Legislative Alert for January 8, 2024
The 2024 Legislative Session begins today, 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.
Lobby Day Week – Meet virtually or in-person with your State Legislators Monday, January 22 – Friday, January 26
At a time that works for you!
In-person lobbying will be January 23 in Olympia!
Look for details about the Washington State National Organization for Women Lobby Day Training
in next week’s issue of the Legislative Alert.
There is no registration cost for NOW Lobby Day and no lobbying experience is required to participate. Just come and be yourself. You make the difference.
STEP 1: SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT with your two State Representatives and Senator for a time that works for you during the week of January 22 - January 26. It’s simple – Call or email your two State Representatives’ and your State Senator’s office. A list of phone numbers and emails for their offices are located at https://app.leg.wa.gov/Rosters/Members or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and leave a message for your legislators. If you need help in identifying your legislators – Find your district on the web at https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/ and enter your address. You can also have a friend or two join you for your meeting with your legislators.
STEP 2: REGISTER FOR THE WA STATE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN LOBBY DAY TRAINING: Look for registration instructions in the January 15 edition of the Legislative Alert. You must have a Zoom account in order to attend. If you do not already have one, you can create one for free at: https://zoom.us/signup
At the LOBBY DAY TRAINING you will:
· Learn about critical issues and bills that impact women and their families:
· Civil and Equal Rights
· Economic Equity and Consumer Rights
· Health Care and Reproductive Rights
· Violence
· Budget and Revenue
· Environment and Climate Change
· Be trained by experienced citizen lobbyists
· Receive handouts that you can use for talking points and share with your legislators.
STEP 3: MEET WITH YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS at the time you scheduled. Meetings will be approximately 15 minutes with each of your legislators.
Top Action of the Week:
Food Security for Public School Students
HB 2058 Increasing student access to free meals served at public schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Richellie and Rude
SUPPORT
HB 2058 provides school meals without charge to all students who request them. All children deserve to be well-nourished, and children who are hungry can’t do their best in school.
STATUS: HB 2098 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 8:00 am on Thursday, January 11, at 8:00 am.
SB 5964 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Education to tell them you support
HB 2058. Ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee. Let’s support our children by removing this worry from their lives!
.
Whether or not you can attend this hearing - if you can only do one thing, contact your legislators and ask for their support and a YES vote on HB 2058.
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
Budget/Revenue
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 is scheduled for public hearings in the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday, January 8 at 4:00 pm and on Wednesday, January 10 at 4:00 pm.
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
HB 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 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations on Thursday, January 11 at 4:00 PM.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Human Committee on Appropriations and let them know that you support HB 1045 and request that it be scheduled for an executive session to pass out of the committee.
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 was referred to the House Appropriations Committee on February 13, 2023 but no action was taken.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Appropriations Committee and request that they schedule an open hearing for HB 1075.
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 and SB 5486 would create a narrowly tailored property tax on extreme wealth. The property involved would include non-tangible wealth derived from ownership of stocks, bonds and other financial assets with the proceeds dedicated to education, housing, disability services and tax credits for working families. The first $250 million dollars of assessed value is exempt, thus only the wealthiest people in WA State would pay this tax.
STATUS: HB 1473 is currently in the House Finance Committee. On February 14 a public hearing was held with 2200 constituents signing in to support the bill and more testifiers than the committee made time to hear. It is eligible for an executive session.
SB 5486 is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it had a public hearing on March 9, 2023, with over 2500 Washingtonians, representing over 128 organizations statewide, signed in support of the legislation. It is eligible for an executive session.
ACTION: Contact your representatives and Senators to let them know that you support HB 1473 and SB 5486. Ask that they schedule an executive session and pass a wealth tax in 2024.
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 is currently in the House Finance Committee where it is eligible for an executive hearing.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Finance Committee to let them know that you support HB 1795 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass a WA State estate tax in 2024.
Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
Food Security
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 2098 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 8:00 am on Thursday , January 11, at 8:00 am.
SB 5964 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Education to tell them you support
HB 2058. Ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Wait for committee assignment of SB 5964.
