OLYMPIA — Five bills sponsored by Sen. Adrian Cortes (D-Battle Ground) continue to move through the legislative process. The bills address student safety, patient support, consumer protection, community safety, and election integrity.
Senate Bill 5951 authorizes public and private schools to maintain and use a supply of albuterol. Albuterol can be life saving for students with asthma. This bill is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Senate Bill 5823 requires that certain hospitals provide patients with access to a patient advocate. Patient advocates help patients navigate the complex health care system by acting as a liaison between them and their doctor, insurance company, and hospital. This bill is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Senate Bill 5331 strengthens consumer protection through increased insurer accountability for violations of the insurance code. This bill enables the insurance commissioner to order restitution payment to consumers who have wrongfully lost money or other property through the unlawful actions of an insurer or other regulated entity. This bill passed the Senate on Jan. 21 and now heads to the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 5876 prohibits individuals who are not law enforcement officers from making, providing or possessing badges or other law enforcement insignias. This legislation would help limit the sale, purchase and possession of items with law enforcement insignias on them, with an exception for items used in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody. This bill is yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
Senate Bill 6084 addresses a recent Lewis County court case by clarifying the definition of an election and stipulating that a person may not vote in an election in Washington and another state if the election date is the same for both states. In a surprising Division II Court of Appeals decision in State v. Padrta, the court found that because the term “election” was ambiguous and no single issue or person appeared on both the Oregon and Washington ballot, a defendant’s conviction for voting in both Oregon and Washington during the November 2022 general election was overturned. This bill is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
“This session, I’m focused on passing policy solutions that help our state become a place everyone can live,” Cortes said. “I’m dedicated to prioritizing our schools, protecting consumers, improving community safety for everyone, keeping Washingtonians healthy, protecting our elections, and supporting working families.”
You can see a complete list of legislation Cortes is sponsoring this legislative session here.
