Legislative Alert for February 12, 2024
This is the sixth week of the 2024 Legislative Session, which opened on Monday, January 8, 2024, and is scheduled to end on March 7, 2024. It is the second year in the 2023-2024 biennium, and is a 60 day session. The second cutoff has occurred. Bills that did not pass out of fiscal committees (House Appropriations; Senate Ways & Means, House Finance or one of the Transportation Committees) in their chamber of origins are now DEAD. The next cutoff is Tuesday, February 13. If bills have not passed off they floor in their CHAMBER of origins by the end of this day, they will be considered DEAD for this session.
Top THREE Actions of the Week!
Regulating Hospital Mergers - the “Keep Our Care Act”
SB 5241 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the healthcare marketplace.
Sponsors: Simons, Stonier
SUPPORT
ESB 5241 adds a new section to existing legislation requiring health entity mergers, acquisitions, and contracting affiliations to improve rather than harm access to affordable quality health care. This includes all reproductive care, gender affirming care, and end-of-life care.
STATUS: SB 5124 was pulled from the Senate “X” file by Senator Pederson, passed the Senate and it is now in the House! It is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary on Wednesday, Feb 14, at 8:00 am
ACTION: ALL Representatives need to hear that their constituency wants this. Please contact your Representatives to tell them you support SB 5241. Sign in Pro for the open hearing and ask the members of the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee by the February 21 cutoff.
!!!! ACTION !!!!
Tell your Representatives you SUPPORT SB 5241
Sign in Pro for the open hearing
Nearly 50% of all hospital beds in Washington state are now controlled by the Catholic church. Because Catholic hospitals adhere to religious doctrines when deciding which services to offer, this in effect removes access to important reproductive, gender-affirming and death with dignity healthcare services for all the citizens in their service areas. Also, rather than abide by the original charitable mission of Catholic hospitals, current management has also chosen to close some of them in order to cut costs, leaving rural patients without a local choice of any kind. This is an important bill.
Improving voting procedures and participation
SHB 2250 - Increasing representation and voter participation in local elections.
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Whalen
Senators: Nobles, Trudeau, Frame, Kuderer, Nguyen, Pedersen, Saldaña, Shewmake
SUPPORT
Bill clarifies which offices can choose to use ranked choice voting (RCV) in elections (counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts and establishes certain requirements for RCV ballot design and vote tabulation. Establishes an RCV work group to advise and aid the Secretary of State when developing implementation and support materials for local governments that enact RCV.
STATUS: HB 2250 was referred to rules 2 and is now eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to tell them you support SHB2250. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it on to the Senate before the Tuesday, February 13 cutoff.
Improving Standards for Current Sources of Pollution
HB 2049 / SB 6005 - Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes.
SPONSORS: Representatives Berry, Doglio: Senators Lovelett, Nguyen
SUPPORT
HB 2049 / SB 6005 improve Washington’s solid waste management outcomes by providing for producer responsibility in the management of packaging and paper products, requirements for post-consumer recycled content, plastic beverage containers, household cleaning products and personal care products, plastic tubs for food products, single-use plastic cups and thermofoam plastic containers with a reimbursable deposit program and reuse and recycling performance requirements.
STATUS: HB 2049 is referred to Rules 2 Review on February 5th and is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them to schedule a floor vote by the February 13 cutoff, and that you support HB 2049.
ONE MORE THING! - This week we have a special request from our allies.
SCR 8402 resolves that the State Natural Resources Building be renamed after the late Representative Jennifer Belcher.
Belcher was a long-term NOW member who served her full tenure 12-year tenure on the National Resources Committee both as a member and a chair; was instrumental in crafting the Growth Management Act; was the first woman to be elected as Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands; and took many more actions that advanced both conservation of Natural Resources in Washington state and the Rights of Women.
STATUS: SCR 8402 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
Tell your Senator you SUPPORT SCR 8402
Further Action: Contact Senator Leadership (Billig, Pederson, Hasegawa and Dhingra) to let them know you support SCR 8402 for a floor vote prior to the 2/13 cutoff.
Thank you!
You can contact your legislators by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1 800-562-6000. You can also contact them by email 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/
Committee members for House and Senate Committees are listed at the end of this alert. We have also included hyperlinks on each of the bill actions below, which will take you to the specific comment page for that bill. You can enter your support or opposition to the bill and include a comment (up to 1000 characters).
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
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Legislative Activity, Week of Feb. 5, 2024 to Feb. 12, 2024
Violence Against Women
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Ending Child Marriage
HB1455 / SB 6107 - Eliminating child marriage.
Sponsors: Stonier, Berry
SUPPORT
Provides that a marriage entered into in which either person has not attained the age of 18 years is void.
Eliminates provisions authorizing a court to waive the age requirement on a showing of necessity.
STATUS: Scheduled for an executive session Senate Committee on Law and Justice on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8:00 AM.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Law & Justice Committee to tell them you support HB 1455. Ask them to pass it on to Senate Rules and vote it to the floor.
Non-consensual removal of a sexually protective device
HB 1958 - Concerning nonconsensual removal of or tampering with a sexually protective device.
Sponsors: Berry, Orwall
SUPPORT
HB 1958 makes removing or tampering with a sexually protective device without the knowledge or consent of the partner open to civil action with penalties and compensatory damages. Creates a civil cause of action for non consensual removal of or tampering with a sexually protective device, or for misleading a person into believing that a sexually protective device was used. Prescribes penalties, including statutory damages of $5,000 per violation, and requires the court to award costs and reasonable attorneys' fees to a prevailing plaintiff.
STATUS: Now in the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
ACTION: Contact your Senator in Law & Justice and tell them you support HB 1958. Ask them to schedule an open hearing and executive session to move it to a floor vote.
Human trafficking
HB 2076 - Addressing crimes involving human trafficking or sexual exploitation.
Sponsors: Orwall, Mosbrucker
SUPPORT
HB 2076 edits given RCW’s on trafficking with a new section which declares superior courts must assess the fees stipulated in these cases and an audit done to see that counties, cities and towns are using those fees for the trafficking education and prevention for which they were intended. It further establishes a commercially sexually exploited children task force statewide to address this issue. It will be convened by the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Commerce and will make recommendations to the legislature on statewide laws and practices.
STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 Review where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Let your Representatives on the House Rules Committee know you support
HB 2076 and ask them to vote it to the floor before the February 13 cutoff.
SB 6006 - Supporting victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Sponsors: Dhingra, Wagoner
SUPPORT
SB 6006 improves how we identify and respond to victims, provide them with continued care, and bring justice. Makes our state consistent with the federal Justice for Victims Trafficking Act so we can continue to receive federal funding to do this crucial work.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8:00 AM in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry.