HB 1945 - Streamlining and enhancing program access for persons eligible for food assistance.
SUPPORT
HB 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.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 1:30 pm, and scheduled for executive session on Friday, January 12 at 8:00 am in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning..
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning. Tell them you support HB 1945 and ask them to vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
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 reenacts and amends RCW 82.08.0206, establishing 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. HB 1895 / SB 5839 is applicable from January 1, 2023, both prospectively and retroactively.
STATUS: HB 1895 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Finance on Tuesday, January 9, at 8:00 am.
SB 5839 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Finance to express your support of this bill. Ask them to schedule an executive session and vote to pass HB 1895 to pass it out of committee.
Wait for committee assignment of SB 5839.
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.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning on Wednesday, January 10 at 1:30 PM in anticipation of other legislative action.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning to tell them you support HB 2007. Ask them to schedule an executive session and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Housing Affordability
HB 1998 / SB 5901 Concerning co-living housing
Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Barkis; Senators Salomon, Gildon
SUPPORT
HB 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.
STATUS: HB 1998 is scheduled for public hearing on Monday, January 8 at 8:00 am and executive session on Wednesday, January 11, at 8:00 am in the House Committee on Housing.
SB 5901 is scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 8:00 am in the Senate Committee on Local Government and Tribal Affairs.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Housing to tell them you support
HB 1998, and ask them to vote YES in the executive session to pass it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Local Government and Tribal Affairs to tell them you support SB 5901. Ask them to schedule an executive session and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
HB 2114/SB 5961 Improving housing stability for tenants
SponsorS: Representatives Alvarado, Macri: Senators Trudeau, Nobles
SUPPORT
HB 2114 / SB 1961 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.
STATUS: HB 2114 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Housing on Wednesday, January 11 at 8:00 AM.
SB 5961 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Housing to tell them you support
HB 2114. Ask them to schedule an executive session and vote YES to send it out of committee.
Wait for committee assignment of SB 5961.
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.The findings and recommendations of the task force are to be reported to the legislature by December 1, 2025.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing on Monday, January 8 at 1:30 pm and an executive session on Thursday, January 11 at 8:00 am in the House Committee on Housing.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Housing to tell them you support
HB 2008. Ask them to vote YES in executive session to pass it out of committee.
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 is Scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, January 9, at 1:30 PM and executive session on Friday, January 12 in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning.
SB 5941 has not been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth & Early Learning to tell them you support HB 2111. Ask them to vote YES in the executive session to pass it out of committee. Wait for committee assignment of SB 5941.
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
These bills 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 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards on Wednesday, January 10, at 8:00 am.
SB 5894 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace to tell them you support HB 1905. Ask them to schedule it for an executive session and vote to pass it out of committee.
Wait for committee assignment of SB 5894.
Payday Loans
HB 2083 / SB 5930 - Making modifications to small loans under payday lending laws.
Sponsors: Rep. Cindy Ryu / Sen. Derek Stanford
SUPPORT
This bill reduces the APR on payday loans to no more than 36% and inserts anti-evasion language. This legislation will give all Washingtonians the same interest cap protections the Military Lending Act gave to our service members in 2008. Twenty other states already have this provision. Restricting the cost of these small loans is very popular and this legislation will expand on gains this state has made to reign in payday lending over t recent years.
STATUS: HB 2083 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on Wednesday, January 10, at 1:30 pm. The house bill will be moving before the senate bill SB 5930.
ACTION: Please sign in support for HB 2083 House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on January 10th at 1:30 pm.
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: HB 1874 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on Wednesday, January 10th at 1:30 pm. The house bill will be moving before the senate bill
ACTION: Please sign in support for HB 1874 House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on January 10th at 1:30 pm.
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 DFI.
STATUS: SB 5968 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade on Thursday, January 11th at 10:30 AM. The senate bill will be moving before the house bill HB 2081.
ACTION: Please sign in support for SB 5968 Senate Committee on Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade on January 11th at 10:30pm.
