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OLYMPIA – New legislation introduced in the Washington State Senate could create more opportunity for housing near transit centers, increasing the state’s supply of housing diversity while amplifying recent investments in public transportation.

“We’ve made massive investments in public transportation in recent years, and this legislation would help to make sure that funding supports more of our neighbors,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prime sponsor of the legislation. “By creating more housing near transportation centers, we can shorten commute times, decrease carbon emissions, increase housing supply, and create more opportunity for communities across Washington.”

OLYMPIA – On the heels of the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Democrats in the Washington State Legislature are proposing comprehensive action to strengthen state protections for reproductive freedom. On Tuesday, five bills will be heard across three Senate committees, as well as several more in House committees. “Hearing and considering all of these bills on the same day demonstrates the ongoing comprehensive work we are focused on and signals how serious we are about protecting the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare,” said Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver). “As Chair of the Senate Health and Long Term Care ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation to amend Washington’s drug possession laws and increase participation in pretrial treatment programs was introduced in the Senate Friday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), permanently addresses the state Supreme Court’s 2021 State v. Blake ruling, which struck down the statute that made possession of controlled substances a class C felony and removed any criminal penalties for possession. In response, the Legislature established a simple misdemeanor penalty for knowing possession that same year, but it is set to expire July 1, 2023.

"Substance use disorder is not a partisan issue, it’s a human issue,” ...

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For 30 years, local towns, cities and counties have been blocked from taking their own action to prevent gun violence.   This is because of a statewide preemption of local gun regulations.   SB 5446 would remove that preemption so local municipalities may have the flexibility to make decisions that are best for their communities.   “Gun violence is a public health crisis in Washington and local governments are bringing ideas to the table to fix it. They should have the authority to address the problem in a way that best suits their community. This bill ...

The Washington State Wealth Tax would tax extreme wealth derived from the ownership of stocks, bonds, and other financial assets with the proceeds dedicated to education, housing, disability services, and tax credits for working families At a news conference today, Sen. Noel Frame and Rep. My-Linh Thai announced legislation to create a Washington State Wealth Tax. The legislation would create a narrowly tailored property tax on extreme wealth derived from the ownership of stocks, bonds, and other financial assets, with the proceeds dedicated to education, housing, disability services, and tax credits for working families. The first $250 million of ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 18, 2023  OLYMPIA – Students and their families should never feel they are at risk of retribution for demanding that their schools follow the law.   That is why Senator Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) put forward SB 5237.   This bill looks to establish procedures to guide school leaders when they receive complaints alleging noncompliance with state education laws.   “I have heard stories of districts refusing to adopt Since Time Immemorial and comprehensive sexual education curricula. As we heard so eloquently from a student, her classmate is being ...

Survey Finds Large Recess Disparity, Parents Want More Recess in Washington State SEATTLE–Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023–A bill filed in the Washington State legislature last week and co-sponsored by Senators T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) and Claire Wilson (D-Auburn) would ensure students receive a minimum of 45 minutes of recess during each school day. There is currently no Washington state law guaranteeing recess for students. "Kids not only deserve play, it is critical for their development," said Nobles. "Withholding recess, especially as a disciplinary action, does the opposite effect–research shows it makes behavior worse. Research shows students learn better when they get ...

OLYMPIA — Washington Senate Democrats are taking bold action to ensure the right to reproductive healthcare and safe abortion services.   Every day this week, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus introduced legislation aimed at further protecting this human right and not only prioritize patients, but protect providers.   “Access to reproductive healthcare and services is a top priority for Senate Democrats this year. As chair of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, it is imperative to me that we continue to protect the right to safe, quality reproductive health care for all.  We are ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to regulate hospital and health system mergers and preserve community access to comprehensive medical care was filed in the Senate this week.  The Keep Our Care Act, sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Emily Randall (D-Bremerton), prohibits hospitals from merging if the consolidation diminishes patients’ access to services — including reproductive, end-of-life and gender-affirming care — by creating a system of public oversight that ensures people’s needs are prioritized over corporate growth. If passed, it would only apply to future consolidations that receive authorization from the state attorney general.  Randall said ...

OLYMPIA – All K-12 students in Washington state would have access to free breakfast and lunch under proposed legislation introduced today by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) and Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane). The Washington Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HB 1238/SB 5339) would require all schools to provide free breakfast and lunch, and would define school meals as part of basic education. That distinction means that the state would be constitutionally required to provide funding for meals. “Access to nutritious food is a key component to the health and wellbeing of children,” said Riccelli. “Hungry kids ...