News Releases

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at improving resources for incarcerated individuals and their families passed the Senate Wednesday.   Senate Bill 5182, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), seeks to enhance maternal health care services for incarcerated individuals and update language in state policies to reflect greater inclusivity.   The bill would direct ...

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at reducing the trauma experienced by children who witness violent crimes passed the Senate Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5169, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would allow out-of-court statements from children under 18 to be used as evidence in cases involving violent crimes, trafficking, or sexual exploitation. It also clarifies ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to expand workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers passed the Senate Monday.  Senate Bill 5217, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), expands pregnancy and postpartum workplace accommodations to all employers, regardless of size. It guarantees paid lactation breaks, including travel time if no suitable space is available, and prohibits employers from ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to ensure professional development resources for educators reflect the diverse experiences of Washington students passed the Senate Monday.  Senate Bill 5177, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to include the perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups when identifying training materials for ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to expand anti-discrimination protections in Washington’s public schools passed the Senate Thursday.  Senate Bill 5123, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), updates state law to explicitly protect students based on ethnicity, immigration or citizenship status, homelessness, and neurodivergence. It also separates sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression into distinct ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to address critical funding gaps in Washington’s K-12 schools passed the Senate Thursday.  Senate Bill 5192, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would increase funding for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) in schools while tying future adjustments to a specific inflation model. The proposal ensures state funding reflects the ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to update the membership structure of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) passed the Senate Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5338, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), modernizes the VAAC by replacing two positions designated for representatives from the state veterans’ homes in Orting and Retsil with at-large positions. The bill also ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to adjust the tax classification of Pilates studios and gymnastics facilities was heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5411, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would modify the state tax code to distinguish these facilities from traditional fitness centers. Under current law, Pilates studios and gymnastics facilities ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to ensure Washington students learn about Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history was heard in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5574, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt AANHPI history learning standards ...

OLYMPIA – A bill aimed at curbing youth tobacco use was heard in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee Friday.  Senate Bill 5183, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored vapes, and nicotine pouches. The bill also prohibits "entertainment vapor products" — ...