ACTION: Sign in PRO at the open hearing an hour before 8:00 am on Wednesday, February 15. Ask the committee members to schedule an executive session. Contact your representatives directly to let them know you support SB 6006.
Safety for Adult Entertainment Workers
SB 6105 - Creating safer working conditions in adult entertainment establishments
Sponsors: Saldana, Trudeau
SUPPORT
SB 6105 requires adult entertainment establishments to provide employee training for prevention of sexual harassment, conflict de-escalation, and first aid. Prevents state agencies or local governments from ado;ting regulations limiting an entertainer from collecting payment from customers or restricting an entertainer’s proximity from others before or during any performance to the extent that there is no sexual contact. Prevents the Liquor and Cannabis Board from issuing a liquor license and requires suspension of a license if an establishment receives a citation for a violation of laws related to adult entertainers and has not abated the violation.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards at 8:00 am on Wednesday, February 14.
ACTION: Let your Representative in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards to let them know you support SB 6104 and ask for them to schedule an executive session and to pass it out of committee.
Victim-centered, Trauma Informed Response to Incidences of Sexual Assault
SB 5937 - Supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed responses in the legal system.
Sponsors: Dhingra, Braun
SUPPORT
SB 5937 is an omnibus bill to promote a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual assault in our legal system drawing on the recommendations of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Task Force and experts in the field. It streamlines eligibility for crime victim benefits, covers some of victims’ costs for forensic and examinations, expands some protections, improves state and local teams to respond to sexual assault, and ensures that children age 13 and up can consent for forensic sexual examinations and examinations for sexually transmitted infections — consistent with current law on the age of medical consent.
STATUS: Scheduled in Rules 2 Committee for second reading.
ACTION: Contact senators in the Senate Rules to tell them you support SB 5937. Urge them to put it on the floor calendar and vote to approve before the February 13 cutoff.
Domestic Violence
HB 2048 - Concerning supervision of domestic violence in criminal sentencing.
Sponsors: Mosbrucker, Goodman
SUPPORT
HB 2048 removes the requirement under the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA) that domestic violence was "pleaded and proven" in specified instances. Includes editing in several RCW’s such as Domestic violence assault substituted for “where domestic violence is pleaded and proven”.
STATUS: Scheduled in Senate Law & Justice Committee for Public Hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8:00 AM.
ACTION: Sign in Pro for the open hearing at least an hour before 8:00 am on Feb. 15. Let the Law & Justice Committee Senators know you support HB 2048. Urge them to schedule an executive session.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
SB 5477 - Implementing the recommendations of the Washington state missing and murdered indigenous women and people task force.
Sponsors: Torres, Trudeau
SUPPORT
SB 5477 reestablishes the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force through June 30, 2025. Requires certain entities initiating and conducting an investigation of a reported missing person to enter the case into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System if the missing person has not been found within 30 days of the report, or at any time the investigating agency suspects criminal activity as the basis for the person being missing.
STATUS: Placed in Senate Rule “X” file. Can be pulled to the floor by the Rules Committee until February 13.
ACTION:. The epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People in our country is not a problem that has been solved, and the Native population in our state deserves the support of its fellow citizens during this horrific time in their history. Let your Senators on the Senate Rules Committee know you support SB 5477 and ask them to consider reviving this bill.
Reproductive Rights and Healthcare
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Regulating Hospital Mergers - the “Keep Our Care Act” - TOP ACTION OF THE WEEK
SB 5241 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the healthcare marketplace.
Sponsors: Simons, Stonier
SUPPORT
ESB 5241 adds a new section to existing legislation requiring health entity mergers, acquisitions, and contracting affiliations to improve rather than harm access to affordable quality health care. This includes all reproductive care, gender affirming care, and end-of-life care.
STATUS: SB 5124 was pulled from the Senate “X” file by Senator Pederson, passed the Senate It is now over to the House! It is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary on Wednesday, Feb 14, at 8:00 am
ACTION: ALL Representatives need to hear that their constituency wants this. Please contact your Representatives to tell them you support SB 5241. Sign in Pro for the open hearing and ask the members of the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee by the February 21 cutoff.
Nearly 50% of all hospital beds in Washington state are now controlled by the Catholic church. Because Catholic hospitals adhere to religious doctrines when deciding which services to offer, this in effect removes access to important reproductive, gender-affirming and death with dignity healthcare services for all the citizens in their service areas. Also, rather than abide by the original charitable mission of Catholic hospitals, current management has also chosen to close some of them in order to cut costs, leaving rural patients without a local choice of any kind. This is an important bill.
Reproductive Rights
SHB 2115/SB 5960 - Prescription labels for medications used for abortions
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Slatter; Senators Frame, Dhingra
SUPPORT
HB 2115/SB 5960 amend existing law to remove the requirement that containers of prescribed medication have a label that includes the name of the prescriber. Instead, it will have they prescriber’s National ID # or health care facility.
STATUS: SHB 2115 passed the house and has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care where it has been scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, Feb 15 at 10:30 am.
SB 5960 did not pass out if its chamber of origin by the cutoff date and is DEAD.
ACTION: Sign in PRO for the public hearing before 9:30 am on Feb. 15. Contact your Senators on the Health and Long Term Care Committee to tell them you support SHB 5960. Ask them to schedule an executive session vote YES to pass it out of committee before the February 21 cutoff.
Improved Insurance Coverage
HB 1979 - A bill capping epinephrine autoinjectors cost
Sponsors: Paul, Leavitt
SUPPORT
Includes the cap of Insulin at $35/30 day supply. Health plans after 1/1/25 to cap asthma inhaler at $35/30 day supply and epinephrine auto injector at $35/2 pack for a total of 6 injectors/plan/year.
STATUS: Passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee where it is scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, February 15 at 10:30 am.
ACTION: Sign in PRO at the open hearing before 9:30 am on February 15 and ask the committeemembers to schedule an executive session. Contact and your personal Senators tell them you support HB 1979. .
HB 1261 - Cost sharing for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Exam
Sponsors: Walen, Ryu
SUPPORT
HB 1261 prohibits health insurance carriers from imposing cost sharing on diagnostic mammography, MRI, or breast ultrasound.
STATUS: Placed in the House Rules “X” file on January 8, 2024. Can be pulled before the full House by the February 13 cutoff.
ACTION: Contact your legislators to tell them this issue is important to you, and ask if they will consider reviving SB 1261 during this legislative session.
Mental Health
SB 5853 - Extending the crisis relief center model to provide behavioral health crisis services for minors
Sponsors: Dhingra, Wagoner
SUPPORT
SB 5853 expands to minors separate facilities in Crisis Relief Centers (CRC), a new type of community-based facility licensed or certified by the Dept. of Health open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, currently offering immediate mental health and substance abuse care for up to 24 hours to adults with referrals to further care.
