News Releases - Sen. Marko Liias

Committees move Liias bill on private long-term care insurance

by sdcadminJan 21 20220 Comments

OLYMPIA - The Senate Health & Long Term Care and Rules Committees approved legislation this week to ensure Washingtonians who pay for private long-term care insurance are able to receive benefits when they need it most. Senate Bill 5508, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), would align state law with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Act to ensure the Guaranty Fund will remain solvent in the long term.

“This is an important step to make sure Washingtonians ...
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Liias: Senate Transportation package will not include gas tax

by sdcadminJan 07 20220 Comments

OLYMPIA - Sen. Marko Liias (D- Everett), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, shared the following statement regarding a transportation package today:

"As we begin the 2022 session, I want to be clear that any transportation package I introduce in the Senate this year will not include a new gas tax. As our state continues to confront and recover from the pandemic, working class families still face the brunt of the economic burden. In light of these challenging times, it is imperative that ...
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Liias appointed to Bi-State I-5 Bridge Replacement committee, concurs with Cleveland on bridge

by sdcadminDec 20 20210 Comments

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), selected by his caucus to chair the Senate Transportation Committee beginning in the 2022 legislative session, will also serve on the Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee (JLAC) that is pursuing the development of a new I-5 bridge.

Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), who has served on the Transportation Committee since her election to the Senate in 2012, has pushed the restart of efforts to build a new bridge ever since a prior proposal to replace ...

Liias selected to chair Senate Transportation Committee

by sdcadminDec 09 20210 Comments

OLYMPIA – Sen. Marko Liias (D- Everett) was chosen to chair the Senate Transportation Committee in an internal vote today by the Senate Democratic Caucus. “It is an honor that my colleagues trust me with this responsibility and have selected me for this position,” said Liias. “As we face dramatic changes to transportation revenue and mobility options, this is our moment to write a visionary, equitable, climate-focused transportation package that invests in our shared priorities while respecting our real and unique local needs.” The position became open last month following the appointment of ...

Four Liias bills signed into law

by sdcadminMay 13 20210 Comments

Four Liias bills signed into law OLYMPIA – Four bills sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett) were signed into law by Governor Inslee on Wednesday. In total, Liias had seven bills approved by the Legislature during the 2021 legislative session. SB 5313 – Gender Affirming Treatment Act The Gender Affirming Treatment Act will prohibit health insurers from denying or limiting coverage for gender affirming treatment that is consistent with a protected gender expression or identity, is medically necessary, and is prescribed in accordance ...

Liias: Trans families are welcomed and supported in Washington state

by sdcadminApr 19 20210 Comments

OLYMPIA – As states like Arkansas, Florida, and Texas are considering and passing anti-trans legislation, lawmakers in Washington state are working to protect the rights of those in the trans community. SB 5313, also known as the Gender Affirming Treatment Act and is sponsored by State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), would prohibit health insurers from denying or limiting coverage for gender affirming treatment that is consistent with a protected gender expression or identity, is medically necessary, and is prescribed in accordance with accepted ...

Liias bill to expand blood donation options to 16- and 17-year-olds approved by the House

by sdcadminMar 25 20210 Comments

OLYMPIA – A bill to expand eligibility for a certain type of blood donation to 16- and 17-year-olds was unanimously approved by the House on Wednesday. SB 5179, sponsored by State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett) would allow people ages 16 and 17 to donate blood through the apheresis process with parental or guardian permission. Under current law, 16- and 17-year-olds can donate whole blood with parental or guardian permission, however they cannot donate blood through the process known as apheresis, which is used for platelet ...

Liias’ Gender Affirming Treatment Act wins House approval

by sdcadminMar 25 20210 Comments

OLYMPIA – A bill that would require health insurers to cover medically necessary gender affirming treatment in their health plans was approved by the House on Wednesday. SB 5313, also known as the Gender Affirming Treatment Act and is sponsored by State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), would prohibit health insurers from denying or limiting coverage for gender affirming treatment that is consistent with a protected gender expression or identity, is medically necessary, and is prescribed in accordance with accepted standards of ...