News Releases

Legislation to allow students to receive state financial aid for the same amount of time they can receive federal aid was heard in the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee Friday.  Senate Bill 5904, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would align the maximum eligibility time frames for the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, ...

Legislation signed today mandates public schools to provide all elementary students with a minimum of 30 minutes of recess within the school day.  Senate Bill 5257, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), is intended to provide students with safe, inclusive and high-quality play. “We heard in testimony that some students are getting as little as 10 minutes in a school day ...

Legislation to institute universal testing for the highly capable program was signed into law today. Senate Bill 5072, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), requires districts to screen all students in both early and late elementary years for highly capable services. “Highly capable programs provide an excellent opportunity to match academic rigor with a student’s learning level,” said Nobles. “By ...

Today, the governor signed into law Senate Bill 5070, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), to make permanent the reimbursement for the Crime Victims Compensation Program for survivors of strangulation. Legislation establishing this reimbursement first passed unanimously in 2021. “In the midst of horrific circumstances, survivors are telling us that this program benefits them immensely,” said Nobles. “By making it ...

OLYMPIA– Democrats in the Washington State Senate identified safety for all as a key priority for the 2023 legislative session, and Sen. T’wina Nobles has two pieces of legislation still in consideration addressing this priority. "I am proud to support and prioritize efforts this session to enhance safety measures and create a safer environment for all,” said Nobles. “Legislation I have ...

OLYMPIA – Education remains one of the top priorities for the Washington State Legislature and Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) brought forward several proposals to advance educational opportunities, which have passed the legislature and are now headed to the governor’s desk. “As a former educator and mom, access to quality education for every student is always a priority to me,” Nobles said. ...

Olympia– The Senate passed a measure, sponsored by state Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) which establishes new requirements that identify students who may be eligible for highly capable programs. Senate Bill 5072 requires school districts to conduct universal screenings once in or before second grade, and again in or before sixth grade. “Highly capable programs provide accelerated learning and enhanced instruction for ...

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 ...

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 ...

Olympia– Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) was selected by her Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Caucus Whip during the 2023 session. “I am both humbled and enthusiastic to have been selected by my peers to serve in this position,” said Nobles. “From the start of my tenure in the Senate, I’ve stressed the importance of transparency in my office. I’ve ...