STATUS: Passed the Senate and will now move to the House. Not yet referred to a policy committee.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives to show your support of SB 5853. Ask them to vote in favor of the bill.
Universal Healthcare
ESJM 8006 - Requesting the Federal Government to create a Universal Health Care program.
Sponsors: Hasegawa, Cleveland
SUPPORT
ESJM 8006 Petitions the federal government to create a universal health care program, partner with Washington State to implement a single-payer health system, or grant Washington State the appropriate waivers for the state to create a universal health care system
Amendment: outlines proposed items for federal consideration, suggesting potential waivers for Washington state, and including statements on health care as a human right; updates the federal legislation number and expands the list of recipients to include the secretary of the US Dept. of Labor
STATUS: House amendment adopted by the Senate; Referred to House Committee on Healthcare & Wellness where an open hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 14 at 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Sign in PRO before 12:30 pm on Feb. 14 and ask the committee members to schedule an executive session. Contact your personal Representatives to tell them you support ESJM 8006.
Taxing Highly Compensated Hospital Employees to Raise Revenue for Low-Income Patients
SB 5767 - Excise Tax on annual compensation of highly compensated hospital employees
Sponsors: Randall, Rolfes
SUPPORT
HG 5767 would help fund health care access by imposing an excise tax on highly compensated hospital employees because it is found that there is abundant wealth concentrated among particular companies and individuals including non-profit hospitals. It would redirect resources to those most vulnerable and in need of healthcare.
STATUS: Did not pass out of the committee of origins by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact Senators to tell them you SB 5767. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
Diversity in Clinical Trials
SSB 5388 - Improving Diversity in Clinical Trials
Sponsors: Rivers, Cleveland
SUPPORT
SB 5388 Requires multiple Health Organizations to increase access to clinical trials and participation by members of under-represented communities.
STATUS: Placed in the House Rules “X” file on January 8, 2024, and remains there. Eligible to be pulled back onto the floor until February 26.
ACTION: Contact your legislators to tell them this issue is important to you, and ask if they will consider calling for introduction to the floor.
Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Washington Future Fund Program
HB 1094 / SB 5125 - Creating the Washington future fund program.
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Harris; Senators Trudeau, Rivers
HB 1094 / SB 5125 direct appropriations from the state general fund to the Washington Future Fund Account based on the number of those born into poverty in a particular year, available for eligible claimants at age 18 through 35 for the purpose of education, purchasing a home, or starting a business in Washington through the Washington Future Fund Program, in the Office of the State Treasurer. It also creates the Washington Future Fund Committee which will review specified topics and report its findings to the Legislature and Governor.
STATUS: HB 1094 did not pass out of House Appropriations by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
SB 5125 did not pass out of Senate Ways & Means Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD
ACTION: Contact your local Senators and Representatives to tell them you support HB 1094 and SB 5125. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
Food Security
SHB 1945 - Streamlining and enhancing program access for persons eligible for food assistance.
SUPPORT
SHB 1945 streamlines and enhances program access for individuals eligible for food assistance. Amendments focus on expanding eligibility criteria for the Working Connections Child Care program based on household income and the age and special needs of the child. A copayment schedule for eligible families is detailed, and the department is granted the authority to adjust it to comply with federal law. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of family support services, connection with culturally competent resources, and effective implementation of early childhood education and assistance programs for children under 36 months old.
First amendment changes child’s entitlement for an ECEAP slot is delayed from 7/1/2026 to 8/1/2030. Satisfaction of work requirement for the WCCC program is delayed to 11/1/24.
STATUS: Passed a floor vote in the House 94-3 and will now be referred to the Senate.
ACTION: Contact your Senators to ask for their support of SHB 1945.
Financial Assistance to Low-Income Families
HB 1895 / SB 5839 Modifying the working families' tax credit by clarifying the refundable nature of the credit, the application requirements, and the eligibility verification process.
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Connors; Senator Nguyen
SUPPORT
HB 1895 / SB 5839 looks to amend the Washington state Working Families Tax Credit by clarifying its refundable nature, application requirements, and eligibility verification process. It establishes a refundable tax credit for eligible low-income individuals based on sales and use taxes paid. The definitions of "eligible low-income person" and "income" are outlined, specifying criteria for credit qualification. The act provides refund amounts for eligible persons with varying numbers of qualifying children, and these amounts are subject to adjustments for income levels. It details the administration, application process, privacy protection, and information campaigns associated with the tax credit.
STATUS: HB 1895 passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5839 did not pass out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to express your support of
HB 1895. Ask that they schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the Governor for his signature.
HB 2007 - Expanding time limit exemptions applicable to cash assistance programs.
SUPPORT
HB 2007 modifies current law to provide additional support and flexibility in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance programs, including exemptions from the 60-month time limit. Recipients facing hardships like homelessness, financial distress, or family violence may be exempted, and assistance will be provided accordingly. Specific criteria, including Washington state unemployment rates, are outlined for exemptions, allowing for extensions. Transitional food assistance for five months is offered to households ceasing TANF assistance.
First amendment ensures that families with a a baby under two years of age would not lose TANF benefits; second amendment clarifies starting date.
STATUS: Referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 2007. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the Senate by the February 13 cutoff.
Housing Affordability
ESHB 1998 / SB 5901 Concerning co-living housing
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Barkis; Senators Salomon, Gildon
SUPPORT
ESHB 1998 / SB 5901 require cities and counties to allow co-living housing in zones permitting multifamily residential use. Co-living housing can provide rental homes at reasonable rates for individuals with moderate to low incomes, reduces pressure on publicly funded affordable housing, provides options for seniors, and promotes energy efficiency.
Amendments
1) An exemption to cities/counties of prohibition to establishing minimum requirements for co-living housing if it can be proven that limitations will be significantly less safe
2) A city/county may not require standards that are more restrictive than those already in place for multifamily use
3)Exempts any related actions by a city/county from legal challenges under the GMA or SEPA
STATUS: SHB 1998 passed the House unanimously and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs where it is eligible to be scheduled for an open hearing and executive session.
SB 5901 has been referred to the Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs to tell them you support ESHB 1998, and ask them to schedule an open hearing and executive session, and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 5901. Ask them to schedule a Floor Vote and to vote YES to pass it on to the House by the February 13 cutoff.
HB 2114/SB 5961 Improving housing stability for tenants
SponsorS: Representatives Alvarado, Macri: Senators Trudeau, Nobles
SUPPORT
HB 2114 / SB 5961 improve housing stability for tenants subject to the Residential and Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Acts by limiting and requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement
Amendment to 2114 provides technical clarifications.