Gift Certificates
HB 2094 / SB 5987 - 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 2094 / HB 2095 and SB 5987 / SB 5988 are not yet scheduled for a hearing.
ACTION: Please stay tuned for when HB 2094 / HB 2095 and SB 5987 / SB 5988 get scheduled.
Gender Discrimination
HB 1152 / SB 5171 - Addressing consumer gender discrimination
Sponsors: Representatives Mena, Reed: Senators Dhingra, Trudeau
SUPPORT
HB 1152 / SB 6171 amend the Consumer Protection Act to prohibit 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: The House bill had a public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and was scheduled for an executive session in that committee on February 1, 2023. For the Senate bill, SB 5171 was voted out of the Senate Committee on Law & Justice and was passed to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. It was returned 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 HB 1152.
Violence Against Women
Human trafficking
HB 1937- Requiring certain health care providers to report suspected victims of human trafficking to law enforcement.
Sponsors: Shavers, Duerr
SUPPORT
HB 1937 amends existing state laws in several places concerning trafficking to require various medical and health practitioners as well as hospitals to report their reasonable suspicion that a patient is a victim of trafficking to the appropriate law enforcement. The Office of Crime Victim Advocacy shall supply information on recognizing victims of trafficking.
STATUS: Pre-filed for introduction. Not assigned to a House committee yet.
ACTION: Watch for committee assignment. Contact your Representatives to support HB 1937
HB 2076 - Addressing crimes involving human trafficking or sexual exploitation.
Sponsors: Orwall, Mosbrucker
SUPPORT
Editing of 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: Pre-filed for Introduction, not assigned to a House committee yet.
ACTION: Watch for committee assignment then let your Representatives know you support HB 2076.
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.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in House Civil Rights and Judiciary on Wednesday, Jan.10 at 8:00 am.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in House Civil Rights and Judiciary and tell them you support HB 1958. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety
HB 2010 - Keeping children safe from family violence.
Sponsors: Rule, Mosbrucker
SUPPORT
HB 2010 adds new sections in accord with the federal Keeping Children Safe From Violence Act pertaining to training for judges and others whose expertise is significant to custody or a child’s case, to the use of expert testimony in cases where abuse has been raised, and in what can or cannot be included for visitation and other parental rights.
STATUS: Pre-filed for introduction, not assigned to a House committee yet.
ACTION: Watch for committee assignment for HB 2010.
HB 2048 - Concerning supervision of domestic violence in criminal sentencing.
Sponsors: Mosbrucker, Goodman
SUPPORT
Editing in several RCW’s such as Domestic violence assault substituted for “where domestic violence is pleaded and proven”.
STATUS: Hearing scheduled in House Committee Safety, Justice, and Reentry at 8:00 am on Thursday, Jan. 11.
ACTION: Let your House Representative know you support editing changes in HB 2048 .
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
SB5477 - Implementing the recommendations of the Washington state missing and murdered indigenous women and people task force.
Sponsors: Torres, Trudeau
SUPPORT
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: Returned by resolution from the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice & Reentry to the Senate Rules committee for a vote on the floor by the 2024 legislature.
ACTION: Let your Senators on the Senate Rules Committee to let them know you support SB 5477 and ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to move it back to the House.
Reproductive Rights and Healthcare
Regulating Hospital Mergers - the “Keep Our Care Act”
HB 1263 - Concerning material changes to the operations and governance structure of participants in the healthcare marketplace.
Sponsors: Simons, Stonier
SUPPORT
This bill amends and adds a new section to RCW CHAPTER 19.390. Health entity mergers, acquisitions, and contracting affiliations must improve rather than harm access to affordable quality health care. This includes all reproductive care, gender affirming care, and end-of-life care.
STATUS: Referred to the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee and ask them to schedule an open hearing and executive session to move HB 1263 out of committee and to the floor. It is imperative to support this bill.
Reproductive Rights
HB 2115/SB 5960 - Prescription labels for medications used for abortions
Sponsors: Representatives Thai, Slatter; Senators Frame, Dhingra
SUPPORT
This amends RCW 18.64.246 and 69.41.050. Any container of prescribed medication shall have a label with information of pharmacy, prescriber, name of medicine and directions, and patient ID. This bill would allow NOT to have the name of prescriber, just their national ID # or health care facility.
STATUS: HB 2115 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee on Friday, Jan 12 at 8:00 am.
SB 5960 has not yet been assigned to a committee.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives to ask them to support and vote for HB 2115.
Wait for a committee assignment for SB 5960
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
This act 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: Referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee
ACTION: Contact your Senator on Ways and Means and ask them to schedule an open hearing and executive session for SB 5767.
Improved Insurance Coverage
HB 1261 - Cost sharing for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Exam
Sponsors: Walen, Ryu
SUPPORT
On or after Jan 1 2024 health carriers may not impose cost sharing on diagnostic mammography, MRI, or breast ultrasound.
STATUS: Currently in the Rules Committee 2 review.
ACTION: Contact your Representative in the House Rules Committee. Tell them you support HB 1261 and ask them to schedule a floor vote..
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: It is scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, Jan 10 at 1:30 pm in the Committee for Healthcare and Wellness.
ACTION: Contact your representative on the Committee for Health & Wellness to tell them you support
HB 1979. Ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Diversity in Clinical Trials
SB 5388 - Improving Diversity in Clinical Trials
Sponsors: Rivers, Cleveland
SUPPORT
Requires multiple Health Organizations to increase access to clinical trials and participation by members of under-represented communities.
STATUS: Currently in the Senate Rules Committee for 3rd hearing.
ACTION: Contact your Senator on Rules and ask to pass SB 5388 out of committee to the floor.
.
Universal Healthcare
SJM 8006 - Requesting the Federal Government to create a Universal Health Care program.
Sponsors: Hasegawa, Cleveland
SUPPORT
A national health care system will promote efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and wider, easier access to health care.
STATUS: Referred to the House Rules Committee on April 23, 2023.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support SJM 8006. Ask them to schedule a floor vote to pass this profoundly important measure.
Civil and Equal Rights
Law Enforcement and Civil Rights
HB 1445 - Concerning law enforcement and local corrections agency misconduct through investigations and legal actions.
Sponsors Hansen, Simmons et al
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 House Rules Committee on March 13, 2003. It is now eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote..
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House rules Committee and tell them you support HB 1445. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it to the Senate.
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 was referred to the House Rules Committee on February 24, 2023. It is now eligible to be scheduled for a floor vote.
SB 5572 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation on February 13, 2023. No action was taken.
ACTION: Contact your legislators in the House Rules Committee and tell them you support HB 1513. Ask them to schedule a floor vote and vote YES to pass it on to the Senate.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Transportation to tell them you support SB 5572 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote 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: Stonier, Bateman, et al
SUPPORT
The bill 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: Introduced in the House
ACTION: Send a comment to your legislators
SB 5905 - Concerning certification, background checks, and training requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, marshalls, reserve officers, and volunteers.
Sponsors: Lovick, Trudeau
SUPPORT
SB 5905 amends current law to include Airport Commissions and certification requirements for Police Chiefs, Marshals and Sheriffs. Includes background checks and meeting of standards before elections or appointments.
STATUS: Pre-filed for introduction; not assigned to any Senate committee yet.
ACTION: Watch for Senate committee assignment SB 5905.
Improving voting procedures and participation
SB 5890 - Reducing ballot rejection rates through updates to ballot curing, canvassing, reporting, and outreach processes.
Sponsors: Valdez, Hunt
SUPPORT
This bill 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.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 1:30 pm and executive session on Friday, January 12 at 8:00 am in the in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections.
ACTION: Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections to tell them you support SB 5890. Ask them to vote YES to pass it out of executive session.
HB 1932 - Shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation.
Sponsors: Gregerson, Farivar et al
MONITOR
The bill 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.
