Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re nearing the halfway point in the 2025 legislative session! Can you believe it? My team and I remain hard at work championing legislation that reflects our shared priorities.
Scroll down for updates on what we’ve been up to, where my bills stand, and more.
As Black History Month comes to a close, I reflect on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black communities — past, present, and future. The Legislative Black Caucus stands on the shoulders of those who fought for justice before us, carrying forward the work to break barriers and create lasting change.
I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Sen. Rosa Franklin, who made history as the first Black woman to serve in the Washington State Senate. As the second, I recognize that my role is part of a larger legacy, one built by those who refused to accept limits and instead paved the way for future generations.
Black history is not just a reflection — it’s a call to action. It’s about honoring those who came before us by continuing to lead, serve, and uplift our communities every day. Our voices, our stories, and our impact shape the future, and I’m proud to be part of that legacy.
One of my favorite parts of being a senator is getting to meet people from all over our district and state. When I’m not working in committee or on the Senate floor passing legislation, I’m meeting with so many of you right here in Olympia. These conversations are critical to this work, which can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you. So, I can’t thank you enough for your engagement.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our meetings in February:
LYAC
Our team recently met with members of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), a diverse group of Washington students, ages 14-18, who ensure youth voices are heard in state policymaking. Each year, they come to Olympia for Action Day to testify on bills, meet with legislators, and promote civic engagement. I’m proud to be working with them on SB 5177 and SB 5123 (you can read more about each below). It was great to connect with these young leaders and hear their insights!
Divine Nine
It was an honor to join members of the Divine Nine in Olympia on African American Legislative Day. This day is always a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy and community leadership. I was especially proud to connect with members of my sorority and others who came to engage in meaningful conversations about policy and civic engagement.
Doulas for All
I had the opportunity to meet with members of Doulas for All during their in-person Lobby Day. Their work has been instrumental in supporting doulas and doula organizations with enrollment, and they now have 190 state-certified doulas with 91 more applications pending. I’m proud to have partnered with them on a number of legislative initiatives to expand access to doula care and improve maternal health outcomes. Their advocacy is making a real difference, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Washington State Troopers Association
Our team also met with members of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association during their annual Day on the Hill event. They discussed their legislative priorities and the challenges they face in their work. We appreciate their dedication to public safety and the opportunity to connect on ways to support the troopers who serve our communities.
In the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, my colleagues and I are focused on continuing to break down barriers and expand opportunities for students across Washington. We’ve advanced legislation to expand access to FAFSA navigators (SB 5164), increase College Grant award amounts and eligibility (SB 5402, SB 5205), ensure reproductive health access through telehealth services (SB 5321), strengthen Title IX protections and resources for survivors (SB 5355), and enhance support for students experiencing homelessness at tribal colleges (SB 5304). These efforts are all part of our commitment to helping students access the resources they need to thrive and reach their goals.
You can learn more about the committee and our current work here.
Last week marked the Legislature’s first major deadline — policy cutoff. By the end of the day, bills needed to pass out of their policy committees to remain alive. This Friday brings the next critical milestone — fiscal cutoff — when bills with significant fiscal impacts must clear our fiscal committees to keep moving forward.
Right now, my bills still moving through the legislative process include:
- Boosting postsecondary enrollment and expanding access to financial aid support (SB 5164)
- Expanding access to higher education and career opportunities (SB 5275)
- Protecting students from discrimination and ensuring inclusivity in schools (SB 5123)
- Addressing critical funding gaps in Washington’s K-12 schools (SB 5192)
- Improving equity in educator training resources (SB 5177)
- Expanding secondary training for careers in natural resources and conservation (SB 5567)
- Strengthening workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers (SB 5217)
- Helping address Washington’s physician shortage and improving health equity (SB 5226)
- Expanding access to reproductive health care for college students (SB 5321)
- Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families (SB 5182)
- Protecting children who witness violent crimes (SB 5169)
- Supporting incarcerated individuals and their families (SB 5182)
- Protecting children who witness violent crimes (SB 5169)
- Providing tax clarity and fairness for Pilates studios and gymnastics facilities (SB 5411)
- Modernizing the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee membership structure to better serve our state’s veterans (SB 5338)
- Increasing voting access for uniform voters and overseas Washingtonians (SB 5017)
- Expanding career pathways in natural resources for Washington youth (SB 5567)
- Creating the Seattle Reign FC special license plate (SB 5692)
Stay tuned for further updates here! You can track all of my legislation here.
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles
