Legislative Alert for February 19, 2024
This is the seventh 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 third cutoff has occurred. Bills that did not pass out of policy committees in their second chamber are now DEAD. The next cutoff is Tuesday, February 21. If bills have not passed been voted off the floor of the second chamber 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” - 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 and passed the Senate. It is now over to the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary where an Executive session is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024 at 10:30 am.
!!!! ACTION !!!!
ALL Representatives need to hear that their constituency wants this. Please contact your Representatives to tell them you support SB 5241. Ask the members of the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary to pass through executive session, vote it out of committee and onto a floor vote. Then vote Yes on the floor to move to the Governor’s desk.
Tell your Representatives you SUPPORT SB 5241
Contact the members of the House Civil rights & Judiciary Committee (emails linked): Jamila Taylor (Chair), Darya Farivar (Vice Chair), Jim Walsh, Jenny Graham, Peter Abbarno, Greg Cheney, Debra Entenman, Roger Goodman, Strom Peterson, My-Linh Thai, Amy
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 housing affordability
HB 2114 - Improving housing stability for tenants
SponsorS: Representatives Alvarado, Macri: Senators Trudeau, Nobles
SUPPORT
HB 2114 would limit rent increases by 7% per year. It improves housing stability for tenants 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.
STATUS: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Thursday, February 22 at 1:30 pm.
!!!! ACTION !!!!
Sign in PRO at the public hearing for HB 2114
Human Trafficking
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. It 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 executive session on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4:00 PM in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry.
Tell your Representatives you SUPPORT SB 6006
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
Legislative Activity, Week of Feb. 19, 2024 to Feb. 25, 2024
Violence Against Women
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
Ending Child Marriage
HB1455 - 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 Monday, Feb. 19 at 10:30 AM.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Law & Justice Committee to tell them you support HB 1455. Ask them to pass it out of committee before the February 21 cutoff.
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: Scheduled for a executive session on February 20 at 10:30 AM in Senate Law and Justice Committee.
ACTION: Contact your Senator in Law & Justice and tell them you support HB 1958. Ask them to pass it out of committee in executive session before the February 21 cutoff.
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: Did not pass out of its house or origin by the February 15 cutoff and is DEAD..
ACTION: Let your Representatives on the House Rules Committee know you support
HB 2076 and ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
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 executive session on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4:00 PM in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry to let them know you support SB 6006. Ask them to pass it out of committee in executive session and send it on to the Senate Ways & Committee before the February 21 cutoff.
Safety for Adult Entertainment Workers
ESSB 6105 - Creating safer working conditions in adult entertainment establishments
Sponsors: Saldana, Trudeau
SUPPORT
ESSB 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 executive session in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 20.
ACTION: Contact your Representative in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards to let them know you support SB 6105 and ask for them to pass it out of committee in executive session before the February 21 cutoff.
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 for executive session on Tuesday, February 20, at 4:00 pm in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice & Re-entry.
ACTION: Contact Representatives in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice & Re-entry to tell them you support SB 5937. Urge them to vote it out of committee in executive session before the February 21 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 Executive Session on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 AM.
ACTION: Contact the Law & Justice Committee Senators to let them know you support HB 2048. Ask them to pass it out of committee in executive session before the February 21 cutoff.
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: Failed to pass out of the House or Origin by the February 13 cutoff and is DEAD.
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 sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
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! Public hearing was held! It is now in Executive session Feb 20, 2024 Tuesday at 10:30 am.
ACTION: ALL Representatives need to hear that their constituency wants this. Please contact your Representatives to tell them you support SB 5241. Ask the members of the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary (House committees are listed at the end of the Legislative Alert) to pass through executive session, vote it out of committee andonto a floor vote. Then vote Yes on the floor to move to Governor’s desk.
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 - Prescription labels for medications used for abortions
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Slatter; Senators Frame, Dhingra
SUPPORT
HB 2115 amends 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 and passed through Executive Session. It will now be 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 SHB 5960. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote to send it to the Governor’s desk for signature by the March 1 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: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee on Tuesday, February 20 at 8:00 am.
ACTION: Contact and your Senators on the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee to tell them you support HB 1979. Ask them to vote to pass the bill out of committee in executive session.
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. This was not pulled before the February 13 deadline and is now dead.
ACTION: Contact your legislators to tell them this issue is important to you, and ask if they will consider reviving SB 1261 in the next 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 moved to the House Committee on Human Services, Youth and Early Learning. Passed in first Reading. Scheduled for Public Hearing Feb 20, 2024 Tuesday at 1:30 pm.
Scheduled for Executive Session Feb. 21,2024 at 1:30 pm
ACTION: Contact your Representatives to show your support of SB 5853. Sign in to give PRO opinion at the open hearing before 12:30 pm on February 20. Ask the committee members to pass the bill out of Committee at the Executive Session.
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: Passed the House Committee on Healthcare & Wellness and now will be referred to the House Rules Committee where it will be eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your personal Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support ESJM 8006 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.
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. Was not pulled back in this session.
