Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’ve hit the halfway point for the 2023 session! As we conclude our eighth week, I’m eager to share the progress of some of my bills heading over to the House and what’s still to come. 

Updates from the floor 

The last week has been filled with non-stop floor action, as we work hard — day and night — to move all Senate bills to the House ahead of the house-of-origin cutoff Wednesday, March 8.  

 Several my bills in recent days passed the Senate, including:  

  • SB 5536 — concerning controlled substances, counterfeit substances, and legend drug possession and treatment. This legislation aims to increase access to substance use treatment for people found in possession of drugs, emphasizing care over criminalization (you can learn more here). 
  • SB 5275 — expanding access to benefits provided by the School Employees’ Benefits Board. This would allow tribal compact schools, employee organizations representing school employees and school board directors the option of providing health care through the School Employees’ Benefits Board. 

Other high-priority bills likely to hit the floor next week: 

  • SB 5236 — concerning hospital staffing standards. It requires hospitals to submit to the state Department of Health (DOH) staff-to-patient staffing plans, which would be created by a hospital’s designated nurse staffing committee. If a hospital doesn’t comply, the state Department of Labor & Industries — working in conjunction with DOH — will be able to step in and issue a corrective action plan penalizing the hospital. 
  • SB 5696 — concerning eligibility for participation in the Public Employees’ Benefits Board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions. Our communities saw what happened when the Snohomish Health District merger cut off insurance for retirees. This bill would fix that and allow retirees continue participating in PEBB insurance plans.

Upcoming town hall 

Join Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes and me for a town hall on the 2023 legislative session Sunday, March 12, at the Marysville Library, where we’ll provide updates on our work in Olympia and answer your questions — submit yours in advance here. 

EVENT DETAILS 

2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 12 

Marysville Library Public Meeting Room 

6120 Grove Street in Marysville 

Stay in touch 

Our office continues to be as available to you as ever. Send me an email at June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7674.  

I’d love to hear from you and look forward to learning more about your priorities for the upcoming year. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates. 

My work in Olympia is always informed by the voices of my neighbors, and I’m eager to hear yours. 

Sincerely, 

June