Amendment to SB 5961 makes parking safety adjustments, clarifies occupancy volume, states that co-living housing must be available if if the area already allows at least six-multifamily residential units, requires a start date of 12/31/25, exempts legal challenges under they GMA or SEPA. Amendment to
STATUS: HB 2114 has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5961 did not pass out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee before the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Rules Committee to tell them you support
HB 2114. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it on to the Senate before the February 13 cutoff.
HB 2008 - Creating a task force on housing cost driver analysis.
Sponsors: Representatives Klicker, Peterson
SUPPORT
HB 2008 establishes a legislative task force to research and determine the primary cost drivers for housing in the state.
Amendments: Add Architecture/Engineer and associations to the task force; assign the administration of the task force out of Department of Commerce
STATUS: HB 2008 did not pass out of the House Appropriations Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to tell them you support HB 2008. Ask them consider sponsoring this or a similar bill in 2025.
Child Care Subsidy Improvements
HB 2111 / SB 5941 Clarifying requirements for subsidized child care.
Sponsors: Representative Nance; Senator Wilson
SUPPORT
These bills promote stability and quality of care for children from low-income households, emphasizing support for school readiness. They address the duration of authorizations for the working connections child care subsidy and establish eligibility criteria for families, including those involved in child protective services or therapeutic courts. Introduces copayments, based on income levels and program eligibility requirements. Eligibility for child care benefits are expanded to state registered apprenticeship program participants and full-time students. The legislation aims to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care for working families and support workforce expansion in the state.
STATUS: HB 2111 passed the House unanimously and has now been referred to the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee where an open hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 14 at 10:30 am.
SB 5941 has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee by 9:30 am, Wednesday, February 14 and tell them you support HB 2111. Ask them to schedule an executive session, and to vote to pass it out of committee.
Contact your senators in the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 5941. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it out of the Senate and on to the House before the February 13 cutoff..
Equal Pay
HB 1905 / SB 5894 Including protected classes in the Washington equal pay and opportunities act
Sponsors: Representatives Mena, Senn; Senators Nobels, Keiser
SUPPORT
HB 1905 / SB 5894 amend the current Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to address the persistent wage gap that continues despite existing laws. “Protected class" is defined to include age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, and disability. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of equality of opportunity for advancement and prohibits employers from limiting career advancement opportunities based on gender or protected class membership. Measures, investigations, and penalties for violations, including provisions for damages, interest, costs of investigation, and civil penalties are outlined.
STATUS: HB 1905 did not pass out of the House Appropriations Committee by the February 5 deadline and is DEAD.
SB 5894 did not pass out of the Senate Ways & Means by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives and Senators to tell them you support HB 1905 and SB 5894. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025..
Rent a Bank Loans
HB 1874/SB 6025 - Protecting consumers from predatory loans.
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Walen / Sen. Derek Stanford
SUPPORT
This bill seeks to protect consumers from predatory loans by doing just that: further defining what constitutes a loan so that it falls under regulation. Partners like the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and CRL identified areas where certain products are slipping through the cracks and a clean-up in the law was needed. For example, these bills would close the "rent-a-bank" loophole where a predatory lender contracts with a bank to use them as a front for doing high-interest lending that would otherwise be prohibited. This legislation would also have the effect of reigning in products like home equity sharing agreements which is the topic of other legislation this term.
STATUS: SB 6025 passed a floor vote in the Senate 49-0 and will now be referred to the House! This bill has moved on the House and is now set for a public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business for February 14th at 1:30PM
ACTION: Sign in to show your support for SB 6025 in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on February 14th at 1:30pm!
Protection from predatory mortgage loan contracts
HB 2081/SB 5968 - Regulating home equity sharing agreements under the consumer loan act.
Sponsors Rep. David Hackney / Sen. Derek Stanford
SUPPORT
In partnership with the Northwest Consumer Law Center (NWCLC), this common-sense legislation would protect at-risk Washingtonians from these unregulated, deceptive, and predatory contracts by bringing them under the definition of a mortgage loan to ensure the same protections as traditional mortgages and thus regulation by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). On Senate floor much of the bill was stripped but these very predatory loans will at least be regulated by DFI going forward.
STATUS: SB 5968 passed a floor vote of 29-20-0 and will now move to the House..
ACTION: Please let your Representative know that you support SB 5968 and ask them to schedule a public hearing in the House!
Gift Certificates
HB 2095 / SB 5988 - Improving consumer protection on gift certificates
Sponsors: Representatives Alvarado, Berry
SB 2095 / SB 5988 - Concerning gift certificates as unclaimed property
Sponsors: Rep Alvarado / Sen. Trudeau
SUPPORT
The Washington Gift Card Accountability bill package - would allow consumers to cash out gift cards under $50 and close the loophole to ensure unspent gift cards are returned to consumers or used to fund public services instead of being kept by corporations. The policy is split into two bills with the same sponsor list; one is focused on consumer protections, and the other focuses on the unclaimed property issue.
STATUS: HB 2095/ SB 5988 will be the vehicles for this bill. They both passed out of their respective fiscal committees. HB 2094 and SB 5987 did not come out of committee but the other two bills affect revenue so can move beyond cut-offs.
ACTION: Ask the House Finance Committee members to vote out HB 2095 out of committee and ask the Senate Committee on Ways and Means to vote out SB 5988.
Gender Discrimination
SSB 5171 - Addressing consumer gender discrimination
Sponsors: Representatives Mena, Reed: Senators Dhingra, Trudeau
SUPPORT
SSB 5171 prohibist persons, entities, or businesses from charging different prices for two substantially similar goods when they are priced differently based on the gender of the persons to whom they are marketed, subject to exceptions.
STATUS: SSB 5171 passed by resolution to the Senate Rules Committee where it must again be passed by a floor vote in 2024.
Action: Contact committee members in the Rules Committee and ask them to schedule a 2024 floor vote for SSB 5171..
Ambulance Surprise Billing
SB 5986 / HB 2285 Protects Consumers from Out of Network Charges for Ambulance Services
Sponsors: Senator Cleveland and Representative Piccelli
SUPPORT
The legislature has taken measures to address "surprise billing" when a patient ends up with a charge they didn't expect because it was out of network. These bills add ambulance services to those protective measures.
STATUS: SB 5986 passed on the Senate Floor 48-0-0! It is now in the House and scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on February 14th at 1:30pm.
ACTION: Sign in in support of SB 5986 in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on February 14th at 1:30pm..
Civil and Equal Rights
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Law Enforcement and Civil Rights
HB1445 - Concerning law enforcement and local corrections agency misconduct through investigations and legal actions.
Sponsors: Hansen, Simmons
SUPPORT
The bill aims to empower the Washington State Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against law enforcement and local corrections agencies for violating state laws or the Constitution. It addresses issues like excessive force, discriminatory practices, and poor detention conditions. The Attorney General gains authority to initiate actions, demand documents, and bring civil actions, aiming to enhance accountability, transparency, and civil rights protections within these agencies. The bill encourages collaboration with oversight bodies, the Justice Department, and affected communities. Additionally, it mandates the Attorney General to develop model policies promoting fair discipline, reducing misconduct, and upholding civil rights in law enforcement agencies.
STATUS: Referred to the Senate Committee on Law & Justice where it is scheduled for an open hearing on Thursday, February 15 at 8:00 am.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the Senate Committee on Law & Justice to them you support
HB 1445. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1579 - Establishing a mechanism for independent prosecutions within the office of the attorney general of criminal conduct arising from police use of force
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Bateman
SUPPORT
HB 1579 establishes an independent office within the Attorney General's jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute cases involving deadly force by police officers. It grants the Attorney General power concurrent with county prosecutors to handle such cases upon request or agreement. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring impartiality and avoiding conflicts of interest. It creates an independent counsel responsible for hiring and leading personnel within this office, ensuring transparency, and training staff on racial equity and cultural sensitivity. The legislation also mandates confidentiality until specific points in the legal process and establishes an advisory board for oversight. Additionally, it outlines criteria for appointing independent counsel and details their powers, duties, and staffing capabilities, and amends procedures for prosecuting attorney absences, mandates independent investigations of deadly force incidents, and sets effective dates.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice Thursday Feb 15th at 8:00 AM
ACTION: Sign in PRO with the committee and tell the committee members to schedule an executive session. Contact your personal representatives you support HB 1579.
HB 1513 / SB 5572 - An act relating to improving traffic safety by addressing compliance, enforcement, and data collection.
Sponsors: Representatives Street, Simmons; Senators Valdez, Kauffman
SUPPORT
This bill aims to prioritize traffic safety by targeting high-risk behaviors like impaired driving while addressing disparities in law enforcement. It restricts stops for non-moving violations, establishes grants for non-punitive solutions for low-income road users, and mandates reporting of stops by peace officers. By redefining enforcement priorities and focusing on safety, the bill aims to enhance road safety and reduce the disproportionate impact of traffic violations on vulnerable groups.
STATUS: HB 1513 did not pass out of its chamber of origin by the February 13 cutoff and is DEAD.
Improving voting procedures and participation
SSB 5890 - Reducing ballot rejection rates through updates to ballot curing, canvassing, reporting, and outreach processes.
Sponsors: Senators Valdez, Hunt
SUPPORT
SB 5890 outlines procedures for handling ballots with signature issues. If a ballot lacks a signature or has a signature mismatch, the auditor must attempt to contact the voter via mail, email, or phone to rectify the issue. It specifies scenarios where ballots might be counted despite signature differences due to name changes, initials, or common nicknames. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of keeping records of such ballots and establishes protocols for maintaining privacy and security in electronic submissions. The bill encourages post-election contact with voters for updated signatures but clarifies that this contact won't affect voter registration status or future voting rights. There are sections discussing standards, training, and tools for signature verification, as well as community outreach plans to educate voters. It also covers the responsibilities and rules of county canvassing boards. Lastly, it outlines voter registration form requirements and a workgroup for a uniform ballot envelope design.
First substitute bill encourages auditors to contact voters for updated signatures after every general, primary and president primary election as opposed to every election; requires community outreach materials be published in all languages as required by the Voting Rights Act; specifics canvassing board meetings be published in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act; adds two days to the required time period for auditors to notify voters regarding the cure of rejected ballots.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations Wednesday Feb 14th at 1:30 PM
ACTION: Sign in Pro with the committee before 12:30 pm on Feb. 14. Contact your representatives in the House to tell them you support SSB 5890.
SHB 1932 - Shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation.
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Farivar
SUPPORT
HB 1932 proposes shifting local government elections in Washington State to even-numbered years to bolster voter engagement. It aims to bridge the significant gap between voter turnout in odd and even years, which affects policy outcomes and representation. The legislation allows local governments to opt for even-year elections, ensuring broader voter participation, especially among younger voters and marginalized groups. It outlines the process for transitioning to even years, mandates adjustments in term lengths, and requires consistent adherence once a choice is made. Additionally, it sets criteria for compelling local governments with consistently low turnout to switch to even-numbered year elections.
Amendments: Removes requirement for implementation, making it subject only to the discretion of the local authority.
STATUS: Passed the House. Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 8:00 am on Friday, February 16.
ACTION: Sign in PRO at the public hearing, and tell the committee members to schedule an executive session. Contact your Senators to tell them you support SB 1932.
HB 1962 - Improving voter registration list accuracy by improving voter address change processes for county election offices and voters.
Sponsors: Representatives Low, Cheney
SUPPORT
HB 1962 enhances voter registration accuracy by streamlining address change processes for county election offices and voters in Washington State. It proposes various methods for voters to update their registration addresses, including in-person requests, electronic communication, and submission through designated agencies. County auditors are required to update voter records upon receiving address change information from the postal service or other relevant agencies. The bill repeals the current process of transferring voter registrations between counties and sets June 1, 2025, as its effective date.
STATUS: Passed the House and is awaiting referral to a Senate policy committee.
ACTION: Contact your Senators to tell them you support HB1962.
2023
HB 2023 - Improving meaningful access to elections by increasing language assistance.
Sponsors: Representatives Shavers, Ramel
SUPPORT
HB 2023 mandates language assistance in electoral processes for specific counties based on census data. It requires county auditors, if designated by the Secretary of State, to provide registration, voting materials, and assistance in languages of covered minority groups alongside English. Counties meeting specific language minority and proficiency criteria must comply within a year. The Secretary of State determines eligible counties every five years, allowing terminations if data supports decreased minority group membership and literacy rates. Additionally, a grant program aids counties choosing to provide non-English electoral materials. Terminology definitions and parameters for illiteracy, minority groups, reservations, and language proficiency are outlined.
STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 Review and is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to ask them to schedule a floor vote before the February 13 cutoff; tell them you support HB 2023.
HB 2250 - Increasing representation and voter participation in local elections.
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Whalen
Senators: Nobles, Trudeau, Frame, Kuderer, Nguyen, Pedersen, Saldaña, Shewmake
SUPPORT
Bill clarifies which offices can choose to use ranked choice voting (RCV) in elections (counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts and establishes certain requirements for RCV ballot design and vote tabulation. Establishes an RCV work group to advise and aid the Secretary of State when developing implementation and support materials for local governments that enact RCV.
STATUS: HB 2250 was referred to rules 2 and is now eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to tell them you support HB2250. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it on to the Senate before the Tuesday, February 13 cutoff.