ACTION: Contact your legislators to tell them this issue is important to you, and ask if they will consider revitalizing this bill before the March 1 cutoff.
Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
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 the House and is currently scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education on Monday, February 19 and 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Sign in PRO for the public hearing by 12:30 pm on Monday, February 19. Ask the committee members to schedule an executive session and to vote this bill out of committee by the February 21 cutoff. Contact your personal Senators to tell them support of SHB 1945.
Financial Assistance to Low-Income Families
HB 1895 - 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 amends 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.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to express your support of
HB 1895. Ask that they schedule a floor vote to pass it on to the Governor for his signature before the March 1 cutoff.
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 baby under two years of age would not lose TANF benefits; second amendment clarifies starting date.
STATUS: Scheduled for open hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services on Monday, February 19 at 10:30 am; scheduled for executive session at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 20.
ACTION: Sign in PRO at the open hearing before 9:30 am on Feb. 19, and ask the committee members to pass this bill out of the committee and on to the Senate Ways & Means Committee. Contact your personal Senators to ask them for their support of HB 2007.
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: E SHB 1998 has been referred to Senate Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5901 has been referred placed in the Senate Rules “X” file.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support ESHB 1998, and ask them to schedule a floor vote and to vote YES to pass it out of the Senate by the March 1 cutoff.
SB 5901 will no longer be considered. The legislature has decided to move this measure forward with the House bill.
HB 2114 - Improving housing stability for tenants
SponsorS: Representatives Alvarado, Macri: Senators Trudeau, Nobles
SUPPORT
HB 2114 would limit rent increases by 7% per year. It improves 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.
STATUS: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Thursday, February 22 at 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Sign in PRO at the public hearing before February 22 at 12:30 pm. Ask the committee members to schedule an executive session to pass it on to the Senate Rules Committee. Contact your personal Senators to ask them for their support of HB 2114.
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: Referred to Senate Rules where it is eligible to be scheduled for a Floor Vote.
SB 5941 has been placed in the Senate Rules “X” file and will no longer be considered during this legislative session.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 2111 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.
SB 5941 has been supplanted by the identical SB 2111.
Rent a Bank Loans
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 out of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and will now be referred to the House Rules Committee, where it can be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 6025. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote yes to pass it on to the Governor for his signature!
Protection from predatory mortgage loan contracts
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 is scheduled for an open hearing on Tuesday, February 20 at 1:30 pm, and an executive session on Wednesday, February 21 at 1:30 pm in the House Committee on Health & Wellness.
ACTION: Please let your Representatives in the committee know that you support SB 5968 and ask them to pass it on to the House Rules Committee by the February 21 deadline.
Gender Discrimination
SSB 5171 - Addressing consumer gender discrimination
Sponsors: Representatives Mena, Reed: Senators Dhingra, Trudeau
SUPPORT
SSB 5171 prohibits 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 has been placed in the Senate “X” files. It can be pulled back into consideration by March 1.
Action: Contact committee members in the Rules Committee and ask them to consider pulling SSB 5171 onto the floor for debate and a vote.
Ambulance Surprise Billing
SB 5986 - 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 scheduled for an executive session in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on Tuesday, February 20 at 1:30pm.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness to tell them you support SB 5986 and ask them to vote it out of committee in executive session by the February 21 cutoff.
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: Did not pass out of the house of origin by Feb 13 and is DEAD.
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: House - Passed out of house Third reading, passed; yeas, 53; nays, 44; absent, 0; Excused Senate - Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM, Feb 20
ACTION: Contact your Senator on the Senate Committee of Law and Justice committee and tell them you support HB 1579. Ask them to vote YES in Executive Session and pass it out of committee before the Feb 21st cutoff.
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: Senate - Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
House - Passed out of Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). It will now be referred to the House Rules Committee where it will be eligible for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SSB 5890 and ask them to schedule a floor vote.
ESHB 1932 - Shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation.
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Farivar
SUPPORT
ESHB 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: House - Third reading, passed; yeas, 52; nays, 45; absent, 0; excused,
Senate - Tuesday, Feb 20 Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 1:30 PM
ACTION: Contact your Senator on the Senate Committee of State Government Elections to tell them you support ESHB 1932. Ask them to vote to pass it out of committee in Executive Session before the Feb 21st cutoff.
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: House - Passed the House
Senate - Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections on Tuesday, Feb 20 at 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Contact your Senator on the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections and tell them you support HB 1962. Ask them to vote YES in Executive Session and pass it out of committee before the Feb 21st cutoff.
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: House - Passed Third reading, passed; yeas, 84; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, Feb 13
Senate - In State Government and Elections committee - no hearing or Exec. Session scheduled.
ACTION: DEAD
HB 2250/SB 6156 - 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 but did not pass out of the chamber of origin by the February 13 cutoff.
SB 6156 did not pass out of its first policy committee by the February 5 cutoff and is DEAD
EHB 2266 - Concerning sanitary conditions for construction workers who menstruate or express milk.
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Berry: Senators Senators Cleveland, Keiser
SUPPORT
HB 2266 improves 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: House - PASSED Third reading, passed; yeas, 84; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 1.
Senate -Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce at 10:30 AM, Feb 19
ACTION: Contact your Senator on the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce and tell them you support HB 2266. Ask them pass it out of committee in Executive Session before the Feb 21st cutoff.
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 passed out of the House Committee for Environment & Energy in executive session and will now be referred to the House Rules Committee where it can be scheduled for a floor vote.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules committee to tell them you support SB 5931. Ask them to schedule it for a floor vote and send it to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
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.
STATUS: HB 1368 has passed out of the House and is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education committee on Monday, February 19 at 1:30 pm.
ACTION: Sign in Pro at the public hearing. Ask the committee members to schedule an executive session and to vote it out of committee by the February 21 cutoff. Contact your personal Senators to tell them you support HB 1368 and ask them to vote for its passage when it comes to the Senate Floor.
HB 2049 - Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes.
SPONSORS: Representatives Berry
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 was not voted out of its chamber of origins by the February 13 cutoff and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your representatives to tell them you support HB 2049 and suggest they sponsor similar legislation in 2025.
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: Failed to pass the chamber or origin by the February 13 deadline and is DEAD.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives to tell them you support HB 2144. Ask them to consider sponsoring similar legislation in 2025.
2SHB 1391 - Concerning energy in buildings.
Sponsors: Representatives Ramel, Doglio
SUPPORT
This bill focuses on enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. It aims to reduce emissions and energy usage through improvements like weatherization and the installation of efficient electric appliances in residential and non-residential buildings. This bill acknowledges the need for aggressive action toward energy efficiency and electrification as a means to reduce fossil fuel dependency, lower energy bills, create living wage jobs, and meet state emission limits. It proposes leveraging state, federal, and utility resources to facilitate these improvements, with an emphasis on benefiting low-income and moderate-income residents, as well as ensuring job creation in related fields.
STATUS: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, February 21 at 8:00 AM.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology to tell them you support HB 1391. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee before the February 21 cutoff.
Regulating Industry
SB 5884 - Concerning court-ordered restitution in environmental criminal cases.
Sponsors: Senators Trudeau, Pedersen
SUPPORT
SB 5884 authorizes the court to order restitution for harm to natural resources or the environment.
STATUS: Has been referred to the House Rules Committee where it is eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote..
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SB 5884. Ask them to schedule a Floor Vote and vote YES to send it to the Governor’s desk for signatures.
Forest Protection in the Budget
With the possibility of future funding cuts to the Climate Conservation Act (CCA) if the initiative to remove the CCA passes, current natural climate account money will need to to be used to replace the CCA funds. A priority for those funds needs to be the mature/legacy (the last step before old growth) forest protection. Relying on a general slush fund would not be sufficient to adequately address the issue. These forests are more resilient in resisting fire, in helping retain water resources and have many other beneficial properties. Saving the state land that these trees are on is preferable to buying replacement lands that require preparation for future use.
70,000 in legacy forests remain. This is an alarmingly small amount. 2000 acres were saved last session, but there were at least eight counties that had land available that was not saved.
ACTION: Please urge your legislators to add $34 million to the 2024 Supplemental Budget to purchase an additional 600 acres of legacy forest, and save more land that is at risk of being logged over the next few years. This is not just conserving the legacy forests, but also the species that live there. Even very small parcel of land often house unique species that are lost forever when mature forests are lost.
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/
Education
Comments can be made directly to scheduled committee meetings here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi
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: Assigned to the Senate Committee for Early Learning and K-12 where it has not yet been scheduled for an open hearing or executive session..
ACTION: Contact your senators, especially those serving in the Senate Committee for Early Learning and K-12, to tell them you support E2SHB 1479. Ask them to schedule an open hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee by the February 21 cutoff.
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 went to the House where it was scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on Friday, February 16. This committee is scheduled for an executive session at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 21.
ACTION:. Contact your representatives to say you support House passage of ESB 5824 and ask them to pass it out of committee in executive session before the February 21 cutoff.
Establishing a school modernization loan program, for prioritized schools with building deficiencies
ESB 5344 Establishing a school modernization loan program
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler and Dozier
SUPPORT
ESB 5344 Establishes a modernization loan program for school districts and state tribal education compact schools with significant building system deficiencies. It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in coordination with the Office of the State Treasurer, to administer the program, and establishes a seven-member advisory committee to assist the OSPI in designing the loan application process, developing the prioritization criteria, and evaluating grant applications.
STATUS: ESB 5344 passed the Senate unanimously, has had its first reading in the House and is now assigned to the House Education Committee. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m., followed by an executive session on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.
ACTION: Leave a PRO statement before the public session and ask the committee members to vote it out of committee in executive session. Notify your representatives that you support the bill and want it to come to the House floor for a vote.
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.
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.
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
Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee (click through for emails):
Jamila Taylor (Chair), Darya Farivar (Vice Chair), Jim Walsh, Jenny Graham, Peter Abbarno, Greg Cheney, Debra Entenman, Roger Goodman, Strom Peterson, My-Linh Thai, Amy Walen
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