Dear friends and neighbors,
Since the legislative session started earlier this month, our team has hit the ground running. From bill hearings to constituent meetings and more, we’ve been working nonstop on behalf of you! I can’t tell you how grateful I am to continue championing our communities’ priorities here in Olympia and want to thank you for the opportunity to serve — it’s a privilege and an honor.
Scroll down for a few updates I want to share, ways to get involved, and a snapshot of the bills I’ve sponsored so far:
On Jan. 20, the Senate celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My office was able to help coordinate a special performance recognizing this incredible leader, whose vision of justice and equality continues to inspire us. I also brought forth a resolution honoring his enduring impact, which you can read here.
In response to conversations and actions underway at the federal level, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently released guidance on state and federal protections for immigrant students in Washington’s K–12 public schools. The guidance provides school districts with a roadmap of requirements related to student privacy, access to educational services, and immigration enforcement on school campuses.
It is our responsibility to ensure every child who calls Washington home has access to education. I will continue to work to ensure all our students remain protected, no matter their citizenship status, and encourage you to take a look at OSPI’s helpful guidance.
I’m so proud to have worked alongside stakeholders to ensure Washington has the nation’s highest Medicaid reimbursement rate for birth doulas, who are essential in improving maternal and infant health. This milestone helps more families access the critical support they need.
Check out this Seattle Times article to learn more.
Senate Page Program
Want to learn more about your state government? Apply to be a page!
Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school, assisting senators, and learning about the legislative process — all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too.
The deadline to apply is March 27 — get your application in today!
Ways to Stay Connected
- Learn how a bill becomes a law at leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law.
- Find legislation on the issues important to you at app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo.
- Watch your democracy in action at tvw.org.
- Testify before legislative committees at leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting.
- Follow my official legislative Facebook (@SenatorTwinaNobles) and X (@SenatorNobles).
- Contact my office with any questions, concerns or feedback.
My Committees
In the Senate, I remain chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee — a role I truly cherish as it allows me to work alongside students and stakeholders and lead our efforts to help every Washingtonian achieve their postsecondary goals.
I also continue to serve as vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and a member of the Transportation Committee.
2025 Legislation
This year, I continue to be focused on addressing the issues important to you and our district.
Higher Education and Career Opportunities
- Boosting postsecondary enrollment and expanding access to financial aid support (SB 5164)
- Expanding access to higher education and career opportunities (SB 5275)
- Giving more student employees a voice in their workplace (SB 5119)
K-12 Schools and Student Support
- Protecting students from discrimination and ensuring inclusivity in schools (SB 5123)
- Addressing critical funding gaps in Washington’s K-12 schools (SB 5192)
- Expanding resources for high-poverty schools (SB 5120)
- Improving equity in educator training resources (SB 5177)
- Ensuring K-12 students have equitable access to behavioral health resources (SB 5126)
- Expanding secondary training for careers in natural resources and conservation (SB 5567)
- Ensuring Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history is taught in public schools (SB 5574)
Health Care and Workplace Protections
- Strengthening workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers (SB 5217)
- Helping address Washington’s physician shortage and improving health equity (SB 5226)
Reproductive Rights
- Expanding access to reproductive health care for college students (SB 5321)
Public Safety and Justice
- Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families (SB 5182)
- Protecting children who witness violent crimes (SB 5169)
Consumer Protection and Tax Clarity
- Providing tax clarity and fairness for Pilates studios and gymnastics facilities (SB 5411)
- Prohibiting the sale of certain tobacco and nicotine products (SB 5183)
Supporting Our Veterans
- Modernizing the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee membership structure to better serve our state’s veterans (SB 5338)
Fighting Wildfires
- Creating a special Smokey Bear license plate to support human-caused wildfire prevention (SB 5320)
Voting Access and Equity
- Increasing voting access for uniform voters and overseas Washingtonians (SB 5017)
Stay tuned for further updates as theses policies and others still to come progress through the legislative process! You can track all of my legislation here.
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles
