BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

HB 2429 Supporting children and youth behavioral health. This bill would enlarge the responsibilities of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group to include providing recommendations regarding implementation of the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and aligning the Washington children's mental health system with the plan.

⚠️ Sign in PRO on HB 2429 HERE by 12:30 pm on January 20.

SB 5984 Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots. This bill seeks to reduce the risk that AI companions pose for youth. AI companions may blur the distinction between human and artificial interaction, potentially leading to harmful emotional dependency and behavior. The bill requires, when AI companions are used by minors, clear and ongoing disclosure that AI companions are artificial systems and not human.

⚠️ Sign in PRO on SB 5984 HERE by 12:30 pm on January 20.

EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION

HB 2159 Establishing the preK promise account.
Creates the preK promise account in the custody of the state treasurer to be used solely and exclusively for the early childhood education and assistance program.

            ⚠️ Sign in PRO on HB 2159 HERE by Wed, Jan 21 by 2:00 pm.

SB 5872 Relating to establishing the preK promise account.
Companion to HB 2159. Creates the preK promise account in the custody of the state treasurer to be used solely and exclusively for the early childhood education and assistance program.

            ⚠️️ Sign in PRO on SB 5872 HERE by Mon, Jan 19 by 2:00 pm.

K-12 Education

No actions this week.

HEALTHCARE

SB 5967/HB 2242 Preserving access to preventive services by clarifying state authority and definitions.
This bill will allow the WA State Insurance Commissioner and the WA State Department of Health to determine which preventative services (i.e. immunizations) must be covered by insurance carriers as the CDC moves away from evidence-based recommendations. By request: Governor Ferguson, Insurance Commissioner

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 5967 HERE by Tuesday, January 20 at 8 am.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2242 HERE by Friday, January 23 at 6 am.  

SB 6183 Concerning coverage for HIV antiviral drugs.
Insurance shall provide coverage for all federal food and drug administration approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or any other utilization management protocols.

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 6183 HERE by Thursday, January 22 at 6 am.

SB 6210/HB 2564 Concerning health plan certification process.
Protect WA residents by review of market conditions and evaluating  health exchange programs meet accessibility and affordability criteria

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 6210 HERE by Thursday, January 22 at 6 am.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2654 HERE (No hearing scheduled yet).

SB 5845 Modernizing and clarifying timely payment requirements for health carriers.
Requires insurance companies to pay “clean” claims for health care within 30 days of receipt. If a claim is not clean insurance shall send a written notice to the provider or facility acknowledging the date of receipt of the claim with an explanation of the concern. This provides health care providers with more certainty in funding.

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 5845 HERE by Tuesday, January 20 at 8:30 am.

SB 6071/HB 2546 Standardizing overpayment recovery requirements.
Requires insurance companies to request refunds in writing and within 6 months of when the claim was paid and state why a refund should be given, unless there is fraud. This protects the financial viability of health care providers

⚠️ Sign in PRO on SB 6071 HERE by Tuesday, January 20 at 8:30 am.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2546 HERE (No hearing scheduled yet).

HB 2384 Increasing regulatory oversight of continuing care retirement communities.
Clarifies the definition of "Life care contract," as being for the duration of the person’s life and details of what is included.  If offering an actuarial analysis, it must be prepared by an qualified actuary.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2384 HERE by Friday, January 23 at 6 am.   

HB 2145 Protecting patient access to discounted medications and health care services through Washington's health care safety net by preventing manufacturer limitations on the 340B drug pricing program.
340 B program requires drug manufacturers to offer discounts on outpatient medications to eligible providers that serve low-income and uninsured populations. It enables covered "entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services" thus increasing access to care for vulnerable populations

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2145 HERE by Friday, January 23 at 6 am.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

No actions this week.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES

No actions this week.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

HB 1239 Preparing Incarcerated People for Successful Reentry. 
This bill (1) allows for the reinstatement of 33.3% earned time for good behavior, (2) authorizes a pilot program at the women’s prison for incarcerated survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual assault, and (3) requires all crime survivors to be given information about how sentences can change as a result of various factors.  

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 1239 HERE by Jan. 19 at 12:30 pm  

HB 1591 Providing sentencing alternatives and remedies for defendant survivors.
This bill allows courts to avoid unduly harsh sentences for defendants who were victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking at the time they committed their offense if their abuse was a significant contributing factor to their crime. It also allows resentencing of survivors who are currently incarcerated and have served at least eight years in prison. 