STATUS: Scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 1:30 pm and an executive session on Friday, January 12 in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives to tell them you support HB 1932. Ask them to vote to pass it out of committee in executive session.
HB 1962 - Improving voter registration list accuracy by improving voter address change processes for county election offices and voters.
Sponsors: Low, Cheney
SUPPORT
This bill aims to enhance 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: Scheduled for open hearing on Tuesday, January 9 at 1:30 pm and executive session at 8:00 AM, Friday, Jan 12, in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations to tell them you support HB 1962. Ask them to vote to pass out of committee in executive session.
HB 2023 - Improving meaningful access to elections by increasing language assistance.
Sponsors: Shavers, Ramel
SUPPORT
The bill 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: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, Jan 10.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations to tell them you support HB 2023. Ask them to schedule an executive session and vote it out of committee.
HB 2039 - A Bill to reduce the revocation of Voting Rights when convicted of a state crime puishable by death.
Sponsors: Simmons, Gregerson
SUPPORT
This bill will rescind voting rights of any US citizen convicted of a crime in Washington State only when they are in total confinement by the state for their crime. Upon release from total confinement the voting rights will be automatically restored to those convicted of misdemeanors and felonies except for individuals convicted of an “infamous crime” as defined in this bill.
An "infamous crime" is a state crime punishable by death (in the state penitentiary or imprisonment in a state or federal correctional facility). Neither an adjudication in juvenile court pursuant to chapter 13.40 RCW, nor a conviction for a misdemeanor (or), gross misdemeanor, or felony that is not punishable by death, is an "infamous crime." This definition applies for purposes of voter qualifications and does not apply when the term "infamous crime" is used in other titles of the Revised Code of Washington, unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 29A.08 RCW to read as follows:
HB 2030 A person's right to vote is revoked by reason of a criminal conviction only if that person is convicted of an infamous crime, as defined in RCW 29A.04.079, in a Washington state court. Such a person's right to vote is automatically restored in accordance with RCW 29A.08.520
STATUS: Not yet assigned to a committee.
ACTION: : Contact your representatives and Senators to tell them you support HB 2030.
Environment & Climate Change
Regulating Industry
SB 5884- Concerning court-ordered restitution in environmental criminal cases.
Sponsors: Senators Trudeau, Pedersen
SUPPORT
ESHB 5884 authorizes the court to order restitution for harm to natural resources or the environment.
STATUS: Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, Jan. 9.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology to tell them you support ESHB 5884. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1282 / SB 5322 - Requiring environmental and labor reporting for public building construction and renovation material.
Sponsors: Representatives Duerr, Hackney
SUPPORT
This bill, titled the Buy Clean and Buy Fair Washington Act, aims to incorporate environmental and labor standards into the procurement process for construction materials used in Washington state-funded projects. It emphasizes the reduction of embodied carbon in the built environment and encourages the use of low-carbon building materials while promoting high labor standards in manufacturing.
Key points of the bill include:
· Recognition that Washington's significant purchasing power can influence the reduction of embodied carbon and encourage environmentally friendly manufacturing practices while supporting labor standards.
· Acknowledgment of the private sector's increasing demand for low-carbon building materials and Washington's opportunity to leverage its purchasing power to stimulate this market further.
· Establishment of requirements for reporting environmental impacts, health product declarations, working conditions, and supplier codes of conduct for covered products used in construction projects.
· Implementation of a publicly accessible database to track and report on these environmental and labor-related metrics for covered projects.
· Provision of financial assistance to small manufacturers to aid in complying with the environmental reporting requirements without creating a competitive disadvantage.
· Creation of a workgroup to assess opportunities and barriers for the use and production of low-carbon materials, labor standards, and manufacturing in Washington.
The bill also defines various terms, specifies reporting timelines, and sets up a structure to support the implementation of these policies. Overall, the legislation aims to align state procurement practices with environmental goals, support local manufacturing, and ensure fair labor standards in the production of construction materials.
STATUS: HB 1282 did not pass out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee before the end of the 2023 session, and was returned by Resolution to the Rules Committee of the House where it is eligible to be scheduled for a vote by the 2024 House Chamber.
SB 5322 was scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on February 24, 2023, but no action was taken.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee and ask them to schedule Floor Vote for HB 1282 and that they vote YES to pass it on to the Senate.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SB 5322 and ask them to schedule an executive session and to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Improving Standards for Current Sources of Pollution
HB 1368 / SB 5431 - Zero-emission school buses
Sponsors: Representatives Senn, Fey: Senators Shewmake, Hasegawa
SUPPORT
HB 1368 / SB 5431 provide 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 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations on Thursday, January 11 at 4:00 pm
SB 5431 was scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning K-12 Education on February 1, 2023.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Appropriations to tell them you support HB 1368 and ask that they schedule an executive session and vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Early Learning K-12 Education to tell them you support SB 5431. Ask them to schedule an executive session and to vote it out of committee.
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 scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy on Tuesday, January 9 at 4:00 pm.
SB 6005 is awaiting assignment to a policy committee.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Committee on Environment & Energy to tell them you support HB 2049. Ask them to schedule an executive session and pass it out of committee.
Wait for committee assignment of SB 6005.
Energy Efficiency
HB 1391 - Concerning energy in buildings.
Sponsors: Representatives Ramel, Doglio
SUPPORT
This bill emphasizes the importance of improving energy efficiency in buildings to meet state emissions and energy goals. It recognizes the potential for significant savings in existing buildings and advocates for measures like weatherization and using highly efficient electric appliances. The bill intends to expand weatherization and community energy efficiency programs, particularly targeting multifamily housing, fossil fuel-heated housing, and high-energy burden communities. It aims to provide cost-effective electrification and energy efficiency services to residential and commercial buildings over the next decade, intending to create living wage jobs in fields related to building energy retrofits. The bill also proposes establishing a task force to develop a method for energy labeling of residential buildings and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between various stakeholders.
Additionally, the bill outlines the establishment of a statewide building energy upgrade navigator program, aiming to assist building owners in accessing electrification services, funding, and other support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create job opportunities in the building sector. This program would focus on outreach, energy audits, contractor qualification, workforce agreements, and tracking performance metrics. The bill also mandates the formation of a technical advisory group to provide ongoing guidance to this program and report annually on its progress to the legislature.
STATUS: HB 1391 did not pass out of the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology before the 2023 Itsession ended, and was returned to House Rules Committee by resolution on April 23, 2023, where it is now eligible to be scheduled for re-vote on the House Floor.
ACTION: Contact your Representatives in the House Rules Committee to tell them you support HB 1391. Ask them to schedule a Floor Vote and to vote YES to pass it to the Senate.
HB 1509 - Concerning fair access to community solar.
Sponsors: Representatives Hackney, Doglio
SUPPORT
By stimulating local investment in solar projects, this bill allows the participation of low-income customers in solar projects. This bill intends to facilitate credit for community solar options that capitalize on the opportunity created by the Inflation Reduction Act. This would expand access to solar to people who otherwise wouldn't have a facility that could accommodate solar.
STATUS: HB 1509 was scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Environment & Energy on February 16, 2023, but no action was taken.
ACTION: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Environment & Energy to tell them you support HB 1509. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
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), April Berg, Kelly Chambers, Bruce Chandler, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Chris Corry, Travis Couture, Lauren Davis, Mary Dye, Joe Fitzgibbon, Drew Hansen, Paul Harris, Debra Lekanoff, Gerry Pullet, Marcus Riccelli, Skyler Rude, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Joe Schmick, Tana Sen, Tarra Simmons, Vandana Slater, Larry Springer, Mike Steele, Drew Stokesbary, Monica Jurado Stonier, Steve Thrainger
Capital Budget Committee:
Steve Tharinger (Chair), Lisa Callan (Vice Chair), David Hackney (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Emily Alvarado, Jessica Bateman, Greg Cheney, Leonard Christian, Travis Couture, Mary Dye, Carolyn Slick, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Shelley Kloba, Mari Leavitt, Jacquelin Maycumber, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Melanie Morgan, Gins Mossbrucker, Tina Orwall, Strom Peterson, Julia Reed, Alicia Rule, Bryan Sandlin, Clyde Shavers, Chris Stearns, Mike Steele, and Kevin Waters
Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry
Roger Goodman (Chair), Tarra Simmons (Vice Chair), Lauren Davis, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Dan Griffey, Jenny Graham, Dan Griffey, and Bill Ramos
Consumer Protection and Business Committee:
Amy Wallen (Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Mike Chapman, Greg Cheney, April Connors, Chris Corry, Brandy Donaghy, David Hackney, Stephanie McClintock, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Sharon Tomiko Santos, and Mike Volz
Education Committee:
Sharon Tomiko Santos (Chair), Clyde Shavers (Vice Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lisa Callan, Carolyn Eslick, Paul Harris, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Gerry Pullet, Skyler Rude, Bryan Sandlin, Mike Steele, Monica Jurado Stonier, and Joe Timmons
Environment & Energy Committee:
Beth Doglio (Chair), Sharlett Mena (Vice-Chair) Peter Albano, Stephanie Barnard, Liz Berry, Travis Couture, Davina Durer, Mary Dye, Jake Fey, Keith Goehner, Debra Lukianoff, Alex Ramel, Vandana Slater, Chipalo Street, and Alex Ybarra
Finance Committee:
April Berg (Chair), Chipalo Street (Vice Chair), Frank Chopp, Frank Chopp, Cyndy Jacobsen, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Larry Springer, Drew Stokesbary, My-Linh Thai, Amy Wallen, and Sharon Wylie
Health Care and Wellness Committee:
Marcus Riccelli (Chair), Emily Alvarad (Vice Chair), Mary Leavitt (Vice-Chair), Andrew Barkis, Frank Chopp,
Housing Committee:
Strom Peterson, (Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Mari Leavitt (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Jessica Bateman, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Debra Entenman, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Julia Reed, and Jamila Taylor
Human Services, Youth and Early Learning
Tana Senn (Chair), Julio Cortes (Vice Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Lisa Callan, Travis Couture, Tom Dent, Carolyn Eslick, Roger Goodman, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Skyler Rude, and Alicia Rule
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, and Veterans Committee:
Cindy Ryu (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Alicia Rule (Vice Chair), Stephanie Barnard, Kelly Chambers, Leonard Christian, Chris Corry, Julio Cortes, Dave Paul, Tana Senn, Clyde Shavers, Cipalo Street, Kevin Waters, Mike Volz, and Alex Ybarra.
Labor and Workplace Standards Committee:
Liz Berry (Chair), Mary Fosse (Vice-Chair) Dan Bronoske, April Connors, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Rric Robertson, and Suzanne Schmidt
Local Government Committee:
Davina Duerr (Chair), Emily Alvarado (Vice-Chair), April Berg, Keith Goehner, Dan Griffey, and Marcus Ricelli
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee:
Vandana Slatter (Chair), Debra Entenman (Vice Chair), Julia Reed (Vice Chair) Bruce Chandler, Drew Hansen, Cyndy Jacobsen, Mark Clicker, Mari Leavitt, Joel McEntire, Dave Paul, Gerry Pullet, Suzanne Schmidt, Joe Timmons, Kevin Waters, & Alex Ybarra
Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee
Shelley Kloba (Co-Chair), Sharon Wylie (Co-Chair), Kelly Chambers, Greg Cheney, Melanie Morgan, Tina Orwall, Kristine Reeves, Eric Robertson, Chris Stearns, Jim Walsh, and Kevin Waters
Rules Committee:
