This was a very busy session and I’m proud of the work we were able to accomplish for people across our state. Below are a few more details, photos and links to all of the bills that I sponsored and helped pass during the 2024 legislative session. Historically it’s difficult to pass a lot of bills during a short 60 day session, but I’m proud that we were able to work together and move forward bills that will help a variety of Washingtonians.
These policies will strengthen the National Guard, support health care workers in a potentially dangerous but critical field, help people suffering from serious illness and protect grocery workers who proved again during the pandemic how crucial they are in all of our lives.
Gov. Inslee signs Substitute Senate Bill No. 5803 – March 13, 2024. Relating to the recruitment and retention of Washington National Guard members. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Conway
Senate Bill 5803 The bill establishes The Washington National Guard member referral incentive program, which awards $500 to Guard members who successfully refer others to enlist in the Guard. The Guard is so important to our state and nation and I hope this program will help keep Guard numbers strong while providing an additional monetary benefit to men and women currently in the Guard.
Gov. Inslee signs Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6007 – March 15, 2024. Relating to employment standards for grocery workers. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Conway
Senate Bill 6007 This bill ensures stability for grocery workers by implementing a transitional retention period when there is a change in ownership, control, or operation of grocery stores.
Gov. Inslee signs Substitute Senate Bill No. 6106 at the UW Center for Behavioral Health and Learning in Seattle – March 29, 2024. Relating to including in the public safety employees’ retirement system specified workers at department of social and health services institutional and residential sites that serve civilly committed residents or serve patients under not guilty by reason of insanity findings. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Conway
Senate Bill 6106 This bill adds staff working at State Operating Living Alternative homes to the public safety employees’ retirement system. These are extremely important and at times risky jobs and it’s important that these employees have access to the same benefits colleagues in similar fields enjoy.
Gov. Inslee signs Substitute Senate Bill No. 5936 – March 18, 2024. Relating to convening a work group to design a palliative care benefit for fully insured health plans. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Conway
Senate Bill 5936 Palliative care is specialized care for people living with a serious illness. This bill will design the parameters of a palliative care benefit and payment model for the benefit of fully insured health plans. Palliative care improves outcomes and patient satisfaction and also saves money.
Gov. Inslee signs Senate Bill No. 6088 – March 15, 2024. Relating to minor league baseball players subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement regarding employment status. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Conway
Senate Bill 6088 Baseball finalized a collective bargaining agreement for minor league players in the spring of 2023, which impacts about 150 players in the state. The CBA covers areas that need an exception to state wage and hour laws. This bill brings our state into alignment with federal law and the player’s CBA. Labor and L&I have reviewed the bill and it is supported by both the league and the players association.
