Dear friends and neighbors, 

One of the things I hear often from people across our district is how important it is to be able to access health care when you need it, without confusion, delays or unnecessary barriers. Whether it’s a routine vaccine, a cancer screening, reproductive health care or support during a serious illness, access to health care matters deeply. 

This past legislative session, that work was especially important. As federal decisions continue to create uncertainty for patients and providers, Washington state has a responsibility to stand up for safe, affordable, science-based care. I’m proud that we took meaningful steps to protect access to essential services and make the health care system more transparent and fair for the people who rely on it. 

Here are a few of the bills we passed this year: 

Protecting access to reproductive health care 

  • SB 5917 expands access to mifepristone, a medication used in abortion care as well as miscarriage management. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack in many parts of the country, this bill helps make sure Washington patients can continue to access safe, legal, evidence-based care. 
  • SB 6182 creates a more stable funding pathway for reproductive health clinics, including providers like Planned Parenthood. This will help patients continue to receive affordable, essential reproductive health care here in Washington. 

Protecting science-based health care 

  • HB 2242 helps ensure Washingtonians can continue accessing affordable preventive services, including vaccines, well-child visits, cancer screenings and chronic disease management. It also moves vaccine coverage recommendations to the Washington State Department of Health so decisions about covered vaccines are guided by science and evidence. 

Protecting access for vulnerable people 

  • SB 5981 protects the 340B program by preventing drug companies from placing certain restrictions on contract pharmacies. This helps hospitals and clinics stretch limited resources so they can keep serving vulnerable members of their communities.  
  • SB 6183 removes unnecessary insurance barriers for HIV prevention and treatment medications by ensuring they are available without prior authorization or requirements to try other medications first. That means people can get care earlier, which supports both individual health and efforts to prevent transmission.  
  • HB 2152 ensures that qualifying patients with terminal conditions can use medical cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care settings. For patients, this can mean better pain management, fewer side effects and more comfort and dignity during an incredibly difficult time. 

Making the health care marketplace fairer 

  • HB 2548 helps protect patients from rising costs connected to hospital mergers. 
  • SB 5395 protects patients and providers from unfair prior authorization practices. The bill prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization requests, requires clearer notices when prior authorization rules change and prevents unfair retroactive denials.  
  • HB 2155 improves transparency for patients by making sure chatbots and other online tools cannot use the title “nurse” if they are not licensed medical professionals. As AI becomes more common in health care, patients deserve to know whether they are receiving information from a real, licensed provider. 
  • SB 5845 helps ensure health care providers are paid fairly and on time so they can keep up with expenses and continue serving patients without facing unfair delays. 

Taken together, these bills are about making health care more reliable, more transparent and more centered on patients. They are also about making sure Washington continues to lead with science, compassion and common sense. 

Staying connected in the 5th District 

During the interim, I’ve been grateful for the chance to spend more time out in the community — listening, learning and connecting with neighbors, local leaders, advocates and families across our district. 

Recently, I joined community members at Lake Sammamish State Park for a Food Allergy Awareness Week event. It was a meaningful gathering focused on education, connection and building a safer, more inclusive community for children and families living with food allergies. 

I’m always moved by events like this because they show what community looks like at its best: people coming together around love, lived experience and a shared commitment to helping others. 

I also had the opportunity to connect with community members and conservation advocates through the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust spring gathering. The Greenway’s work is such an important part of life in our region — from trails and outdoor recreation to salmon habitat, forest restoration, youth education and long-term conservation. 

Here in the 5th District, we are lucky to live near incredible natural spaces. Protecting those places, expanding access to the outdoors and investing in environmental stewardship are all part of building a healthier future for our communities. 

Thank you 

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay engaged. Whether you contact my office, attend a community event, share your story, or simply follow along with the work, your voice matters. You can email me at victoria.hunt@leg.wa.gov or call me at 360-786-7608.  You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on my official Instagram and Facebook pages for regular updates.   

It is an honor to serve the 5th Legislative District. I’ll keep working to protect access to care, support families, strengthen our communities and make sure state government is focused on the needs of the people we serve. 

Warmly, 

Sen. Victoria Hunt