EHB2266 - Concerning sanitary conditions for construction workers who menstruate or express milk.
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Berry: Senators Senators Cleveland, Keiser
SUPPORT
HB2266 seeks to improve sanitary conditions for menstruating and lactating construction workers. It proposes rules mandating designated bathrooms, adequate space, free menstrual hygiene products, flexible scheduling, private locations, refrigerators, and water sources for expressing milk. The bill aims to address barriers faced by underrepresented workers in the construction industry.
Floor amendments delay monetary penalties, make explicitly that rules are applicable only to the construction industry, specifies that the bathroom must be accessible on the jobsite, and make corrections to scrivener’s errors.
STATUS: HB 2266 has passed the house and is awaiting referral to a Senate policy committee.
ACTION: Contact your Senators to tell them you support HB 2266.
Environment & Climate Change
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Improving Standards for Current Sources of Pollution
SB 5931 - Expediting the safer products for Washington process regarding motorized vehicle tires containing 6PPD.
Sponsors: Salomon, Kauffman, Billig, Frame, Lovelett, Pedersen, Shewmake, Wellman
SUPPORT
SB 5931 focuses on addressing the environmental and ecological impacts of a chemical called 6PPD, commonly used in motor vehicle tires. This bill proposes to expedite the process of making motor vehicle tires safer by reducing the use of 6PPD in Washington. It recognizes the harmful effects of 6PPD-quinone, a degradation product of 6PPD, especially its toxicity to aquatic life, including Coho salmon. The bill amends and adds sections to existing environmental regulations, aiming to protect sensitive species and populations by regulating the presence of 6PPD in tires and managing its environmental impact, especially on the salmon. Studies show that pregnant women are most vulnerable to 6PPD-quinone.
STATUS: SB 5931 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy on Wednesday, Feb. 14th at 10:30 AM
ACTION: Sign in PRO for the public hearing and ask the committee members to schedule an executive session. Contact your personal Representatives to tell them you support SB 5931.
HB 1368 - Zero-emission school buses
HB Sponsors: Representatives Senn, Fey: Senators Shewmake, Hasegawa
SB Sponsors: Shewmake, Hasegawa
SUPPORT
HB 1368 provides that:
Buses purchased in WA after 2027 must have zero emissions
All WA state school buses operated after 2035 will be zero emission.
Funding in part would come from the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022
A budget provision of $60 million from CCA income will ensure schools can afford this investment.
Benefits: reduced GHGs, healthier air for children, reduced operating costs.
Some electric buses can serve as mobile electrical power stations
Target overburdened communities for initial funding.[1]
STATUS: HB 1368 has passed out of the House but has not yet been referred to a policy committee in the Senate.
ACTION: Contact your Senator on HB 1368. It has passed out of the House so ask them to vote YES when it gets to the Senate floor.
HB 2049 - Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes.
SPONSORS: Representatives Berry, Doglio: Senators Lovelett, Nguyen
SUPPORT
HB 2049 improves Washington’s solid waste management outcomes by providing for producer responsibility in the management of packaging and paper products, requirements for post-consumer recycled content, plastic beverage containers, household cleaning products and personal care products, plastic tubs for food products, single-use plastic cups and thermofoam plastic containers with a reimbursable deposit program and reuse and recycling performance requirements.
STATUS: HB 2049 is referred to Rules 2 Review on February 5th and is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them to schedule a floor vote by the February 13 cutoff, and that you support HB 2049.
HB 2144 - Providing for a deposit return program for qualifying beverage containers to be implemented by a distributor responsibility organization.
SPONSORS: Stonier, Berry, Taylor, Reed, Ramel, Peterson, Callan, Macri, Street, Gregerson, Berg, Fosse, Doglio, Pollet, Kloba, Davis
SUPPORT
HB 2144 establishes a deposit return program for beverage containers, managed by a distributor responsibility organization. It mandates plastic packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025, with a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content by 2030. The bill defines roles and penalties for distributors and dealers, sets up the organization's structure and reporting duties, and aligns the program with other producer responsibility initiatives, including educational efforts.
STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 and is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them to schedule a floor vote by the February 13 cutoff, and that you support HB 2144.
Education
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Free School Lunches to Reduce Food Insecurity
HB 2058 / SB 5964 Increasing student access to free meals served at public schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Richellie and Rude; Senators Nobles and Frame
SUPPORT
HB 2058/SB 5964 provide school meals without charge to all students who request them.
STATUS: HB 2058 was not voted out of the House Appropriations Committee by the Feb. 5 deadline. This bill is DEAD.
SB 5964 was not passed out of the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education by the January 31 cutoff date, and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Appropriations Committee to tell them you support HB 2058. Ask them to sponsor similar legislation in 2025.
Contact your Senators to tell them you support SB 5964 and ask them to sponsor similar legislation in 2025.
Protecting Students from Traumatizing Restraint and Isolation in Schools
E2SHB-1479 Concerning restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs
Sponsors: Representatives Callan, Santos
SUPPORT
E2SHB 1479 limits restraint of students, including prohibiting chemical and mechanical restraint. It prohibits isolation of students in prekindergarten through grade 2, and phases out all student isolation by January 1, 2026; modifies requirements for incident notification, incident review, incident reporting, behavioral intervention planning, and policies and procedures; adds staff professional development requirements and governing body training requirements; establishes state compliance monitoring and support; and requires multiple reports to the Legislature.
The fourth substitute has fewer restrictions on the use of restraint and isolation, but is an improvement over current allowed practices and infrastructure.
STATUS: E2SHB 1479 has been sent to Rules where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote..
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support E2SHB 1479. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote it out of the House before the Tuesday, February 13 cutoff.
Increasing compensation for Paraeducators
HB 2380 / SB 6082 Increasing compensation for Washington paraeducators
Sponsors: Nobles, Wellman, Kuderer, Liias (By request of the Superintendent of Public Instruction)
SUPPORT
SB 6082 / HB 2380 increases the state allocation for paraeducator salaries to provide an additional average of $7 per hour per full-time equivalent. It specifies that the allocation must be adjusted by the same inflationary increases given to certificated educators and by the regional differences in the cost of hiring staff. It establishes minimum hourly wages for paraeducators based on training and certification, with staggered starting dates for each grouping. Fiscal Note estimates this bill, if passed, will cost about $412,000,000.
STATUS: SB 6082 did not pass out of its committee or origin by the January 31 cutoff and is DEAD.
