OLYMPIA — A bill to increase support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence has advanced out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. Senate Bill 6017, sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), aims to reduce the retraumatization of survivors in the courtroom by allowing courts to appoint other people to cross-examine them in cases where defendants have chosen to represent themselves. “No one should be subjected to the trauma and fear of being questioned by their abusers as they seek justice for what happened to them,” Orwall said. “This bill addresses a critical gap in our legal system by putting in place a necessary safeguard that will protect survivors from being further traumatized in the courtroom.” The U.S. Supreme ...
Read MoreAbout Sen. Orwall
Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and has led efforts on rape kit reform, suicide prevention, anti-trafficking laws, consumer protections, language access in schools, air quality and other issues critical to South King County.
She was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2024 after serving 15 years in the House of Representatives. She has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning in workforce development and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader.
Read Sen. Orwall’s full biography here.