Author Archives: kenf

15 Jan
0

Dhingra: bill represents a ‘victim-centered, trauma-informed’ response to sexual assault

OLYMPIA — An omnibus bill to promote a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual assault in Washington’s legal system was heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Monday. SB 5937 streamlines eligibility for crime victim benefits, covers some of ...

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16 May
0

Legislature prioritizes funding, policy to tackle behavioral health

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s behavioral health system is coming out of the 2023 legislative session with nearly $1 billion in new funding and crucial innovative initiatives established. “With the rollout of Washington’s new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, our state ...

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06 Apr
0

Dhingra bill strengthening protections against hate crimes signed into law

OLYMPIA — A new law signed today by Gov. Jay Inslee will ensure hate crimes can be more effectively prosecuted and courts can require offenders to complete rehabilitative programs. “Hate crimes are horrific acts of violence that do more than ...

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06 Mar
0

Senate OKs bill to increase number of doctors who perform autopsies

OLYMPIA — Washington’s acute shortage of trained forensic pathologists would be eased under legislation passed unanimously today by the Senate. The scarcity of forensic pathologists — doctors who perform autopsies — has led to monthslong delays before bodies can be ...

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01 Mar
0

Senate unanimously approves Dhingra crisis relief center bill

OLYMPIA — Washington state would license innovative crisis relief centers for people with behavioral health needs, providing an alternative to emergency rooms and jails, under legislation passed unanimously today by the Senate. SB 5120, sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), ...

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20 Jan
0

WA Senate to hear five abortion protection bills Tuesday

OLYMPIA – On the heels of the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Democrats in the Washington State Legislature are proposing comprehensive action to strengthen state protections for reproductive freedom. On Tuesday, five bills will be heard across three Senate ...

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01 Dec
0

Stanford to chair Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade

OLYMPIA – Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) has been chosen to chair the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee in the 2023 legislative session. “Our state has the strongest economy in the country and has been recognized as one ...

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01 Dec
0

Senate Democrats set leadership, committees ahead of 2023 session

OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus today voted to confirm committee membership and leadership positions for the 2023 Legislative session. “Our majority caucus continues to become a more accurate reflection of the people we represent,” Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig ...

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14 Jan
0

An American first: Muslim, Hindu, Sikh legislators serve together in WA Senate

OLYMPIA – It has been a week of firsts in the Washington State Legislature. The swearing in of Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) on Monday, joining Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Sen. Mona Das (D-Kent), marked the first time in American ...

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12 Jan
0

Bill would protect domestic violence survivors from coercive abuse

OLYMPIA – Survivors of domestic violence in Washington state could be protected against severe emotional abuse through the civil protection order system through the passage of legislation sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland). SB 5845 ...

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