HB 2380 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee where the cutoff date for passage was February 5. HB 2380 also is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your Senators and Representatives to tell them you support HB 2380 and SB 6082. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
Protecting Local Libraries from Being Closed by Book Banners
ESB 5824 Concerning the dissolution of libraries and library districts
SUPPORT
ESB 5824 Increases the signature threshold for filing petitions to dissolve libraries from 100 taxpayers to 25 percent of eligible voters in the district. • Increases the signature threshold for filing petitions to dissolve library districts from 10 percent of voters residing outside of incorporated cities or towns to 25 percent of eligible voters in the district. • Expands voter eligibility to allow all qualified electors of a library district to participate in a vote on propositions for library district dissolution. Essentially, it protects libraries from being disbanded by a few book banners and allows for greater citizen participation in such decisions.
STATUS: ESB 5824 was amended and passed unanimously by the Senate Chamber January 24. The bill now goes to the House where it is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on Friday, February 16 at 8:00 am. There is no cost associated with this bill.
ACTION: Thank your senators for voting FOR SB 5824. Contact your representatives to say you support House passage of ESB 5824 when it comes to the House floor. Sign in PRO for the public hearing and ask the committee members to schedule an executive session.
Budget/Revenue
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
2024 is the second year of Washington state’s 2023-2025 biennial funding plan. In 2023 a 2-year budget was adopted by both Chambers of the legislature and signed by the Governor. This year, the Governor, the Senate and the House have each proposed Supplemental Budgets that outline proposed expenditures additional to the 2023-25 budget adopted.
Governor Inslee’s Proposed Supplemental Budget for 2024 was unveiled on December 13, 2023. It includes additional spending of $70.9 billion. These additional funds will be used for:
additional behavioral healthier services to add 110 beds to Washington state behavioral health treatment facilities ($464 million),
$64 million to address the opioid crisis, including funds for education and awareness, health engagement hubs, overdose prevention, treatment access, recovery supports, and help to Tribal communities that have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis,
$140 million for housing and homelessness support, including the purchase of new housing and transitional housing that will be required to move more than 1,000 residents currently living in homeless encampments into encampments with housing resources. 1200 new units of housing will be provided. Current funding will soon be depleted.
$3.00/hour raises for paraeducators, to help retain and recruit a larger workforce. 32,000 employees will see an approximately 11% wage increase.
An additional $17 million for spending on special education in the public schools.
$10 million for grants to local governments for law enforcement recruitment and retention.[2]
No new taxes are proposed. Revenues and revenue projects have been higher than expected this biennium.
STATUS: The Governor’s Supplemental Budget is one of three that will be proposed this year. The others will come from the House and the Senate.
ACTION: This proposal will provide services for many of our citizens who are in trauma situations and who are in dire need of assistance. Call Governor Inslee, your Representatives and your Senators, and tell them you support Governor Inslee’s Proposed Supplemental Budget.
HB 2104 - Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium supplemental operating appropriations.
Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby, Bergquist
SB 5950 - Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium supplemental operating appropriations.
Sponsor: Senator Robinson
SUPPORT
The following is the summary of the House Bill Analysis from the House of Appropriations Committee:
“Near General Fund-Outlook (NGF-O) appropriations for the 2023-25 biennium are increased by a net of $2.0 billion to $71.8 billion and the total budget is increased by a net of $5.6 billion to $139.2 billion including maintenance level and policy level changes. The largest increases are in the Health Care Authority ($446.4 million NGF-O and $1.7 billion total budgeted), the Department of Social and Health Services ($577.6 million NGF-O and $737.7 million total budgeted), and K-12 schools ($331.2 million NGF-O and $808.6 million total budgeted).”
This spending proposal is roughly congruent with Governor Inslee’s proposals.
STATUS: HB 2104 was scheduled for public hearings in the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday, January 8 and for a second hearing on Wednesday, January 10.
SB 5950 is scheduled for public hearing in the State Committee on Ways and Means at 4:00 pm.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Committee on Appropriations to tell them you support HB 2104.
Contact your Senators in the House Committee on Appropriations to tell them you support SB 5950.
Basic Income
SHB 1045 – Creating the evergreen basic income pilot program.
Sponsors: Berry, Peterson
SUPPORT
HB 1045 finds that all Washington State households deserve basic financial security to ensure economic stability for all families. A recent feasibility study by the Department of Social and Health Services concluded that Washington Residents excluded from social and economic well-being would benefit from a statewide basic income program, with the legislature finding that a direct cash assistance program with no restrictions or requirements for recipients would help residents struggling under the weight of unprecedented income inequality. HB 1045 establishes a basic income pilot project for 7500 participants to start no later than July 1, 2024 to provide 24 monthly payments to participants who are:
At least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor
A resident of WA State
Have a gross income that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level
Are experiencing at least one of the following life transitions or conditions associated with high economic instability:
Currently pregnant
Parent of a child under the age of five
Homeless
Immigrant, refugee, or asylee
Exiting from the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, or the criminal justice system
Exiting a relationship or living situation due to domestic violence
Disability or
Behavioral health disorder
Applications for the basic income grant must be simple and low-barrier with a process that allows for self-attestation of income and life transition or condition and be available in multiple languages and formats including paper, online, and in person.
STATUS: HB 1045 did not pass out of the House Appropriations Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives and let them know that you support SHB 1045. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
Working Families Tax Credit
HB 1075 – Expanding eligibility for the working families' tax credit to everyone age 18 and older.
Sponsors: Thai, Walen
SUPPORT
HB 1075 would expand eligibility for low-income families where individuals have filed an income tax return for the prior federal tax year and the individual filing is at least 18 years of age or older. Under current IRS rules individuals without children under the age of 24 are in many cases not eligible for this tax credit.
STATUS: HB 1075 did not pass out of the House Appropriations Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to tell them you support HB 1075 and ask them to support similar legislation in 2025.
Wealth Tax
HB 1473 / 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.
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Berg; Senators Frame, Nguyen
SUPPORT
HB 1473 / 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 did not pass out of the House Finance Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
SB 5486 did not pass out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives and Senators to let them know that you support HB 1473 and SB 5486. Ask that they consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025..
Estate Tax
HB 1795 - Making the estate tax more progressive.
