News Releases

OLYMPIA — A bill to improve resources for incarcerated individuals and their families was signed into law Tuesday.  Senate Bill 5182, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), will expand access to enhance maternal health care services for incarcerated individuals and update language in state policies to reflect greater inclusivity.   The bill directs the ...

OLYMPIA — As Black Maternal Health Week concludes, two maternal health bills sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) have passed the Legislature, advancing efforts to expand access to critical care and strengthen protections for pregnant and postpartum individuals in Washington state.  Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11 to April 17, was founded by the Black Mamas ...

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 ...