Legislative Alert - Jan 15, 2023
The 2023 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 9, 2023, and is scheduled to end on Sunday, April 24, 2023.
Please Join the Washington State National Organization for Women Lobby Day Training
Sunday, February 5, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Via Zoom. Register Here.
Lobby Week – Meet virtually or in-person with your State Legislators Monday, February 6 – Friday, February 10
At a time that works for you!
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 OR IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT with your 2 State Representatives and Senator for a time that works for you during the week of February 6 through 10. It’s simple – Call or email your 2 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 you 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. Note that, while it’s never too late, it will be easier to schedule meetings by January 20.
STEP 2: REGISTER FOR THE WA STATE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN LOBBY DAY TRAINING: Register here. 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
STEP 3: LOBBY DAY TRAINING - Sunday, February 5, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM
· Learn about critical issues and bills that impact women and their families:
o Civil and Equal Rights
o Economic Equity and Consumer Rights
o Health Care and Reproductive Rights
o Violence
o Budget and Revenue
· Be trained by experienced citizen lobbyists
· Receive handouts that you can use for talking points and share with your legislators.
STEP 4: 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:
HB 1151 - Mandating coverage for fertility services.
Support
HB 1151 mandates Washington state health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and standard fertility preservation services in Washington State.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 18.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness, tell them you support HB 1151 and ask them schedule executive session to pass it out of committee
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 1151.
You can contact your legislators by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1 800-562-6000. You can also contact them by e-mail using this format: firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov. If you need to look up your legislators, use the following link to find them: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
Budget/Revenue
Basic Income
HB 1045 – Creating the evergreen basic income pilot program.
SUPPORT
HB 1045 finds that all Washington State households deserve basic financial security to ensure economic stability for all families. A recent feasibility study by the Department of Social and Health Services concluded that Washington Residents excluded from social and economic well-being would benefit from a statewide basic income program, with the legislature finding that a direct cash assistance program with no restrictions or requirements for recipients would help residents struggling under the weight of unprecedented income inequality. HB 1045 establishes a basic income pilot project for 7500 participants to start no later than July 1, 2024 to provide 24 monthly payments equivalent to 100% of the fair-market rent of a 2 bedroom dwelling in the county where the participant lives. To qualify a participant must be:
· At least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor
· A resident of WA State
· Have a gross income that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level
· Are experiencing at least one of the following life transitions or conditions associated with high economic instability:
o Currently pregnant
o Parent of a child under the age of five
o Homeless
o Immigrant, refugee, or asylee
o Exiting from the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, or the criminal justice system
o Exiting a relationship or living situation due to domestic violence
o Disability or
o Behavioral health disorder
Applications for the basic income grant must be simple and low-barrier with a process that allows for self-attestation of income and life transition or condition and be available in multiple languages and formats including paper, online, and in person.
STATUS: HB 1045 is scheduled for an executive session in the House Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee on Friday, January 20 at 8 AM.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning committee and let them know that you support HB 1045 and request that it be passed out of committee.
Working Families Tax Credit
HB 1075 and SB 5429 – Expanding eligibility for the working families' tax credit to everyone age 18 and older.
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 has been referred to the House Finance Committee where it is eligible for a public hearing and an executive session.
SB 5249 has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it is scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, January 19 at 4 PM.
ACTION: Contact your representatives on the House Finance Committee and request that HB 1075 be scheduled for a public hearing and executive session to pass out of the committee.
Contact your senators on the Senate Ways and Means Committee to let them know you support SB 5249 and ask that it be scheduled for an executive session to pass out of the committee.
Economic Equity and Support for Low Income Individuals and Families
Addressing wealth inequality for youth
HB 1094 - Creating the Washington future fund program.
SUPPORT
HB1094 provides seed capital to Washingtonians who were born into and experience persistent poverty for investment in themselves and their communities by purchasing a home, pursuing education, or starting a small business. This legislation is being proposed at the recommendation of the state treasurer’s Washington future fund committee that was tasked with studying wealth inequities in Washington, analyzing the Washington future fund and other "baby bonds" investment models, and providing recommendations on program implementation to the legislature. The intent of the legislature is to reduce the capital barriers inhibiting the potential for those born into poverty to alter their financial future.
Status: HB 1094 has been referred to the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Community where it is scheduled for public hearing on Wednesday, January 18 at 1:30 pm.
Action: Contact your representatives in the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Community, tell them you support HB 1094 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Relief for Unemployed Immigrant Workers who are Ineligible for Unemployment Insurance.
HB 1095 - Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance
SUPPORT
HB 1095 provides wages for those ineligible to receive unemployment benefits, who include immigrant workers without work authorization, workers whose work authorization has expired or is awaiting renewal, and workers who recently regularized their immigration status. These unemployment insurance benefits are payable only to individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, are lawfully present for purposes of performing such services, or who are otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law at the time of their employment.
Status: Public hearing was held in the House Committee on Labor.& Workplace Standards on Friday, January 13 at 10:30 am.
