Dear friends and neighbors,
Since the start of session, I’ve introduced more than 20 bills, with many focused on improving protections for our children and strengthening support systems for sexual assault and abuse survivors. As the session continues, I remain committed to keeping you informed on the progress we are making to address the issues facing our district and state.
Bill update
I’m proud to announce I passed my first bill as your state senator! Senate Bill 5105 would ban child sexual abuse material generated by artificial intelligence. It would also strengthen our child sexual exploitation laws by removing the requirement that minors be identifiable for the purposes of criminal liability. After a unanimous vote in the Senate, the bill has been referred to the House for consideration.
This week, my bill to increase support services at universities and colleges for student survivors of sexual assault was also heard in the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee. SB 5355 aims to keep our campuses safe by ensuring college students receive sufficient training on affirmative consent. The bill also introduces policies to ensure survivors are given the rights, protections, support, and resources they need to seek justice and heal. It would also ensure every college student in Washington is entitled to trauma-informed care and services alongside a timely Title IX process.
And late last week, my bill to create a certification for memory care services was heard in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. SB 5337 is inspired by a constituent who was concerned about the care her mother had received while in an assisted living facility. The bill would improve dementia care by requiring assisted living facilities to maintain a memory care services certification.
Save the date: WSDOT forum on State Route 509 project
With the State Route 509 construction project well underway, you may be wondering when tolling will start on the new expressway. Tolling will occur no sooner than October 2025, and prior to that, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to solicit public feedback on tolling rate scenarios this spring.
In the meantime, WSDOT is hosting an open house from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Burien Community Center. WSDOT invites people to ask questions about the project, anticipated closures, and the toll-rate setting process. I’m in contact with WSDOT and will update you as more information is available.
Resources for Washington’s refugees and immigrants
With recent changes in federal immigration policy, I wanted to reaffirm that Washington remains a welcoming place to refugees and immigrants. Our Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) within the Economic Services Administration (ESA) at the Department of Social and Health Services is ready to help refugees and immigrants to thrive when they arrive in Washington.
ORIA’s website has an interactive resource tool to help refugees and immigrants find programs and services they may need. Services range from immigration assistance and naturalization services to employment and training and more. To access services, people should fill out an application online through Washington Connection or visit a local Community Service Office. To find your local office, input your zip code, city, or county here.
If you know any community members who needs information on how to plan for changes in federal immigration policies and practices, consider contacting my office or sharing this ESA link.
Keep in touch!
Your voice is integral to the lawmaking process, and I hope you will continue to contact me and share your thoughts. I read every email and do my best to respond. You can reach me at Tina.Orwall@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7664.
Sincerely,
Tina Orwall
