News Releases

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate passed a resolution Wednesday honoring the contributions of Sikh Americans to the culture and history of Washington state and the United States. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the first Sikh American elected to a state legislature in American history, who spoke about how Sikh values have inspired her and ...

OLYMPIA — People who commit crimes on tribal lands would not be able to escape justice by fleeing into Washington state lands, under legislation passed on a 45-4 vote by the Senate today. SB 6146 would authorize Washington state law enforcement officers to enforce warrants issued by the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington state and empower them to transport ...

OLYMPIA — An omnibus bill to promote a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual assault in Washington’s legal system passed the Senate today unanimously. SB 5937 streamlines eligibility for crime victim benefits, covers some of victims’ costs for forensic examinations, expands protections to more victims, improves state and local teams to respond to sexual assault, and ensures that children age 13 ...

UPDATE March 29, 2024: All four bills were signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. Video of the signing ceremony can be found here. OLYMPIA — Four bills to improve Washington state’s behavioral health system passed the Senate unanimously this week. “Over the last seven years we have been working to build capacity for services across the behavioral health crisis continuum: ...

OLYMPIA — Child survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse would receive greater support and care in Washington under legislation passed unanimously by the Senate today. The Legislature has made significant progress in recent years to increase support for survivors. Nevertheless, Washington state received a C rating after Shared Hope International, the leading nonprofit working to eradicate sex trafficking, updated ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation to help keep students safe in the event of accidents passed the Senate today on a unanimous vote. SB  5790 would provide bleeding control kits in schools and encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help until professionals arrive. “Bystanders can help save lives with simple techniques — having these kits available and having staff trained ...

OLYMPIA – Medha Singitham served as a page for the Washington State Senate during the second week of the 2024 legislative session. Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) sponsored her time at the Legislature. The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During a week-long interactive learning experience, students are visited by guest speakers and ...

OLYMPIA — Child survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse would receive greater support and care in Washington under legislation heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee today. The Legislature has made significant progress in recent years to increase support for survivors. Nevertheless, Washington recently received a C grade from Shared Hope International, the leading nonprofit working to eradicate ...