Action: Contact your representatives on the Committee on Labor.& Workplace Standards to let them know you support HB 1095. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Washington State Housing Crisis
HB 1149/SB 5202 - Reducing homelessness in Washington state through capital expenditures for programs that address housing insecurity.
SUPPORT
HB 1149 and SB 5202 establish the “Washington housing crisis response act” that would reduce homelessness in Washington state through $4 billion in capital expenditures for programs that address housing insecurity, for these reasons:
· The current severe housing shortage that currently exists in Washington state impacts the ability of many Washingtonians to obtain and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.
· Multiple factors contribute to this housing crisis, resulting in a housing deficit of more than 50,000 units for over a decade.
· The deficit of new housing necessary to accommodate our growing population was 81,400 units in 2021.
· Every $100 increase in rent is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness, and 40% of Washington households spend more than 35% of their income on rent.
· To keep up with population projections, the state of Washington will need to construct an additional 1,000,000 housing units by 2040.
· Investments in housing include emergency, transitional, permanent supportive, permanent, and market rate housing to meet the diverse needs of all Washingtonians in every corner of the state.
· A significant number of individuals facing housing instability or homelessness also have behavioral health needs that are not fully supported or addressed. Behavioral health treatment capacity is essential to increasing and maintaining housing access and stability for all Washingtonians, including those with mental health and substance use conditions.
The legislature intends to support these needs by issuing bonds to provide new money for capital programs and projects that are critical to addressing the state's housing crisis.
A workforce housing accelerator revolving loan fund program will also be created by the department of commerce to provide loans to eligible organizations to finance affordable housing for low-income households.
If approved by the legislature, this act will go before the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next Washington state general election.
Status: HB 1149 scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Labor.& Workplace Standards at on Thursday, January 12 at 10:30 am in anticipation of other legislative action.
SB 5202 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Housing Committee at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 18
Action: Contact your representatives on the Committee on Labor.& Workplace Standards and let them know you support HB 1149 and ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee.
Contact your Senators in the Senate Housing Committee and let them know you support SB 5202. Ask them to schedule an executive session to vote it out of committee
HB 1186 - Making permanent and expanding the child welfare housing assistance program.
SUPPORT
HB 1186 makes permanent and expands the Child Welfare Assistance pilot program established in 2020. This program provides housing vouchers, rental assistance, navigation, and other support services to families whose primary barrier to reunification is the lack of appropriate housing. The child welfare housing assistance (pilot) program is intended to reduce the need for foster care placement and to shorten the time that children remain in out-of-home care when placement is necessary.
Status: HB 1186 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 17.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning and tell them you support HB 1186. Ask them to schedule an executive session and pass it out of committee.
HB 1260 - Accelerating stability for people with a work-limiting disability or incapacity.
SUPPORT
HB 1260 amends existing legislation that provides essential needs and housing support services to:
· Remove outdated language and obsolete dates
· Authorize the Department of Commerce to establish income thresholds for program eligibility
· Make the support received as a result of this program ineligible for consideration as a debt and therefore ineligible for recovery
Status: HB 1260 has been referred to Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning and tell them you support HB 1260, and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session and pass it out of committee.
SB 5016 - Addressing homelessness through providing emergency shelter, incentivizing employment of workers experiencing homelessness, and building homes for a better future.
OPPOSE
SB 5160 amends current law that provides rental assistance grants to do so only in exchange for a portion of grant recipients’ income or community service.
Status: SB 5016 has been referred to the Senate Housing Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Housing Committee and tell them your OPPOSE SB 5016. and ask that they take no further action.
SB 5045 - Incentivizing rental of accessory dwelling units to low-income households.
SUPPORT
SB 5045 allows Washington state counties to exempt ADUs from property tax if the ADU is maintained as a rental property for low-income households whose adjusted income is at or below 60 percent of median household income for the county. Rent charged to a tenant may not exceed more than 30 percent of the tenant's monthly income. The taxpayer must file notice of intention to participate in the exemption program. The exemption can continue for as long as the ADU is leased to a low-income household.
Status: SB 5405 was scheduled for public hearing on Wednesday, January 11 at 1:30 pm in the Senate Housing Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Housing Committee and tell them you support SB 5405. Ask them to schedule an executive session and pass it out of committee.
Exempting essential needs from sale and use tax
SB 5136 - Exempting permanently from the sales and use tax purchases of clothing, products for children, and prepared food.
SUPPORT
SB 5136 exempts permanently from the sales and use tax purchases of clothing, products for children, and prepared food.
Status: SB 5136 has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Ways & Means Committee and tell them you support SB 5136. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session and pass it out of committee.
Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
SB 5173 - Personal Property Exemptions – “the Fair Shot Act”
SUPPORT
SB 5173 increases the personal property exemptions to help keep families out of poverty and to modernize antiquated marriage property laws that did not provide women with their own property exemptions. In a bankruptcy case, a debtor can protect equity in their personal property up to a certain limit to prevent a bankruptcy trustee from seizing and selling property for the benefit of creditors. This bill increases exemptions on a car inside and outside bankruptcy from $3,250 to $15,000, and increases “tools of the trade” from $5000 to $15,000 to help small business owners stay in business in the face of financial tragedy. Additionally, there are bankruptcy specific exemptions that increase the personal property “wild card” exemption to $10,000.00 and the personal injury exemption to an unlimited amount if they file bankruptcy. The personal property exemptions, inside and outside of bankruptcy are also doubled (or stacked) for married spouses.
