income Individuals and Families

Financial Assistance for Lo-Income Citizens

2SHB 1447 - Strengthening the ability of assistance programs to meet foundational needs of children, adults, and families.

SUPPORT

2SHB 1447 changes makes the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program available to more citizens by easing program eligibility requirements.

The first substitute removes a 60-month time limit for families with children.

The second substitute deals with how earnings are calculated, making more citizens eligible for assistance.

Status: 2SHB 1447 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action:  Contact your Senators on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SHB 1447 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES when it comes to the floor.

SHB 1784 - Concerning hunger relief.

SUPPORT

SHB 1784 appropriates a total of $28 million to the State General Fund in fiscal year 2023 to support food assistance programs operated by the departments of Agriculture, Social and Health Services, and Health.
The first substitute clarifies language to indicate that funding provided to DSHS-ALTSA for the AAAs may be used for nutrition services generally and is not limited exclusively to meals.

Status:  Has passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Action:  NO ONE IN WASHINGTON STATE SHOULD GO HUNGRY, ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support SHB 1784 and ask him to sign it into law.

2SHB 1477 - Making changes to the working families' tax credit.

SUPPORT

2SHB 1477 changes existing law to make more Washington state citizens eligible for the Working Families’ Tax Credit by allowing individuals filing as "married filing separately" to qualify for the Working Families' Tax Credit, and permitting  individuals to apply for any Working Families' Tax Credit payments for which they were eligible but did not claim for up to three years.

The first substitute bill makes technical corrections and clarifications. It removes portions of the DOR report requirement and applies the existing WFTC tax preference performance statement to the bill.  It also clarifies that the changes made in the bill are not subject to the automatic 10-year expiration for tax preferences.

The second substitute, recommended by the House Appropriations Committee, makes the bill null and void unless funded in the budget.

Status:  Has been 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 tell them you support 2SHB 1477 and ask them to schedule it for a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it on to the Governor’s desk for signature.

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.

SUPPORT

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:  Referred on March 30 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 schedule it for a floor vote and vote YES to pass it out of the Senate before the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

SSB 5256 - Making permanent and expanding the child welfare housing assistance program.

SUPPORT

SSB 5256 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 and second substitutes to HB 1186 make changes reporting requirements to mandate demographic information.

The first substitute to SSB 5256 is essentially identical to the first and second substitutes to HB 1186

Status:  Referred to Rules and has been scheduled for a floor vote.

Action:  Contact your Representatives to tell them you support SSB 5256 and ask that they vote YES to pass it to the governor’s desk for signature  before the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

ESHB 1260 - Accelerating stability for people with a work-limiting disability or incapacity.

SUPPORT

ESHB 1260 amends existing legislation that provides essential needs and housing support services to:

·         Eliminate the requirement for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program recipients to repay the state for benefits received while waiting to be approved for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits or during the same period as such federal benefits were received.

·         Make participation in vocational rehabilitation services for persons receiving ABD or Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA) benefits voluntary, rather than required when assessed as beneficial.

·         Place income eligibility standards for the Essential Needs and Housing (HEN) program within rule, rather than statute, and modifies eligibility criteria for the ABD and PWA programs to require that a person is ineligible for specific programs, rather than most federal assistance programs in general.

·         Provide that the list of good cause reasons for failing to participate in substance use disorder treatment as a condition of eligibility for ABD, PWA, or HEN program benefits is a nonexhaustive list.

First Substitute to HB 1260 makes the bill null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2023, in the omnibus appropriations act.

Status:  SHB 1260 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action: Contact your Senators to tell them you support ESHB 1260 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

SHB 1326 - Waiving municipal utility connection charges for certain properties.

SUPPORT

SHB 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 passed the Senate on a floor vote on April 6.

Action: Contact your legislators to thank them for passing SHB 1326.  Contact Governor Inslee  to tell him you support SHB 1326 and ask him to sign it into law.

E2SSB 5045 - Incentivizing rental of accessory dwelling units to low-income households.

SUPPORT

E2SSB 5045 allows Washington state counties to exempt ADUs from property tax if the ADU is maintained as a rental property for low-income persons.

The first substitute bill changes taxing policies for counties with populations exceeding 1,500,000, and requires an analysis of the effectiveness of the program.

Status:  E2SSB 5045 passed the Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s office for signature.

Action: Contact your legislators to thank them for passing this bill.  Contact Governor Inslee top tell him you support E2SSB 5045 and ask him to sign it into law.

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:  Has been signed by Governor Inslee and is now law.

Action:  Contact your legislators and the governor to thank them for their work on this bill and ….Celebrate!

E2SHB 1110 - Increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing.

SUPPORT

E2SHB 1110 requires certain cities under the Growth Management Act to authorize minimum development densities in residential zones and include specific provisions related to middle housing in their development regulations:

City size

Must allow # of units per lot

Other requirements

Least 25,000 but less than 75,000

At least two units per lot

·         At least 4 units per lot within .5 miles walking distance from a major transit stop; and

·         At least 4 units per lot if at least one unit is affordable housing

Population of at least 75,000

At least 4 units per lot

·         At least 6 units per lot within .25 miles walking distance of a major transit stop; and

·         At least 6 units per lot if at least 2 units are affordable housing.

It also requires the Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance to cities in implementing the requirement, to develop middle housing ordinances, and to establish a process for cities to seek approval of alternative local actions.

Status:  E2SHB 1110 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action:  Contact your senators on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support E2SHB 1110 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it out of the Senate before the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

ESSB 5702 - Expanding the students experiencing homelessness and foster youth pilot program.

SUPPORT

ESSB 5702 makes the students experiencing homelessness and foster youth program permanent; and adds the tribal college as eligible to participate in the program.

The first substitute eliminates the expiration date for the pilot program.

Status:  Passed by a floor vote of the House and is on its way to the Governor for signature.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support ESSB 5702 and ask him to sign it into law.

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. 

The Engrossed Substitute House Bill further amended the bill as follows:

·         Modified the garnishment notice to include instructions to request doubling of the exemption for married individuals and a signature of a spouse to claim the marital doubling of the exemption.

·         Requires affirmative proof of marriage via a certificate or other equivalent document and a declaration of marriage.

·         Adds an evidentiary procedural framework to request declaratory judgment if a creditor believes the debtor is not married or that their spouse has not consented to the marital doubling. Should bad faith be found, the court could award reasonable attorney’s fees to the creditors.

The amendments adopted in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee are onerous, prejudicial to immigrants and potentially dangerous to those who are domestic violence victims. 

The amendments to shift the burden to the debtor for “proof of marriage,” with a separate evidentiary procedure is a dangerous addition to Washington state consumer protection laws. It creates a presumption that debtors are lying and not honest persons who have fallen on hard times and have not purposedly tried to default their creditors. The entire tone of the amendments is antithetical to all consumer protection statutes and must be stripped out of the bill when it reaches 

The House voted Floor amendments as follows:

·         Amendments adopted by the House Civil Rights and Justice Committee requiring affirmative proof of marriage via a certificate or other equivalent document and a separate declaration of marriage and evidentiary procedure for declaratory judgment and attorney’s fees was voted out of the bill.

·         There was also one vote asking for “costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees” but the provision it was amending was stripped out in a prior amendment, so this seems to be a vote done in error.

·         The House voted for an amendment to strip out the escalator clause in the bill that would have automatically increased the exemption amounts every three years.  

STATUS: ESSB 5173 was voted on in the Senate and passed 29-19-1 and was voted in the House and passed with amendments 65-32-0. The bill will have to go back to the Senate for reconciliation with the House bill and when finalized it will be sent to the Governor for signature.

Action: Waiting for the Senate and House to reconcile versions of the bill, finalize and send to the Governor for signature. 

ESHB 1051 - The Robocall Scam Protection Act

SUPPORT 

ESHB 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.

Status:  ESHB 1051 was voted on in the Senate and passed 96-0-0. The bill also passed out of the Senate Committee on Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade without and in the House passed with a vote of 48-0-0. 

Action: Waiting for the Senate and House to reconcile versions of the bill, finalize and send to the Governor for signature. 

                HB 1349 – Concerning Foreclosure Protections

                SUPPORT

HB 1349 modifies various provisions related to nonjudicial foreclosures of deeds of trust, including changing the timeline for referral to pre-foreclosure mediation and modifying the exemptions from mediation and reporting and remittance requirements for certain federally insured depository institutions. This bill would require trustee to delay a foreclosure sale for at least 30 days upon receipt of written notice from the Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (WashingtonHAF) that an application for federal relief funds that provides a federal grant of up to $60,000 to pay arrears on a mortgage, homeowners’ dues and other qualified expenses has been submitted. Other provisions of this bill clarify that the Foreclosure Fairness Program WashingtonFFA for mediation to allow borrowers in default on their mortgages to access loss mitigation programs is accessible to a successor in interest to a deceased borrower, or a person who has been awarded title to the property. Lastly, the bill fixes a loophole that requires the foreclosure trustee to treat homes purchased at foreclosure by third party bidders the discretion to undo the sale within eleven days as their discretion. Other amendments are expected in the senate housing committee’s executive session to clarify what documentation is needed to prove successors in interest status, to clarify the definition of a “grantor” and to restore consumer protections to the unclaimed property act for surplus funds left over after a foreclosure pays off a secured lender.

Status:  HB 1349 was voted on in the House and passed 97-0-0. The bill then passed out of the Senate Committee on Housing where it passed with an agreed amendments and in the House passed with a vote of 46-0-1. 

Action: Waiting for the Senate and House to reconcile versions of the bill, finalize and send to the Governor for signature. 

ESHB 1311 - Addressing credit repair services performed by a credit services organization.

SUPPORT

ESHB 1311 Removes the exemption for certain types of law practices from being defined as credit services organizations and it adds prohibited acts to the Credit Services Organization Act. Specifies conditions in which a consumer reporting agency, creditor, or collection agency do not need to communicate with a credit services organization. Requires credit services organizations to redact certain personal information of a consumer when sending written communication. Requires credit services organizations to receive explicit written approval from the consumer before using a consumer's signature for credit repair services. Requires credit services organizations to provide consumers with a notice about their ability to file complaints with the attorney general and their rights.

Status:  ESHB 1311 was voted on in the House and passed 91-5-1. It also received a vote in the Senate that passed 46-0-0. 

Action: This bill is ready for the Governor’s signature. 

Violence Against Women                                                         1

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:  Passed to Senate Rules Committee for seconds reading April 4.

Action: Contact your senator in the Senate Rules Committee to let them know you support SHB 1028 and request that they vote it to the floor for a YES.

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:  Passed in House Rules 3rd reading.

Action: Thank your Representatives for supporting SB 5081 and ask the governor to sign it.

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:  Passed in House on 3rd reading April 6. 

Action: Thank your Representatives for supporting SB 5070 and ask the governor to sign it.  

 SB 5114  Supporting adults with lived experience of sex trafficking.

Support

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:   SB 5114 was placed on second reading suspension calendar in House Rules for April 6.   

Action:  Contact your Representatives on the House Rules Committee, tell them you support SB 5114 and urge them to vote it to the floor and vote YES.

Hazing

HB 1002 - Increasing the Penalty for Hazing

Support

HB1002 increases the penalty for hazing which results in bodily harm to a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

Status:  Passed in Senate Rules Committee for third reading on April 5th.

Action: Thank your Senator for supporting HB 1002 , ask the governor to sign it.

Protecting Women from Sex Crimes

SSB 5453 Concerning female genital mutilation.

Support

SSB 5453 Creates the crime of female genital mutilation. It makes it unprofessional conduct for a health care professional to perform female genital mutilation on a minor and requires the Department of Health to establish an education program to prevent female genital mutilation.  It includes female genital mutilation in the definition of “abuse or neglect” that must be reported by a mandatory reporter.  It establishes a civil course of action for minor victims of female genital mutilation and sets a time limit of tem years from injury for filing.

Status: passed on third reading in the House Rules Committee on April 6, signed by President and speaker April 7.

Action: Thank your Representatives for supporting SSB 5453 and ask the governor to sign it.

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:  Approved, President of the Senate signed, Speaker of the House signed, Governor signed.

Action: Contact your legislators to say thank you for passing SB 5033 .

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: Approved, signed by President and Speaker April 4th.   

Action: Contact your Senators and thank them for their support for SHB 1165 and ask the governor to sign it. 

Sex Trafficking and Education

ESB 5355 Mandating instruction on sex trafficking prevention and identification for students grades seven through 12 

Support

ESB 5355 requires school districts to provide instruction on sex trafficking prevention and identification at least once to students between grades 7 and 12 beginning by the the 2025-26 school year, establishes a child sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention and identification public-private partnership account and specifies that expenditures from the account may be used only for curriculum and professional development to support instruction on child sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention and identification. Status:  Placed on second reading in House Rules Committee.

Action:  Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee and let them know you support ESB 5355 and ask them to vote it to the floor and vote YES.

Support for victims of crime, including violence

ESHB 1533 Exempting the disclosure  of certain information of agency employees or their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment or stalking.

              Support

ESHB 1533 exempts personally identifying of state agency and K to 12 public school employees from public disclosure requirements if the employee provides a sworn statement, sunject to renewal every two years, that the employee or a dependent is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or harassment, or demonstrates that the employer or dependent participates in the Address Confidentiality Program.

Status: Passed in Senate Rules Committee for third reading April 7th.

Action:  Thank your senators for supporting ESHB 1533 and ask for the President, Speaker and Governor to sign it. 

Concerning the Issuance of Emergency Domestic Violence No Contact Orders                                            4                 

ESSB 5231 Concerning the issuance of emergency domestic violence no contact orders 

Support

ESSB 5231 Clarifies the court’s authority in issuing pretrial no-contact orders and establishes the process for issuance of an emergency domestic violence co-contact order.

Status: Placed on second reading in House Rules April 7th.  

Action: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support ESSB 5231 and vote it to the floor with a YES.

Addressing Gun Violence

E2SHB 1143 Concerning Requirements for the purchase or transfer of firearms

Support

E2SHB 1143 Provides that a dealer may not transfer any firearm to a purchaser or transferee until : completion of a background check indicating the person is eligible to possess firearms; and 10 business days have elapsed since the dealer requested the background check.

·         Prohibits a dealer from transferring a firearm to a purchaser or transferee unless the person provides the dealer with the proof of completion of a recognized firearms safety training program.

·         Requires a firearms transfer application and recordkeeping requirements for all firearms transfer.

·         Updates firearm transfer and background check processes, including updates to conform to the implementation of a state firearms background check program.

Status: Passed third reading for Senate Rules on April 7th. 

Action: Contact your senators and thank them for supporting E2SHB 1143 and ask the President, Speaker and Governor to sign it.

SHB 1240 Establishing firearms-related safety measures to increase public safety

Support

SHB 1240 Prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any assault weapon, subject to the various exceptions for licensed firearm manufacturers and dealers, and for individuals who inherit an assault weapon.

The term “assault weapon” is defined to include various kinds of firearms, including:

·         Semiautomatic rifles with an overall length of less than 30 inches;

·         Semiautomatic centerfire rifles that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and have one or more additional features listed in the bill;

·         Semiautomatic centerfire rifles with a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds;

·         Semiautomatic pistols that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and have one or more additional features listed in the bill;

·         Semiautomatic shotguns that have one or more additional features listed in the bill;

·         Specific firearm models identified in the bill; and

·         Conversion lists and parts that can be used to assemble an assault weapon or convert a firearm into an assault weapon, if the parts are in the possession of or under the control of the same person.

It also provides that a violation of the restrictions constitutes a gross misdemeanor and is actionable under the Consumer Protection Act.

Status: SHB 1240 placed on second reading in Senate Rules Committee March 30. 

Action: Contact your senators in the Senate Rules Committee and tell them you support SHB 1240 and ask them to vote it to the floor.

                                                                                                                                                              5

Reducing the Risks of Lethality and other harm associated with gun violence, gender-based violence, and other types of violence.

HB 1562 Reducing the Risks of Lethality and other harm associated with gun violence, gender-based violence, and other types of violence

Support

HB 1562 revises provisions governing the crime of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and restoration of firearm rights.

·         The term “serious offense” is amended to include the felony offenses of Driving Under the Influence and Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle While Under the Influence. As a result, these offenses fall under the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree, and a person who is charged with either offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm pending trial, sentencing or appeal.

·         The conduct that is prohibited under the offense is expanded to include accessing, having custody of, or receiving any firearm.

·         The following misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes are included as prohibiting crimes:

o    any domestic violence offense not currently included;

o    stalking;

o    Cyberstalking;

o    Cyber harassment, except when based on lewd, indecent, or obscene images or language;

o    Harassment;

o    Aiming or Discharging a firearm;

o    Unlawful Carrying or Handling of a Firearm;

o    Animal Cruelty in the 2nd degree, except when based on abandonment or neglect;

o    “prior offense” under the impaired driving laws, if committed within seven years of another “prior   offense” conviction; and

o    violation of an order to surrender and prohibit weapons (OTSW), an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), or the provisions of a protection order or no-contact order restraining the person or excluding the person from a residence.

No-contact orders issued in sexual assault, trafficking, and promoting prostitution cases are added to the list of     orders that prohibit a person from possessing firearms if they meet specified requirements.

Status: Placed on second reading in the Senate Rules Committee April 7th.

Action: Contact your senators in the Rules Committee, let them know you support HB 1562 and request they vote it to the floor and vote YES.

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: Referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action: Contact your Representative on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SJB 8006 and ask them to schedule a floor vote before the April 12, 5:00 cutoff.

Hospital Mergers and Acquisitions (formerly “Keep Our Care Act”)

SB 5241 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the health care marketplace.

SB 5241 requires 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:  Referred to Senate Rules Committee  “X” file and is no longer eligible for consideration this year.

Action:  Contact your Senator in the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 5241 and ask them to consider sponsoring this important legislation next year.

Death with Dignity Act

ESSB 5179 - Increasing access to the provisions of the Washington death with dignity act.

SUPPORT

WHB 1281/ESSB 5179, 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:

·         Expand 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: ESSB 5179 has been signed by the Governor.

Action:  Contact your legislators and the Governor to thank them for their work on this important legislation and ….Celebrate!

ESHB 1222 - Act relating to requiring coverage for hearing instruments.

Support 

ESHB 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: Passed unanimously by the Senate and now is eligible for signature by the Governor.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them for their work on this important legislation.  Contact them Governor to tell him you support  HB 1222 and ask him to sign this bill in to law.

E2SHB 1134 - A bill to provide guidance in implementing the 988 Behavioral Health crisis response and suicide prevention system 

SUPPORT 

E2SHB 1134 amends 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. 

The second Substitute Bill establishes endorsement for mobile rapid response crisis teams and community-based teams that meet staffing, vehicle and training standards, as well as a performance payment program.

Still directs the University of Washington to develop recommendations and the Department of Health to develop informational materials and a social media campaign.

Status:  Has passed through the Senate and is eligible for signature by the Governor.

Action: Contact your legislators  to thank them for their work on this important legislation.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him ou support  E2SHB 1134 and ask him to sign HB 1134 into law.

2SSB 5555 - Act Creating profession of Certified Peer Specialist 

Support 

2SB 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. 

The Substitute Bill to SB 5555 directs the advisory board to research the feasibility and design of a 2-phase program. It also directs the advisory board to consider strategies to eliminate financial barriers to financing.

The bill requires specific funding within the omnibus appropriation act or else is null and void.

2SSB establishes the new profession of certified peer specialist and trainee.

          Specifies training and educational pathways and requirements

          Directs the Health Care Authority to develop the trainings, etc.

          Establishes requirements for peer specialist practicing as peer crisis responders.

Status: 2SSB 5555 has been referred to Rules and it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action: Contact your Representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SSB 5555 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it to a floor vote.

Improving Behavioral Health Care

2SSB 5438 - Facilitating supportive relationships with family and significant individuals within the behavioral health system.

2SSB 5438 requires the Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to administer their oversight functions in a manner that is aware of, nurtures, and protects significant relationships in the lives of behavioral health system clients.   It further requires HCA and DSHS to review their policies in consultation with stakeholders, family members, and peers to eliminate policies that undermine the health of a family or discourage family engagement.

Status:  Referred  to Rules and is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action:  Contact your Representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SSB 5438 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.

2SSB 5263 - Concerning access to psilocybin services by individuals 21 years of age and older.

Support
2SSB 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.

2nd SSB determines the establishment of an advisory board, an interagency workgroup, and a task force to develop a safe and regulated plan regarding the therapeutic use of psilocybin.

Status:  Referred to Rules and is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action:  Contact your Representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SSB 5263 and ask them to put it to a floor vote.

Reproductive Rights

SB 5768 - Protecting access to abortion medications by authorizing the department of corrections to acquire, sell, deliver, distribute, and dispense abortion medications.

SB 5768:

·         Authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to engage in an activity constituting the practice of pharmacy or wholesale distribution of abortion medications to any healthcare facility in Washington state.

·         Requires DOC to establish and operate a program to deliver, dispense, and distribute abortion medications individually or wholesale at cost not to exceed list price.

·         Requires DOC to charge a fee of $5 per dose to offset the cost of secure storage and delivery of medication.

·         Exempts DOC from obtaining a wholesaler license.

Status:  Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means on Wednesday, April 12 at 12:30 PM

Action:  Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means to tell them you support SB 5768 and ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.  Cutoff rules have been suspended for this emergency legislation that was called in response to the Texas ban on abortion medications.

ESHB 1155 - Addressing the collection, sharing, and selling of consumer health data.

SUPPORT

ESHB 1155 Establishes consumer rights of access, withdraw consent, and deletion regarding consumer health data.

·         Requires regulated entities and small businesses to obtain consent in order to collect, share, or sell consumer health data.

·         Specifies regulated entity and small business obligations regarding consumer health data privacy notice, access, and security requirements.

·         Prohibits implementing a geofence around an entity that provides in- person health care services to collect or track data from consumers or to send advertisements related to consumer health data.

·         Exempts government agencies, tribal nations, and personal information governed by certain federal or state laws.

·         Makes violations enforceable under the Consumer Protection Act.

Status:  Passed the legislature and is now eligible for signature by the Governor.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them. Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support ESHB 1155 and ask him to sign it into law.

ESHB 1340 - Concerning actions by health professions disciplining authorities against license applicants and license holders

SUPPORT

ESHB 1340 establishes that neither participation in reproductive health care services or gender affirming treatment by health care providers, nor  that a conviction or disciplinary action based on a health care provider's violation of another state's laws prohibiting participation in reproductive health care services or gender affirming treatment constitutes unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) and may not serve as the basis for professional discipline, with some exceptions.

Status:  Passed the Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them.  Contact the Governor to tell him you support ESHB 1340 and ask him to sign it into law.

SJR 8202  - Amending the State Constitution to address reproductive freedom.

Support

SJR 8202 resolves 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:  Referred to Senate Rules Committee  “X” file and is no longer eligible for consideration this year..

Action:  Contact your legislators to tell them you support SJR 8202 and ask them to consider sponsorship of this important legislation next year.

SB 5242 - Prohibiting cost sharing for abortion.

Support

SB 5242 amends 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:   SB 5242 has passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Action:  Contact our legislators to thank them for their work  on this important legislation.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support SB 5242 and ask him to sign it into law.

ESHB 1469 - Concerning access to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment in Washington state.

Support

ESHB 1469:

o    Defines protected health care services in Washington to include reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment.

o    Restricts 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.

o    Restricts Washington businesses from complying with records requests or subpoenas for information related to the provision or receipt of protected health care services.

o    Creates 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.

o    Allows any protected health care services provider or employee to apply to the Secretary of State's Address Confidentiality Program.

o    Authorizes 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:

o    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:

o    for a foreign subpoena; or

o    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:

o    the information sought concerns protected health care services; and

o    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:  ESHB 1469 passed to rules committee.

Action:  Contact your Senator to tell them you support ESHB 1469 and ask for a floor vote. This bill has a great deal of opposition that is highly organized.  We need to show our legislators that its passage is important to us.

E2SSB 5580 An Act for improving maternal health outcomes. 

Support 

E2SSB 5580 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. 

Substitute Bill 5580 extends deadlines for updates from January1, 2024 to January 1, 2025.  Changes “woman” and “women” to “person” and “people”.

Status: Referred to Rules.

Action: Contact your Representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support E2SSB 5580 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.

SHB 1069 - Relating to Mental Health Counselor Compact

Support

SHB 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 licensed mental 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:  Passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

Action:  Contact you legislators to thank them for their work on this legislation.  Contact Governor Inslee him you support SHB 1069  and ask him to sign it into law.

SB 5036 - Concerning Telemedicine

Support

SB 5036 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:  SB 5036 has passed both chambers of the legislature, has been signed by the Governor, and is a LAW.

Action:  Contact your legislators and the Governor to thank them for their work on this important legislation and ….Celebrate!

ESHB 1073 – Concerning Medical Assistants

Support

ESHB 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 engrossed 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.  It also has an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Status:  Has passed the legislature and is now to move to the Governor’s desk.

Action: Contact you legislators to thank them for their work.   Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support ESHB 1073 and ask that he sign it into law.

2SHB 1452 To establish a State Medical Reserve Corp 

Support 

2SHB 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 first 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.

The second substitute bill has an emergency clause that takes effect immediately.

Status: Passed to the Senate Rules Committee and is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action: Contact your Senator in Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SHB 1452 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it out of the Senate and send it to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

2SSB 5120 – An Act relating to establishing 23 Hr Crisis Relief Centers in Washington State. 

Support

2SSB 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.

The second substitute:

·         Shortens deadline for DOH to create rules for CRCs from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2024.

·         Allows a police officer who has reasonable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime to take the individual to a CRC.

·         Amends the title to reference "crisis relief centers" rather than "23-hour crisis relief centers

Status:  Has passed the House unanimously.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them for their work on this legislation.  Contact the Governor to let hm know you support 2SSB 5120 and ask him to sign it into law.

2SHB 1168 Providing Prevention Services, diagnosis, treatment, and support for prenatal substance exposure. 

SUPPORT

2SHB 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.

The second substitute bill sets an effective date for the bill.

STATUS: Passed the Senate unanimously.

ACTION:   Contact your legislators to thank them for supporting this important legislation.  Contact Governor Inslee  to tell him you support 2SHB 1168 and ask him to sign it into law.

Long-Term Care of Medicaid Patients and Protection of Patients in facilities regulated by DOH

2SSB 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

2SSB 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.

Second substitute bill:

·         Requires HCA to adopt rules for which services may be billed separately.

·         Requires hospitals to use existing swing beds or skilled nursing beds prior to billing for additional services.

·         Removes the $700 payment of the daily rate.