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 1591 HERE by Jan. 20 at 3:00 pm 

HB 2332/SB 6002 Regulating the use of automated license plate readers.
This bill will create regulations governing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) that limit which agencies can use ALPRs, how long they can retain the data, and who can access that data.  

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 6002 HERE by Jan. 20 at 7:00 am 

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 2332 HERE by Jan. 20 at 9:30 am 

SB 5925/HB 2161 Attorney General Investigations and Reform.
This bill gives the Attorney General’s Office the authority to investigate law enforcement and local corrections agencies that have engaged in systemic violations of the Washington Constitution or state laws. 

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 5925 HERE by Jan. 20 at 7:00 am 

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 2161 HERE by Jan. 20 at 9:30 am  

HB 2389 Individualized Justice for Youth Act.
This bill requires a finding that community-based placement will not adequately protect the community before a young person can be committed to a youth prison. It also requires at least one midpoint review hearing for certain sentences over 12 months to determine whether the young person can be released on probation. 

⚠️Sign in Pro on HB 2389 HERE by Jan. 21 at 12:30 pm 

IMMIGRANTS

Protect Washingtonians in Sensitive Public Spaces
SB 5906 Establishing data and personal safety protections within areas of public accommodation for all Washington residents (The Secure and Accountable Federal Enforcement Act [the SAFE Act]).
The bill expands and codifies model policies developed by the state attorney general (as directed by the Keep Washington Working Act) regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement at or near K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and publicly operated health care facilities. It also extends protections for people working at, visiting, or seeking services from hospitals, childcare and early learning facilities, and election offices.

 Communities are stronger and safer when people aren’t forced to live in fear. Too many Washingtonians are staying home and keeping their children at home out of fear of warrantless (without a warrant) and violent ICE operations that could separate their families. The SAFE Act is about making sure Washingtonians can go to school, work at a daycare or health care facility, and go to a medical appointment without fear of warrantless immigration operations.

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 5906 HERE before 7:00 am on January 20.

Limit Automated License Plate Reader Use and Data Sharing
SB 6002/HB 2332 Concerning driver privacy protections.
This bill limits how automated license plate reader (ALPR) data can be used and shared by police agencies. It creates consistent statewide standards for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that balances public safety and privacy. It would limit data retention to 72 hours, ban use for immigration enforcement, and restrict collection near sensitive locations, while allowing searches for serious crimes like felonies or stolen vehicles.

 The purpose of this bill is to establish consistent standards on data retention, as well as authorized and prohibited uses of data. It is the result of growing concern by the public over widespread use of ALPRs and data sharing by law enforcement; the public demands protection of their civil liberties against mass surveillance. This bill does this by establishing consistency, transparency, and accountability in how ALPR data is used and retained. This bill protects privacy while enhancing public safety.

⚠️ Sign in PRO on SB 6002 HERE before 7:00 am on January 20.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2332 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

Require Private Detention Facilities to Report Crimes to Law Enforcement
HB 2464 Concerning reporting requirements and law enforcement responses for incidents at private detention facilities.
Local law enforcement and the Superior Court have jurisdiction over crimes that occur in private detention facilities. This bill requires private detention facilities to report all critical incidents to law enforcement agencies within 24 hours of the incident. This bill is needed so that those are detained, visit, and work in private detention facilities have their rights protected. In particular, those who are detained may be unable to report these incidents themselves because they do not have free access to outside communication, have a language barrier, may be unfamiliar with the justice system, or they may fear retaliation.

⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 2464 HERE before 12:30 pm on January 19.

Protecting Immigrant Rights in the Workplace
SB  5852 Immigrant Worker Protections.
This bill requires employers to notify employees of planned inspections or audits by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the workplace. It is a matter of due process that individuals are not subjected to the arbitrary exercise of government power. Notification allows immigrant workers time to collect and prepare the proper identification, paperwork, and other evidence needed to protect their rights during audits or inspections. The bill also reminds employers that they are not required to give federal immigration officials access to their non-public places of business unless agents have a warrant signed by an immigration judge. In addition, the bill reminds employers to follow the law and only share employees’ personal data when a subpoena or judicial warrant has been issued. About one in five workers in Washington State are immigrants. Immigrants are vital to our workforce and the state economy. This bill protects their rights by ensuring transparency and accountability around audits and inspections by ICE in the workplace. Last week the House Committee on Labor and standards took public comment on their version of the bill HB 2105.

