OLYMPIA – The Parking Reform and Modernization Act passed the Washington state Senate today on a bipartisan 40-8 vote. Senate Bill 5184 would reform rigid parking mandates set by local governments across Washington, replacing them with flexible rules that allow local businesses and developers to determine the right amount of parking based on their community’s needs. “This bill is important for expanding our housing supply and ensuring we’re building enough homes for all Washingtonians,” said Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia), the bill sponsor. “It doesn’t force anybody to build a certain way — all it does is give us ...
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Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) issued the statement below on Attorney General Nick Brown's legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding gender-affirming care: “We want to thank Attorney General Nick Brown for his leadership and protecting Washington values by standing up to another attempt by the president to illegally discriminate against transgender people and medical professionals in our country. “Trans people and their families will not be erased. We stand behind the attorney general’s efforts to defeat the president’s latest unlawful action. “This attempt to ...
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OLYMPIA — A bill to restrict corporate involvement in medical care decisions was heard in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee Friday. Senate Bill 5387, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), would establish restrictions on corporate ownership and management practices that could undermine providers’ clinical decision-making authority. The bill builds on existing case law to ensure only licensed medical professionals determine how and when care is provided. “Across the country, we’re seeing private equity firms and large corporations buy up medical practices and insert financial motives into decisions that should be ...
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The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) issued the following statement in response to the recent wave of federal immigration raids, which have spread fear and instability in communities across Washington state and the nation. “The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus strongly condemns the recent federal immigration raids targeting immigrant communities across the country, including in Washington state. These actions have caused fear, separated families, and disrupted communities who contribute immensely to the economic and cultural fabric of our state. “These raids do not reflect the values of Washington ...
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Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins made the following statement Monday in response to multiple federal executive orders attacking transgender youth: “As parents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the elected leaders of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives, we will protect transgender youth. “These hate-filled attacks from the new federal administration are alarming, but they do not change Washington state law. “We have established protections at the state level to ensure young people can access life-saving gender-affirming care. We have strong nondiscrimination laws that protect our young people at school, and ...
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SEATTLE – Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle) was selected by the King County Council Tuesday to replace former Sen. Joe Nguyễn, who was recently selected to lead the Washington State Department of Commerce. Alvarado was sworn into office shortly after. “I’m honored to step into this new role and continue to serve my community,” Alvarado said. “Let’s get to work to make life better for the people of Washington.” Alvarado was elected to the state House in 2022 to represent the 34th Legislative District, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, White Center, and west Burien. Since ...
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OLYMPIA – Former Battle Ground Mayor Adrian Cortes was sworn into the Washington State Senate Monday. “It’s an honor to represent the 18th Legislative District, and I look forward to bringing our southwest Washington values to Olympia,” Cortes (D-Battle Ground) said. “As mayor of Battle Ground, I worked to improve the residents’ lives by cutting utility taxes, making investments in public safety and roads, and passing a fiscally responsible budget. I’m ready to get to work on behalf of the 18th Legislative District, collaborating with my Senate colleagues to increase funding for schools and early ...
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OLYMPIA — Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Federal Way) filed three bills Wednesday aimed at increasing comprehensive student civil rights protections and accountability measures for districts intentionally violating Washington state law. SB 5179 adds needed accountability at the school district level by directing the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to establish procedures to investigate and address complaints against school districts intentionally violating state law, including creating a compliance action plan for the district. The bill focuses on ensuring school districts comply with laws that cover issues of civil rights (including discrimination ...
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Sens. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) will take on new roles following a vote of the Senate Democratic Caucus Wednesday. Shewmake will chair the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, while Chapman will chair the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. The moves come following the departure of former Sen. Joe Nguyễn (D-White Center), who was recently appointed to head the Department of Commerce by Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson. “I’m honored to have been named chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee,” Shewmake said. “I’m ready to work ...
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SEATTLE – Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) was selected by the King County Council Wednesday to replace former Sen. Patty Kuderer, who was recently elected to serve as Washington’s insurance commissioner. Slatter was sworn into office shortly after. “It’s a privilege to serve the 48th Legislative District in this new role,” Slatter said. “I look forward to continuing to be a champion for higher education, workforce development, new technologies, and the health of our communities.” Slatter was appointed to the House of Representatives in 2017 to serve the 48th Legislative District, which includes parts of ...
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