STATUS SB 5173 is in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice where it is set for public hearing on Tuesday, January 17 at 10:30 am and for an executive session on January 19, 2023 at 8:00 am
Action: Contact your senators on the Committee on Law & Justice and tell them you SUPPORT SB 5173 and ask them to vote it out of committee.
HB 1051 - The Robocall Scam Protection Act
SUPPORT
HB 1051 reduces the vast number of illegal robocalls received by Washingtonians through a modernization of the Washington anti-robocalling statute, RCW 80.36 et al. Changes to the statute aim to update the definition of automatic dialing to prohibit the initiation of an unsolicited robocall to a Washington resident who has placed their name on the federal Do Not Call Registry or to knowingly facilitate illegal robocalls. It will also combat fraudulent and misleading caller identification. A commercial solicitation violation is considered a per se violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), and a person injured by such violations may receive remedies under the CPA. In addition, the person may bring civil action to enjoin further violations and recover actual damages or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater.
STATUS HB 1051 is in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and had a public hearing on January 10 at 1:30 pm
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and tell them you support HB 1051. Ask them to schedule it for executive session to vote it out of committee.
SB 5059 - Pre-Judgment Interest for Civil Cases (primarily insurance)
SUPPORT
SB 5059 allows interest to accrue on personal injury claims while they await trial and before a court judgment. This bill incentivizes quick and faire settlements in civil cases.
Status: SB 5059 is in the Senate Law & Justice Committee but has not yet received a public hearing.
Action: Contact committee members in the Senate Law & Justice Committee to tell them you support SB 5059. Ask them to schedule it for public hearing and executive session and pass it out of committee.
HB 1152/ SB 5171 - Promoting Equitable Pricing of Good and Services Based on Gender
SUPPORT
HB 1152 and SB 5171 prevent higher products for women’s products. According to a 2015 study produced by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, women's products carry a higher price tag 42 percent of the time and men's products carry a higher price tag 18 percent of the time. This study found that products marketed towards women were priced an average of 7 percent higher than substantially similar men's products.
Status: HB 1152 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 1:30 PM on Friday, January 20.
SB 5171 has been scheduled for an executive session in the Senate Law & Justice Committee at 8:00 am on Thursday, January 19.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business and tell them you support HB 1152. Ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Contact. Your senators on the Senate Law & Justice Committee and tell them you support SB 5171. Ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Violence Against Women
Support for victims of crime
HB 1028 - Supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed responses in the legal system.
Support
HB 1028 provides greater support, tracking for crime victims and witnesses by specifying greater training, data keeping, sharing of rape kit information and deadlines among legal entities (especially prosecutors).
Status: Executive Session scheduled for the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry at 8:00 am on Thursday Jan.19.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry to let them know you support HB 1028 and ask for it to pass out of committee.
SB 5081 - Concerning victim notification.
Support
SB 5081 amends current law on violent offense notification of victims, witnesses and those requesting this service that any records and information of their request are exempt from public inspections and copying.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing on Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 am in the Senate Committee on Human Services.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Human Services. Tell them you support SB 5081 and ask them to schedule it for executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5070 - Concerning victims of nonfatal strangulation.
Support
SB 5070 amends current law on nonfatal strangulation to provide an effective date and to indicate an emergency status.
Status: Scheduled for Public Hearing Thursday, Jan. 19 at 8:00 am in the Senate Human Services Committee.
Action: Contact your Senator in the Senator Human Services Committee, let them know your support and SB 5070 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass out of committee.
HB 1089/ SB 5114 - Supporting adults with lived experience of sex trafficking.
Support
HB 1089 and SB 5114 create a program for healing, support, and transition services for any person age 18 or older who has been forced or coerced to perform a commercial sex act, or a person who was induced to perform a commercial sex act when they were less than 18 years of age.
Status: Scheduled for Public Hearing in House Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 1:30 pm.
SB 5114 has been scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, January 17 at 10:30 am in the Senate Committee on Human Services.
Action: Contact your representative committee members, let them know you support HB 1089 and ask for it to pass out of committee.
Contact your Senators on the Senate Human Services Committee, tell them you support SB 5114 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
Regarding the treatment of persons apprehended by the police and/or subject to judicial action
HB 1025 Creating a private right of action for harm from violations of the state Constitution or state law by peace officers.
Support
HB 1025 provides a meaningful legal remedy under state law for persons injured when a peace officer or the state employing the officer violates the state constitution or state law.
Status: Referred to the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
Action: Let your Representatives on this Committee know you support HB1025 and ask them to schedule it for a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5042 - Authorizing the use of vascular neck restraints.
Oppose
SB 5042 defines chokehold and allows specific neck hold restraint.
Status: Referred Jan. 9 to the Senate Law and Justice Committee
Action: Contact your Senator on the Senate Law and Justice Committee and let them know you oppose SB5042. Ask that they take no further action on this bill.
SB 5076 - Concerning the authority to hold a person without bail until their first appearance on a domestic violence or protection order case.
Support
SB 5076 allows a police officer to keep in custody until a release by a judicial officer, a person without a warrant when the officer has probable cause that any of the various protection orders have been issued.
Status: Referred to the Senate Law and Justice committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Law and Justice committee, indicate your support and ask that they schedule a public hearing and executive session for SB 5076 to pass it out of committee.
SB 5075 - Establishing a judicial sentencing database.
Oppose
SB 5075 adds a new section to judicial sentencing that an electronic database will track judicial sentencing practices in regard to felony crimes and likewise prosecutorial recommendations in regard to those cases.
Status: Referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Law and Justice Committee. Tell them that you Oppose SB 5075 and ask them to take no further action.
Hazing
HB 1002 - Increasing the Penalty for Hazing
Support
HB1002 increases the penalty for hazing that results in bodily harm to a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Status: A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Jan.16 at 1:30 pm in House Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry.
Action: Let your Representatives on this committee know you support HB 1002 and ask them to schedule an executive session to pass out of committee.
Protecting children from child abuse and neglect
HB 1036 - Providing duty of clergy to report child abuse or neglect.
Support
HB 1036 expands the definition of clergy and requires that they report abuse other than that received under clergy-penitent privilege.
Status: Assigned to House Human Services,Youth and Early Learning committee.
Action: Let your Representative know you support HB 1036 and ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1059 - Protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Support
HB 1059 Protects a minor child from being photographed or from being part of a live performance which depicts the minor in sexually explicit conduct where the minor is unconscious or unaware of the photograph or recording.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry at 8:00 am on Thursday, Jan. 19th.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Community Safety, Justice and Re-entry and let them know you support HB 1059. Ask them to pass it out of committee.
SB 5033 Reclassifying the sentence for the crime of custodial sexual misconduct.
Support
SB 5033 reclassifies the sentence for custodial sexual misconduct to Class B and Class C felonies, stronger than misdemeanors.
Status: Referred to Senate Law and Justice Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Law and Justice Committee to let them know you support SB 5033. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Affordability of hearings aids and regulation of pharmacy services in health care facilities
HB 1222 - Act relating to requiring coverage for hearing instruments.
Support
HB 1222 requires any group health plan issued or renewed after Jan 1, 2024, to include coverage for hearing instruments including bone conduction apparatuses. An allowance of $2,500 per ear every 3 years is made.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 18.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness and let them know you support HB 1222. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5271 – Protecting patients in facilities regulated by DOH by establishing uniform enforcement tools addressing any facility found to be in non-compliance with regulations.
Monitor
SB 5271 establishes a Commission to regulate the practice of pharmacy and enforce all the laws of its jurisdiction.
Non-compliance with regulations can result in serious injury, serious harm, impairment or death. Actions can include fines or holding or revoking licensure and certification. Facilities affected include Birthing centers, Medical Testing Sites, Ambulatory Surgical Facility, Home Health Agency, private Behavioral Health Hospital, Residential Treatment facility, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
Status: Referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee
Action: Monitor
Improving Behavioral Health Care
HB 1242 – Act to create a Behavioral Health work group to study root causes of increased behavioral health issues.
Support
HB 1242 creates a behavioral health work group to study root causes of increased behavioral health issues. Members of the work group are to include individuals who have received services and family members, providers with actual experience, tribal members, clergy members, advocates, law enforcement officers and other individuals with actual practical experience.
Requires a progress report to the Governor and legislature no later than 12/15/23. Recommendations are due no later than 11/15/24.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 17.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness to tell you them you support HB 1242. Ask the to schedule at executive session to pass it out of committee. Suggest the deadline for recommendations be moved up to July 2024 due to the pressing need for actions.
SB 5263 - Concerning access to psilocybin services by individuals 21 years of age and older.
Support
SB 5263 provides for supported adult use of psilocybin under the supervision of a trained and licensed psilocybin service facilitator in order to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of all people in this state, and to reduce the prevalence of behavioral health disorders among adults in this state. Studies conducted by nationally and internationally recognized medical institutions indicate that psilocybin has shown efficacy, tolerability, and safety in the treatment of a variety of behavioral health conditions, including but not limited to addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress.
Status: Referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Labor and Commerce Committee and tell them you support SB 5263. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee
Reproductive Rights
SJR 8202 and HJR 4201 - Amending the State Constitution to address reproductive freedom.
Support
SJR 8202 and HJR 4201 resolve to submit for a vote in the next general election a new Article to the Constitution that will guarantee reproductive freedom without denial or interference by the state.
Status:
SJR 8202 has been referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee.
HJR 4201 has been referred to the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness.
Action:
Contact your Senators on the Health and Long Term Care Committee and your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness and tell them you support SJR 8202 and HJR 4201. Ask them to schedule public hearings and executive sessions to pass them out of committee.
HB 1115 - Prohibiting cost sharing for abortion.
Support
HB 1115 amends current legislation to require health plans that provide maternity care or services to also provide a covered person with equivalent coverage for abortion of a pregnancy. This legislation also applies to student health plans. HB 1115 also prohibits the imposition of cost sharing by a health carrier for abortion of a pregnancy.
Status: Referred to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Health Care & Wellness Committee and tell them you support HB 1115. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee
SB 5098 - Relating to Abortion on the Basis of a Down Syndrome diagnosis
SB 5098 would prohibit any provider performing or assisting in an abortion for the reason of Down Syndrome.
Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care.
Action: Contact your Senators on the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care and tell the you Oppose SB 5098 and ask that they take no further action on this bill.
SB-5260 – An Act to protect and assist employers that provide access or benefits for reproductive health care services.
Support
SB 5260 allows an employer who has had a judgement placed on them in any state for accusation of provision, assistance, or material support for reproductive health services that are legal in this state, to recover damages from any person that acted to bring forth the judgement. It is also prohibits retaliation against an employer for the above actions. The employer shall receive a tax benefit for any charitable donations to an organization providing reproductive health care.
Status: Referred to Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Labor and Commerce Committee and tell them you support SB 5260. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee
HB 1151 - Mandating coverage for fertility services.
Support
HB 1151 mandate Washington sate health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and standard fertility preservation services in Washington State.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 18.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness, tell them you support HB 1151 and ask them schedule executive session to pass it out of committee.
.
Enhancing Access to Health Care
HB 1041 - Authorize prescriptive authority to Psychologists.
Support
HB 1041 responds to the current recognized need for mental health care in an environment where there is a lack of providers comfortable in prescribing psychiatric medications. Current legislation is amended to allow for training at a Masters level equivalent of psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The applicant must be a licensed psychologist holding a Doctorate degree in Psychology who has also successfully completed additional Masters Level training including supervised clinical experience, in psychopharmocology.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing on Friday, January 13 at 8 am in House Committee on Health Care and Wellness
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness, tell them you support HB 1041 and ask that they schedule it for executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1069 - Relating to Mental Health Counselor Compact
Support
HB 1069 creates a multi-state compact that would provide reciprocal licensure to mental health counselors who practice in different states within the compact, increasing accessibility to of patients/clients to more service providers. All specific requirements to licensure and professional behavior would apply within the compact. Disciplinary actions could be initiated in any state and would be recognized by all states.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce at 8:00 AM.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce to tell them you support HB 1069 and ask then to pass it out of committee.
HB 1035 - An Act relating to prohibiting Health Care Entities from restricting certain health care services by health care providers.
Support
HB 1035 amends current legislation to prohibit Medical Care Entities from restricting Health Care Providers, either employed or contracted, from:
· Providing approved health care services making referrals for services related to complications of pregnancy including but not limited to miscarriage management and treatment for ectopic pregnancies in cases where failure to provide the service would violate the accepted standard of care or when the patient presents a medical condition that appears to put the patient’s life at risk may cause irreversible physical damage
· Providing medically accurate and comprehensive information to a patient regarding the patient’s health statue including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, recommended treatment, treatment alternatives, and any potential resist to the patient’s health or life
· Providing information regarding Washington’s deathe with dignity act
· Providing referrals to patients
· Providing health services in cases where failure to provide the services would pose a serious risk to an individual’s life or health, or would violate the standard of care.
A health care entity may not discharge, demote, suspend, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against a health care provider for providing services in compliance with this legislation.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 17.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness and tell them you support HB 1035. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
HB 1027 and SB 5036 - Concerning Telemedicine
Monitor
HB 1027 extends the time frame for telemedicine used in real-time by either audio alone or audio-visual technology. The bill defines reimbursement parameters and instructs insurance agencies to accept charges equal to in-person visits. It also defines the necessary relationship between provider and patient and allows a three year interval between in-person visits. The in-person visit and evaluation does not have to be with the same individual providing the telemedicine service as long it is with someone within the group.
Status:
HB 1027 is scheduled for public hearing in House Committee on Health Care and Wellness on Wednesday, January 11 at 1:30 pm and Thursday, January 13 at 8:00 am.
SB 5036 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care on Wednesday, January 12 at 10:30 am.
Action: Monitor.
HB 1073 – Concerning Medical Assistants
Support
HB 1073 designates any fully trained, in an approved certified program, Medical Assistant to be employed as a Medical Assistant-Certified during that interim period while awaiting the full registration to be processed.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 8:00 AM on Friday, January 20.
Action: Contact your representatives in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness and tell them you support HB 1073. Ask them to schedule an executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5120 – An Act relating to establishing 23 Hr Crisis Relief Centers in Washington State.
Support
SB 5120 provides for a crisis diversion center that replaces Crisis Stabilization Centers and/or Triage Centers. Entities previously known as “Triage Centers” will now be known as 23 Hour Crisis Relief Centers. These will offer access to behavioral health care for no more than 23 hours and 59 minutes. They are available as drop-offs for first responders and as walk-ins for individuals. Assessment by Designated Crisis Responders is available if further treatment or holding is needed. The Secretary of Health is responsible for construction and management of licensure or certification.