Sponsors: Street, Ramel
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 did not pass out of the House Finance Committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to let them know that you support HB 1795 and ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
HOUSE COMMITTEES
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), Nicole Macri, Chris Corry, Kelly Chambers, April Connors, Travis Couture, April Berg, Lisa Callan, Bruce Chandler, Frank Chopp, Lauren Davis, Mary Dye, Joe Fitzgibbon, Paul Harris, Debra Leanoff, Gerry Pollet, Marcus Riccelli, Skyler Rude, Cindy Ryu. Bryan Sandlin, Joe Schmick, Tana Senn, Tarra Simmons, Vandana Slatter, Larry Springer, Drew Stokesbary, Monica Jurado Stonier, Steve Tharinger, J.T. Wilcox
Capital Budget Committee:
Steve Tharinger (Chair), Lisa Callan (Vice Chair), David Hackney (Vice Chair), Peter Abbarno, Emily Alvarado, Jessica Bateman, Greg Cheney, Leonard Christian, Mary Dye, Carolyn Eslick, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Shelley Kloba, Joel Kretz, Mari Leavitt, Jacquelin Maycumber, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Melanie Morgan, Gins Mosbrucker, 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), Gina Mosbrucker, Lauren Davis, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Jenny Graham, Dan Griffey, and Bill Ramos
Consumer Protection and Business Committee:
Amy Walen (Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Eric Robertson, Mike Chapman, 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, Travis Couture, Carolyn Eslick, Paul Harris, Stephanie McClintock, Greg Nance, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Gerry Pollet, Skyler Rude, Mike Steele, Monica Jurado Stonier, Joe Timmons
Environment & Energy Committee:
Beth Doglio (Chair), Sharlett Mena (Vice-Chair), Peter Abbarno, Stephanie Barnard, Liz Berry, Davina Durerr, Mary Dye, Jake Fey, Keith Goehner, Debra Lekanoff, Alex Ramel, Bryan Sandlin, Vandana Slatter, Chipalo Street, and Alex Ybarra
Finance Committee:
April Berg (Chair), Chipalo Street (Vice Chair), Stephanie Barnard, Frank Chopp, Cyndy Jacobsen, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Larry Springer, My-Linh Thai, Amy Walen, Sharon Wylie
Health Care and Wellness Committee:
Marcus Riccelli (Chair), Jessica Bateman (Vice Chair) Joe Schmick, Spencer Hutchins, Dan Bronoske, Michelle Caldier, Lauren Davis, Jenny Graham, Paul Harris, Nicole Macri, Jacquelin Maycumber, Gina Mosbrucker, Tina Orwall, Tarra Simmons, Monica Jurado Stonier, My-Linh Thai, Steve Tharinger
Housing Committee:
Strom Peterson, (Chair), Emily Alvarado (Vice Chair), Mari Leavitt (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Jessica Bateman, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Debra Entenman, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Julia Reed, Jamila Taylor
Human Services, Youth and Early Learning
Tana Senn (Chair), Julio Cortes (Vice Chair), Alicia Rule (Vice Chair), Lisa Callan, Travis Couture, Tom Dent, Carolyn Eslick, Roger Goodman, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Jamila Taylor, Jim Walsh
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, and Veterans Committee:
Cindy Ryu (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Alicia Rule (Vice Chair), Stephanie Barnard, Michelle Caldier, Kelly Chambers, Leonard Christian, Julio Cortes, Dave Paul, Tana Senn, Clyde Shavers, Chipalo Street, Kevin Waters, J.T. Wilcox, Mike Volz
Labor and Workplace Standards Committee:
Liz Berry (Chair), Mary Fosse (Vice-Chair), Dan Bronoske, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Skyler Rude, Suzanne Schmidt, Alex Ybarra
Local Government Committee:
Davina Duerr (Chair), Emily Alvarado (Vice-Chair), Cyndy Jacobsen, 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, Cyndy Jacobsen, Mark Klicker, Mari Leavitt, Joel McEntire, Greg Nance, 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, Michelle Caldier, Greg Cheney, Melanie Morgan, Tina Orwall, Kristine Reeves, Eric Robertson, Chris Stearns, Kevin Waters
Rules Committee:
Laurie Jinkins (Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lauren Davis, Joe Fitzgibbon, Keith Goehrner, Mia Gregerson, Paul Harris, Cyndy Jacobsen, 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, Mike Steele, Drew Stokesbary, Monica Jurado Stonier, Jim Walsh
State Government and Tribal Relations Committee:
Bill Ramos (Chair), Chris Stearns (Vice Chair), Greg Cheney, 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 Bronoske, Mike Chapman, Julio Cortes, Tom Dent, Beth Doglio, Davina Duerr, Debra Entenman, Keith Goerner, Dan Griffey, David Hackney, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Sharlett Mena, Greg Nance, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Bill Ramos, Eric Robertson, Suzanne Schmidt, Mike Volz, Jim Walsh and Sharon Wylie
SENATE COMMITTEES
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee:
Kevin Van De Wege (Chair), Jesse Salomon (Vice Chair), Ron Muzzall, Marko Liias, Sharon Shewmake, 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), Jeff Holy, Drew Hansen, Brad Hawkins
Housing Committee:
Patty Kuderer (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Chris Gildon, Ann Rivers, Rebecca Saldana, Sharon Shewmake, Yasmin Trudeau, and Jeff Wilson
Human Services Committee:
Clair Wilson (Chair), Claudia Kauffman (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Noel Frame, 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 Hansen, Drew MacEwan, Mark Schoesler, and Derek Stanford
Law & Justice Committee:
Manka Dhingra (Chair), Yasmin Trudeau (Vice Chair), Patty Kuderer, Jim McCune, Mike Padden, Jamie Pedersen, Jesse Salomon, Nikki Torres, Javier Valdez, Keith Wagoner, and Lynda Wilson
Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee
Liz Lovelett (Chair), Jesse Salomon (Vice Chair), Claudia Kauffman, Shelly Short, and Nikki Torres
Rules Committee:
Denny Heck (Lt. Governor, Chair), 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, Rebecca Saldana, Jesse Salomon, 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, Drew Hansen, Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, Claudia Kauffman, Curtis King, Liz Lovelett, Drew MacEwan, T’wina Nobles, Mike Padden, Javier Valdez, Claire Wilson, and Jeff Wilson
Ways & Means Committee:
June Robinson (Chair), Mark Mullet (Vice Chair – Capital), Joe Nguyen (Vice Chair – Operating), Andy Billig, Matt Boehnke, John Braun, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Sam Hunt, Karen Keiser, Ron Muzzall, Jamie Pedersen, Emily Randall, Ann Rivers, Rebecca Saldana, Mark Schoesler, Nikki Torres, Kevin Van De Wege, Keith Wagoner, Judy Warnick, Lisa Wellman, and Lynda Wilson
Hint: You can view bills by going to the following website and plug in the bill number for which you want to view the history and status: http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/
Thank you to the following people who contributed to this edition of the 2024 WA State NOW Weekly Legislative Alert
Cathy Baylor
Tori Frisk
Lisa Utter
Corah Whipple
France Giddings
Linda Malanchuk-Finan
Patricia Weber
Lisa Weber
Christina Henry
Maralyn Chase
Linda Tosti-Lane
Matthew Lang, C Good Strategy
Kathy Sharp
Washington State NOW Legislative Alert
[1] https://lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/2023%20Action%20Workshop/ClimateCrisisEnergy2023.pdf
[2] https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article283020978.html