Laurie Jinkins (Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lauren Davis, Joe Fitzgibbon, Keith Goerner, Mia Gregerson, Paul Harris, Cyndy Jacobsen, Joel Kretz, Mari Leavitt, Debra Lekanoff, Sam Low, Jacquelin Maycumber, Melanie Morgan, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Tina Orwall, Gerry Pullet, Alex Ramel, Suzanne Schmidt, Tarra Simmons, Larry Springer, Monica Jurado Stonier, Jim Walsh, and J. T. Wilcox
State Government and Tribal Relations Committee:
Bill Ramos (Chair), Chris Stearns (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Leonard Christian, Mia Gregerson, Sam Low, and Sharlett Mena
Transportation Committee:
Jake Fey (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Dave Paul (Vice Chair), Joe Timmons (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Liz Berry, Dan Bronsky, Mike Chapman, Julia Cortes, Tom Dent, Beth Doglio, Davina Durer, Debra Entenman, Keith Goerner, Dan Griffey, David Hackney, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Sharlett Mena, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Bill Ramos, Eric Robertson, Suzanne Schmidt, Jamila Taylor, Mike Volz, and Sharon Wylie
SENATE COMMITTEES
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee:
Kevin Van De Wege (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Ron Muzzall, Christine Rolfs, Rebecca Saldaña, Sharon Shoemake, Shelly Short, Derek Stanford, Keith Wagoner, and Judy Warnick
Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee:
Derek Stanford (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Perry Dozier, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, and Mark Mullet
Early Learning and K-12 Committee:
Lisa Wellman (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Clair Wilson (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Brad Hawkins, Sam Hunt, Jim McCune, Mark Mullet, and Jamie Pedersen
Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee:
Joe Nguyen (Chair), Liz Lovelett (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, Shelly Short, Yasmin Trudeau, and Lisa Wellman
Health and Long Term Care Committee:
Annette Cleveland (Chair), June Robinson (Vice Chair), Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Jeff Holy, Ron Muzzall, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Ann Rivers, and Kevin Van De Wege
Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee:
Emily Randall (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, and Marko Liias
Housing Committee:
Patty Kuderer (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Chris Gildon, Ann Rivers, Sharon Shoemake, Yasmin Trudeau, and Jeff Wilson
Human Services Committee:
Clair Wilson (Chair), Claudia Kauffman (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Joe Nguyen, Judy Warnick, and Jeff Wilson
Labor & Commerce Committee:
Karen Keiser (Chair), Steve Conway (Vice Chair), Rebecca Saldaña (Vice Chair), John Braun, Curtis King, Drew MacEwan, June Robinson, Mark Schoesler, and Derek Stanford
Law & Justice Committee:
Manka Dhingra (Chair), Yasmin Trudeau (Vice Chair), Patty Kuderer, Jim McCune, Mike Padden, Jamie Pedersen, Jesse Solomon, Nikki Torres, Javier Valdez, Keith Wagoner, and Lynda Wilson
Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee
Liz Lovelett (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Claudia Kauffman, Shelly Short, and Nikki Torres
Rules Committee:
Karen Keiser (Vice-Chair), Andy Billig, John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Curtis King, Patty Kuderer, John Lovick, Ron Muzzall, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Jesse Solomon, Shelly Short, and Clair Wilson,
State Government & Elections Committee:
Sam Hunt (Chair), Javier Valdez (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Phil Fortunato, Bob Hasegawa, Patty Kuderer, and Jeff Wilson
Transportation Committee:
Marko Liias (Chair), John Lovick (Vice Chair), Sharon Shewmake (Vice Chair), Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Noel Frame, Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, Claudia Kauffman, Curtis King, Liz Lovelett, Drew MacEwan, Ron Muzzall, T’wina Nobles, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Javier Valdez, Clair Wilson, and Jeff Wilson
Ways & Means Committee:
Christine Rolfes (Chair), Mark Mullet (Vice Chair – Capital), June Robinson (Vice Chair – Operating & Revenue), Andy Billig, Matt Boehnke, John Braun, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Sam Hunt, Karen Keiser, Joe Nguyen, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Mark Schoesler, Nikki Torres, Kevin Van De Wege, Keith Wagoner, Judy Warnick, Lisa Wellman, and Lynda Wilson
Hint: You can view bills by going to the following website and plug in the bill number for which you want to view the history and status: http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/
Thank you to the following people who contributed to this edition of the 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