Status: Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care at 8:00 am on Friday, January 13.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care and let them know you support SB 5120. Ask them to schedule it for executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5288 – An Act relating to Physical Therapists performing intramuscular needling.
Monitor
SB 5288 amends current law to define the practice parameters of physical therapists who have taken the didactic and practical education to perform intramuscular needling as a therapeutic measure. It is not to interfere with ongoing acupuncture therapy, whih will still require a referral from a licensed health care provider.
Status: Referred to Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.
Action: Monitor
Civil and Equal Rights
Voting Rights
HB 1048/SB 5047 - Enhancing the Washington voting rights act
Support.
HB 1048 amends the Washington Voting Rights Act to clarify its mission and certain definitions.
Status: HB 1048 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 18
SB 5047 is Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 8:00 AM on Friday, January 20.
Acton: Call your representatives on the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations and tell them your support HB 1048. Ask them to vote YES to pass it out of committee.
Call your Senators on the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections and tell them you support SB 5047. Ask them to schedule at executive session to vote it out of committee.
HB 1174 - Improving access and removing barriers to jail-based voting.
Support
HB 1174 directs each county auditor to create a Jail Voting Plan for each county, city, and tribal jail, with assistance of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) and a jail employee who has been designated as the Jail Voting Coordinator. The Plan must include details about how the jail will help people who are incarcerated to:
· register to vote or update their voter registration;
· access proof of their identification or residency in order to register to vote;
· access information about, and materials necessary for, eligibility for voting and voting rights restoration;
· access information about candidates, including voters' pamphlets;
· access materials necessary to fill out ballots; and complete their ballots in secret.
The plan must also include details about how the jail will:
· provide visible information in the jail about registering to vote and accessing a ballot;
· ensure that all people who are incarcerated are made aware of key dates surrounding registration and ballot return; and
· accommodate people with disabilities to register to vote and fill out ballots.
Jails must
· provide people who are incarcerated with voter registration and ballot-related. Ballots must be made accessible starting at least 18 days before a primary or general election.
· permit election officials from the county auditor's office and the OSOS to enter the jail at least 30 days in advance of each primary and general election for voter registration outreach and education. Jails must document all voting-related requests and complaints, and they (along with the county auditor) must collect data related to voter registration and ballot return from people who are incarcerated.
· provide information about and materials necessary for registering to vote to all people who are released from their custody.
Status: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 18.
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations to tell them you support HB 1174. Ask them to vote YES to pass out of committee.
HB 1312 - Concerning jury service.
Support
HB 1312 allows person of 70 years of age or older to opt out of juror service if the persons attests that they are unable to service due to health reasons.
Status: Referred to the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee
Action: Contact your representatives on the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and tell them you support HB 1312. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5112/HB 1229 – Secure Automatic Voter Registration
Support
SB 5112/HB 1229 amends existing Department of Licensing (DOL) automatic voter registration to make it more efficient. Changes include:
· providing a process for applicants to opt out of registration after completing the DOL application;
· Requiring daily transmission by the DOL of voter registration information to the county auditor
· Requiring the county auditor to send an acknowledgement notice package by nonforwardable mail to the applicant
· Provides requirements for voter registration challenges
Status: SB 5112 was amended and passed out of the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections. The 1st substitute bill was passed out of committee during executive session and the bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Transportation Committee and tell them you support SB 5112. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee
Civil Rights in the Judicial System
SB 5128 - Concerning jury diversity
Support
SB 5128 requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to collect data on juror demographics and establish a childcare assistance program workgroup for jurors. It also provides additional compensation for jurors who qualify for a means tested state-run benefits programs and permits jury service summons to be sent electronically
Status: Passed out of the Senate Committee on Law & Justice and referred to Senate Ways & Means.
Action: Contact your Senators in the Committee Ways & Means Committee to tell them you support SB 5128. Ask them to schedule a public hearing and executive session to pass it out of committee.
SB 5046 Concerning Postconviction Access to Counsel
Support
SB 5046 amends current law to provide appointment of state-funded public defense counsel for indigent adults and juveniles to file and prosecute one, timely personal restraint petition; petition a sentencing court when the legislature creates an opportunity to do so; and challenge a conviction or sentence if a final decision of an appellate court creates an opportunity to do so.
Status: Public Hearing on Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 am in the Senate Law and Justice Committee
Action: Contact your Senators in the Senate Law and Justice Committee and let them know you support SB 5046. Ask that they schedule it for executive session and pass it out of committee.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People
SB 5137 - Creating a missing and murdered indigenous women and people cold case investigations unit.
Support
SB 5137 creates a cold case investigations unit within the offices of the Attorney General for the primary purpose of assisting federal, municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and people.
Status: Prefiled for introduction.
Action: Wait for committee assignment.
HOUSE COMMITEES
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Mike Chapman (Chair), Melanie Morgan (Vice Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Bruce Chandler, Tom Dent, Shelley Kloba, Joel Kretz, Debra Lekanoff, Ed Orcutt, Joe Schmick, and Larry Springer
Appropriations Committee:
Timm Ormsby (Chair), Steve Bergquist (Vice Chair), Nicole Macre (Vice Chair), Mia Gregerson (Vice Chair), April Berg, Kelly Chambers, Bruce Chandler, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Chris Corry, Travis Couture, Lauren Davis, Mary Dye, Joe Fitzgibbon, Drew Hansen, Paul Harris, Debra Lekanoff, Gerry Pullet, Marcus Riccelli, Skyler Rude, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Joe Schmick, Tana Sen, Tarra Simmons, Vandana Slater, Larry Springer, Mike Steele, Drew Stokesbary, Monica Jurado Stonier, Steve Thrainger
Capital Budget Committee:
Steve Tharinger (Chair), Lisa Callan (Vice Chair), David Hackney (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Emily Alvarado, Jessica Bateman, Greg Cheney, Leonard Christian, Travis Couture, Mary Dye, Carolyn Slick, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Shelley Kloba, Mari Leavitt, Jacquelin Maycumber, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Melanie Morgan, Gins Mossbrucker, Tina Orwall, Strom Peterson, Julia Reed, Alicia Rule, Bryan Sandlin, Clyde Shavers, Chris Stearns, Mike Steele, and Kevin Waters
Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry
Roger Goodman (Chair), Tarra Simmons (Vice Chair), Lauren Davis, Darya Farivar, Mary Fosse, Dan Griffey, Jenny Graham, Dan Griffey, and Bill Ramos
Consumer Protection and Business Committee:
Amy Wallen (Chair), Kristine Reeves (Vice Chair), Mike Chapman, Greg Cheney, April Connors, Chris Corry, Brandy Donaghy, David Hackney, Stephanie McClintock, Cindy Ryu, Bryan Sandlin, Sharon Tomiko Santos, and Mike Volz
Education Committee:
Sharon Tomiko Santos (Chair), Clyde Shavers (Vice Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lisa Callan, Carolyn Eslick, Paul Harris, Stephanie McClintock, Joel McEntire, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Gerry Pullet, Skyler Rude, Bryan Sandlin, Mike Steele, Monica Jurado Stonier, and Joe Timmons
Environment & Energy Committee:
Beth Doglio (Chair), Sharlett Mena (Vice-Chair) Peter Albano, Stephanie Barnard, Liz Berry, Travis Couture, Davina Durer, Mary Dye, Jake Fey, Keith Goehner, Debra Lukianoff, Alex Ramel, Vandana Slater, Chipalo Street, and Alex Ybarra
Finance Committee:
April Berg (Chair), Chipalo Street (Vice Chair), Frank Chopp, Frank Chopp, Cyndy Jacobsen, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Larry Springer, Drew Stokesbary, My-Linh Thai, Amy Wallen, and Sharon Wylie
Health Care and Wellness Committee:
Marcus Riccelli (Chair), Emily Alvarad (Vice Chair), Mary Leavitt (Vice-Chair), Andrew Barkis, Frank Chopp,
Housing Committee:
Strom Peterson, (Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Mari Leavitt (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Jessica Bateman, Frank Chopp, April Connors, Debra Entenman, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Julia Reed, and Jamila Taylor
Human Services, Youth and Early Learning
Tana Senn (Chair), Julio Cortes (Vice Chair), Jamila Taylor (Vice Chair), Lisa Callan, Travis Couture, Tom Dent, Carolyn Eslick, Roger Goodman, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Skyler Rude, and Alicia Rule
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, and Veterans Committee:
Cindy Ryu (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Alicia Rule (Vice Chair), Stephanie Barnard, Kelly Chambers, Leonard Christian, Chris Corry, Julio Cortes, Dave Paul, Tana Senn, Clyde Shavers, Cipalo Street, Kevin Waters, Mike Volz, and Alex Ybarra.
Labor and Workplace Standards Committee:
Liz Berry (Chair), Mary Fosse (Vice-Chair) Dan Bronoske, April Connors, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Rric Robertson, and Suzanne Schmidt
Local Government Committee:
Davina Duerr (Chair), Emily Alvarado (Vice-Chair), April Berg, Keith Goehner, Dan Griffey, and Marcus Ricelli
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee:
Vandana Slatter (Chair), Debra Entenman (Vice Chair), Julia Reed (Vice Chair) Bruce Chandler, Drew Hansen, Cyndy Jacobsen, Mark Clicker, Mari Leavitt, Joel McEntire, Dave Paul, Gerry Pullet, Suzanne Schmidt, Joe Timmons, Kevin Waters, & Alex Ybarra
Regulated Substances and Gamin Committee
Shelley Kloba (Co-Chair), Sharon Wylie (Co-Chair), Kelly Chambers, Greg Cheney, Melanie Morgan, Tina Orwall, Kristine Reeves, Eric Robertson, Chris Stearns, Jim Walsh, and Kevin Waters
Rules Committee:
Laurie Jinkins (Chair), Steve Bergquist, Lauren Davis, Joe Fitzgibbon, Keith Goerner, Mia Gregerson, Paul Harris, Cyndy Jacobsen, Joel Kretz, Mari Leavitt, Debra Lekanoff, Sam Low, Jacquelin Maycumber, Melanie Morgan, Lillian Ortiz-Self, Tina Orwall, Gerry Pullet, Alex Ramel, Suzanne Schmidt, Tarra Simmons, Larry Springer, Monica Jurado Stonier, Jim Walsh, and J. T. Wilcox
State Government and Tribal Relations Committee:
Bill Ramos (Chair), Chris Stearns (Vice Chair), Peter Albano, Leonard Christian, Mia Gregerson, Sam Low, and Sharlett Mena
Transportation Committee:
Jake Fey (Chair), Brandy Donaghy (Vice Chair), Dave Paul (Vice Chair), Joe Timmons (Vice Chair), Andrew Barkis, Liz Berry, Dan Bronsky, Mike Chapman, Julia Cortes, Tom Dent, Beth Doglio, Davina Durer, Debra Entenman, Keith Goerner, Dan Griffey, David Hackney, Spencer Hutchins, Mark Klicker, Sam Low, Sharlett Mena, Ed Orcutt, Alex Ramel, Bill Ramos, Eric Robertson, Suzanne Schmidt, Jamila Taylor, Mike Volz, and Sharon Wylie
SENATE COMMITEES
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee:
Kevin Van De Wege (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Ron Muzzall, Christine Rolfs, Rebecca Saldaña, Sharon Shoemake, Shelly Short, Derek Stanford, Keith Wagoner, and Judy Warnick
Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee:
Derek Stanford (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Perry Dozier, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, and Mark Mullet
Early Learning and K-12 Committee:
Lisa Wellman (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Clair Wilson (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Brad Hawkins, Sam Hunt, Jim McCune, Mark Mullet, and Jamie Pedersen
Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee:
Joe Nguyen (Chair), Liz Lovelett (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, John Lovick, Drew MacEwan, Shelly Short, Yasmin Trudeau, and Lisa Wellman
Health and Long Term Care Committee:
Annette Cleveland (Chair), June Robinson (Vice Chair), Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Jeff Holy, Ron Muzzall, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Ann Rivers, and Kevin Van De Wege
Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee:
Emily Randall (Chair), T’wina Nobles (Vice Chair), Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, and Marko Liias
Housing Committee:
Patty Kuderer (Chair), Noel Frame (Vice Chair), John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Chris Gildon, Ann Rivers, Sharon Shoemake, Yasmin Trudeau, and Jeff Wilson
Human Services Committee:
Clair Wilson (Chair), Claudia Kauffman (Vice Chair), Matt Boehnke, Joe Nguyen, Judy Warnick, and Jeff Wilson
Labor & Commerce Committee:
Karen Keiser (Chair), Steve Conway (Vice Chair), Rebecca Saldaña (Vice Chair), John Braun, Curtis King, Drew MacEwan, June Robinson, Mark Schoesler, and Derek Stanford
Law & Justice Committee:
Manka Dhingra (Chair), Yasmin Trudeau (Vice Chair), Patty Kuderer, Jim McCune, Mike Padden, Jamie Pedersen, Jesse Solomon, Nikki Torres, Javier Valdez, Keith Wagoner, and Lynda Wilson
Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee
Liz Lovelett (Chair), Jesse Solomon (Vice Chair), Claudia Kauffman, Shelly Short, and Nikki Torres
Rules Committee:
Karen Keiser (Vice-Chair), Andy Billig, John Braun, Annette Cleveland, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Curtis King, Patty Kuderer, John Lovick, Ron Muzzall, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Jesse Solomon, Shelly Short, and Clair Wilson,
State Government & Elections Committee:
Sam Hunt (Chair), Javier Valdez (Vice Chair), Perry Dozier, Phil Fortunato, Bob Hasegawa, Patty Kuderer, and Jeff Wilson
Transportation Committee:
Marko Liias (Chair), John Lovick (Vice Chair), Sharon Shewmake (Vice Chair), Annette Cleveland, Phil Fortunato, Noel Frame, Brad Hawkins, Jeff Holy, Claudia Kauffman, Curtis King, Liz Lovelett, Drew MacEwan, Ron Muzzall, T’wina Nobles, Mike Padden, Emily Randall, Javier Valdez, Clair Wilson, and Jeff Wilson
Ways & Means Committee:
Christine Rolfes (Chair), Mark Mullet (Vice Chair – Capital), June Robinson (Vice Chair – Operating & Revenue), Andy Billig, Matt Boehnke, John Braun, Steve Conway, Manka Dhingra, Chris Gildon, Bob Hasegawa, Sam Hunt, Karen Keiser, Joe Nguyen, Jamie Pedersen, Ann Rivers, Mark Schoesler, Nikki Torres, Kevin Van De Wege, Keith Wagoner, Judy Warnick, Lisa Wellman, and Lynda Wilson
Hint: You can view bills by going to the following website and plug in the bill number for which you want to view the history and status: http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/
Thank you!... to the following people who contributed to this edition of the WA State NOW 2023 Weekly Legislative Alert:
· Cathy Baylor
· Christina Henry
· Linda Malanchuk-Finnan
· Linda Tosti-Lane
· Lisa Weber
· Pat Weber