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on SB 5852 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
SB 6053/HB 2355 Establishing worker protections for domestic workers.
This bill ensures that nannies, housekeepers, gardeners, and other domestic workers have basic rights and protection available to most other workers, regardless of immigration status or work authorization. Domestic workers deserve the same rights and protections as other workers.

Domestic workers do the essential work of taking care of our families and homes. They are nannies who nurture our children, the housecleaners who bring order to our homes, and the workers who ensure our aging or disabled loved ones receive the assistance they need to live with dignity and independence. Yet, domestic workers are among the most undervalued workforce and vulnerable members of our society.

Most domestic workers are women, many of whom are immigrants and women of color. They are three times more likely to live in poverty than other workers. They often work long hours without access to basic benefits and their unique workplaces—inside our homes—makes them particularly vulnerable to invasions of privacy, as well as intimidation and retaliation.

This bill ensures that domestic workers are paid at least minimum wage and have a written contract in language they understand. The bill forbids subjecting domestic workers to hostility, intimidation, or an offensive work environment; forbids withholding of personal effects including documents; forbids monitoring or recording workers when they are doing private activities such as changing clothes or going to the bathroom; forbids requiring workers to waive their rights as a condition of work; forbids retaliation of domestic workers in exercising their rights; forbids threats to take action based on the immigration status of the worker or family members; and establishes civil penalties for violations.

⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 6503 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on HB 2355 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

Allowing Collective Bargaining by Agricultural Workers
SB 6045/HB 2409 Placing agricultural employees under the jurisdiction of the public employment relations commission for the purpose of collective bargaining.
The value of Washington State’s agricultural sector in 2023 is estimated at $14 billion. Agricultural workers are essential to producing the over 300 different crops in the state. Yet, they are uniquely vulnerable because their work is low paying, physically demanding, hazardous, and most workers in Washington are immigrants. It is estimated between 70-77% of crop pickers and over 49% of the overall agriculture sector are immigrants.

Federal law specifically excludes farmworkers from key labor protections. This is why this bill is needed to protect Washington’s agricultural workers. Collective bargaining permits workers to negotiate terms like pay, hours, and safety directly, leading to greater stability and dignity on the job. Collective bargaining balances power relations with employers, ensuring fairer wages, safer working conditions (addressing extreme heat, chemicals, and machinery risks), as well as job security and protection of workers from retaliation.

This bill establishes rules for collective bargaining by agricultural workers in Washington State. It determines rules on how farm worker organization can represent agricultural workers, procedures over disputes, arbitration and oversight, and grants the public employment relations commission jurisdiction to prevent and remedy violations of agricultural workers rights outlined in the bill.

           ⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 6045 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

           ⚠️️Sign in PRO on 2409 HERE before 9:30 am on January 20.

ELDER CAREGIVING

HB 2198 Improving regulatory efficiency concerning permitting and licensing processes.
Rep Richards by request of Governor. Companion to SB 5968. Focuses on credentials required for an individual, business or organization to engage in a regulated or commercial activity. Agencies with credentialing responsibilities shall track and record information for each credential application it receives or decisions it issues including processing times. This information is to be catalogued for posting to provide a complete picture of credential timeliness, fees, and process improvement efforts. 

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on HB 2198 HERE by Friday, Jan 23 at 7 am.

HB 2384 Increasing regulatory oversight of continuing care retirement communities.
Prime sponsor Rep Macri. Relates to ensuring the financial soundness of continuing care retirement communities. As of July 1, 2027, life care contracts must include a sound actuarial analysis for review by applicants. 

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on HB 2384 HERE by Friday, Jan 23 at 7 am.

SB 6161 Information on dementia risk reduction and dementia diagnosis in department of health materials and websites.
Prime sponsor Sen Slatter. When creating new or updating existing public health campaign websites or materials, the department shall consider including information about dementia risk reduction and dementia diagnoses. 

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on HB 2384 HERE  by Thurs Jan 22 at 7 am.

SB 6153 Relating to senior independent housing protections.
Prime sponsor Sen Bateman. Consistent with HB 2299/SB 5964, this bill would create a senior independent living ombuds. This bill provides that the ombuds would track data on the types of complaints and identified resolutions and specialize in landlord-tenant and consumer protection advocacy to assist seniors with issues that may arise. Senior independent housing facilities would be required to pay a registration fee; fee revenue would be deposited into the senior independent housing account to be used for the senior independent housing ombuds program.  

⚠️️ Sign in PRO on SB 6153 HERE by Fri Jan 23 by 9:30 am.

REVENUE

No actions this week.