Status: Referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Action. Contact your Representative in the Rules Committee to tell them you support 2SSB 5103 and
ask that they schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it out of the House and on to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Civil and Equal Rights

Voting Rights

ESHB 1048 - Enhancing the Washington voting rights act

Support.

ESHB 1048 provides 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.

Status:  SHB 1048 has passed the legislature and is now eligible to be signed into law by the Governor..

Action: Call your legislators to thank them for their work on this important legislation.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support ESHB 1048 and ask that he sign it into law.

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 a unanimous vote on the Senate Floor and is now eligible for signature by the Governor.

Action:  Contact your Legislators to thank them for passing this important legislation. Contact the Governor to tell him you support  HB 1312 and ask him to sign it into law.

E2SSB 5112– Secure Automatic Voter Registration

Support

E2SSB 5112 amends 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.
Second Substitute to SB 5112:

·         Requires that the Department of Licensing make voter registration, signing up to register, or voter registration updates automatic for enhanced driver's license and enhanced identicard applicants unless subsequently declined in writing.

·         Modifies procedures and timelines related to challenges of a voter's eligibility.

·         Exempts date of birth, rather than year of birth, in voter registration files from public disclosure requirements.

·         Sets penalties for failure to transmit voter registration information automatically and intentional registration of ineligible persons.

Status:  E2SSB 5112 passed out of the House and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Action: Contact your legislators to thank them.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support E2SSB 5112 and ask him to sign it into law.

Civil Rights in the Judicial System

2SSB 5128 - Concerning jury diversity

Support

2SSB 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.
The first substitute requires certain low-income jurors in municipal courts, in addition to superior and district court, be paid up to $125 per day of jury service.

The second substitute removes additional juror pay for individuals on means-tested state-run benefit programs.

Status:  Passed the legislature and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support 2SSB 5128 and ask him to sign it into law.

2SSB 5046 Concerning Postconviction Access to Counsel

Support

2SSB 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: Referred to the House Rules Committee where it is now eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to let them know you support 2SSB 5046 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it before the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

Indian Child Welfare

SB 5683 - Concerning child-specific foster care licenses for placement of Indian children.

SUPPORT

SB 5683 addresses the long and continuing history  of the assimilatory practice of removing Indian children being removed from the homes of their families and placed in the care of non-Indian families, even when Indian families have been available.  This bill allows the Department of Children, Youth and Families to issue child- specific foster care licenses for an Indian child's family or extended family members who opt to become licensed for placement of a specific Indian child and that child's siblings or relatives in the custody of an Indian tribe or the tribe's child placing agency.

Status:  Passed out of the House by a unanimous vote.

Action:  Contact your legislators to thank them. Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support SB 5683 and ask him to sign it into law.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People

SHB 1177 - Creating a missing and murdered indigenous women and people cold case investigations unit.

SUPPORT

SHB 1177 creates the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Cold Case Investigations Assistance Unit, subject to appropriation, to assist federal, municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies with solving cold cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and people.

Status: Passed the. Senate by unanimous vote.

Action:  Contact legislators to thank them.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell him you support SHB 1177 and ask him to sign this bill into law.

ESHB 1555 - Concerning extradition of persons to and from Indian jurisdiction.

Support

ESHB 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.

The substitute bill:

·         specifies that this state shall comply with all, rather than any, applicable tribal

·         extradition laws any time it seeks extradition of a person over whom the tribe has

·         criminal jurisdiction, rather than an Indian;

·         specifies that a tribe that permits extradition by this state of persons from within the

·         tribe's jurisdiction, rather than of Indians from a tribal jurisdiction, may request

·         extradition of persons subject to a tribal court warrant, rather than Indians;

·         removes provision incorporating the arrests and warrants statute where not

·         inconsistent with the bill;

·         provides for reciprocal reimbursement of extradition costs between jurisdictions and

·         tribes; and

·         states that the bill is not intended to, and does not diminish: (1) state or local

·         authority to enter into government-to-government agreements with Indian tribes concerning extradition of persons within their jurisdiction; (2) the validity or enforceability of these agreements; and (3) authority of state or local jurisdictions to arrest individuals over whom they have jurisdiction within Indian reservations.

Status:  Referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action Contact your representatives on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support ESHB 1555 and ask them to schedule a floor vote to pass it out of the Senate by the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

Accountability of School Districts in utilization of the Since Time Immemorial Curriculum in Washington State Schools

2HB 1332 - Supporting public school instruction in tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Support

2HB 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:  Referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.

Action:  Contact your Senators on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support 2HB 1332 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it out of the Senate before the April 12, 5:00 pm cutoff.

Undoing the historical harm done by protective covenants in homeownership contracts.

2SHB 1474 - Creating the covenant homeownership account and program to address the history of housing discrimination due to racially restrictive real estate covenants in Washington state.

SUPPORT

2SHB 1474:

·         Creates the Covenant Homeownership Account and a document recording assessment of $100 to fund the Covenant Homeownership Program (CHP).

·         Requires the Department of Commerce to contract with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to create one or more special purpose credit programs to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to one or more economically disadvantaged classes of persons identified in a CHP study. .

The first substitute the bill:

·         requires the DFI, instead of Commerce, to establish and provide administrative assistance and staff support to the Committee, and requires the DFI, instead of the Governor, to appoint the non-legislative members of the Committee;

·         modifies the list of Committee members to remove the requirement that one of the members be a person designated by the Washington State Office of Equity;

·         authorizes the Legislature to appropriate moneys from the CHA to the DFI for costs related to the Committee;

·         clarifies in the intent section that the interest the state has in remedying past and ongoing discrimination and its impacts on access to credit and homeownership for BIPOC and other historically marginalized communities in Washington is a compelling interest;

·         provides, in addition to the standard severability clause, that if the CHP is held invalid, in whole or in part, the Legislature may appropriate moneys in the CHA to Commerce to contract with the Commission for one or more other programs that support homeownership for first-time homebuyers

The second substitute bill:

·         exempts name change orders from the $100 Covenant Homeownership Program (CHP) document recording assessment.

·         The definition of a "first-time home buyer" is changed to align with the definition used for the Housing Trust Fund Program in the 2021- 23 Capital Budget. Financial and commercial information and records supplied by businesses or individuals during applications for loans or program services under the CHP are exempted from the Public Records Act.

·         Makes several changes to the CHP oversight committee (Committee), including that it:

•          requires the Committee to create a charter, hold at least quarterly meetings, hold the

•          initial meeting and select a chair by October 1, 2023, and authorizes virtual meetings;

•          requires the Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Commission to supply the Committee and the DFI with necessary information, subject to certain confidentiality provisions, and to report to the Committee on a quarterly basis on the results of CHP outreach, education, and assistance;

•          authorizes the DFI to have staff present at Committee meetings, employ staff, and hire outside experts and professionals as needed;

•          requires the DFI to provide subject matter expertise and work with Commerce and the Commission to conduct outreach and financial education; and

•         requires Commerce to reimburse the DFI for costs related to the Committee and adds that reimbursement as an eligible use of the 1 percent of moneys that may be appropriated to Commerce for various purposes from the Covenant Homeownership Account, rather than authorizing appropriations directly to the DFI.

Status:  Passed out of the House and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Action: Contact your legislators to thank them.  Contact Governor Inslee to tell them you support HB 1474 and ask him to sign this bill into law.

E2SHB 1541 – Establishing the “Nothing About Us Without Us,” Act.

SUPPORT

E2SHB 1541 requires that each task force, work group, or advisory committee which directly and tangibly affects a particular underrepresented population must:

·         include at least three individuals who have direct lived experience with the issue being examined; and

·         reflect the diversity of people with direct lived experience with the issue being examined.

If these requirements necessitate the appointment of additional members, the appointing authority must make those appointments

An underrepresented population is a population group that is more likely to be at higher risk for disenfranchisement due to adverse socioeconomic factors such as:

·         unemployment;

·         high housing and transportation costs relative to income;

·         effects of environmental harms;

·         limited access to nutritious food and adequate health care;

·         linguistic isolation; and

·         other factors that may be barriers to participation in policy decision making.

A person with direct lived experience has direct personal experience in the subject matter being addressed by the task force, work group, or advisory committee.

Status:  Did not pass out the Senate Ways. & Means Committee by the April 4 cutoff and is DEAD.

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 have contributed to the production of the WA State NOW 2023 Weekly Legislative Alert:

·         Cathy Baylor

·         Christina Henry

·         Linda Malanchuk-Finnan

·         Linda Tosti-Lane

·         Lisa Weber

·         Pat Weber

[1] https://ofm.wa.gov/about/news/2023/03/state-revenue-projection-2023-25-forecast-decreased-483-million

[2] https://budgetandpolicy.org/schmudget/equitable-new-revenue-is-the-only-path-to-a-just-state-budget/

[3] https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/03/was-70b-budget-proposals-boost-state-worker-raises-special-ed

[4] https://povertyaction.org/advocacy-actions/tell-your-senator-follow-the-lead-of-the-house-proposed-budget-fund-basic-needs-programs/