Dear friends and neighbors,

These first few weeks of legislative session have been very busy. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with many constituents, resulting in meaningful conversations about important legislation that will provide access to justice and correct past harms to our communities. I have also actively participated in committee hearings and taken to the Senate floor to vote on bills to be sent to the House. I was overwhelmed by a standing ovation from my Senate colleagues on my first day on the floor, showing their support for my health.

This session is unique: I am going through chemotherapy while I pursue the crucial and rewarding work of representing our community. I am grateful for the incredible (often invisible) public servants who work alongside me in the Senate, providing thoughtful accommodations and helping me craft bills and budget provisos. I also cannot thank you enough for your continued advocacy to ensure we have a representative state government that puts people and our planet first.

Updates on my bills

Yesterday was policy committee cutoff, meaning policy bills that weren’t voted out of committee by the end of the day are done for the year. Here are the latest updates on the status of some of my bills this session:

  • SB 5793 allows workers and transportation network company drivers to use paid sick leave when their child’s school or daycare is closed due to a public emergency. It expands the definition of family member for paid sick leave to include those residing in the employee’s home or with caregiving expectations, supporting nontraditional families and communities of color. This bill was passed to the Rules Committee. 
  • SB 5383 restricts police from enforcing certain jaywalking laws, except in cases of safety violations. It removes the requirement for pedestrians to walk on the shoulder facing traffic when sidewalks are unavailable, promoting the right to walk freely, addressing inequitable ticketing practices, and facilitating convenient crossings for persons with disabilities. This bill was heard in the Transportation Committee. 
  • SB 6189 creates the Jail Oversight Board within the Office of the Governor to monitor jails, investigate complaints, and implement a statewide uniform jail reporting system. The Board addresses concerns such as unsanitary facilities and inadequate healthcare, providing oversight, accountability, and transparency in the treatment of individuals in jails. This bill has been referred to the Ways & Means Committee. 
  • SB 6105 strengthens workers’ rights in the adult entertainment industry by mandating training on harassment prevention and conflict resolution, alongside provisions for panic buttons and equitable charges and fair pay. These measures enhance protections for vulnerable workers, fostering a safer and fairer working environment. This bill is currently in the Rules Committee. 
  • SB 5109 creates a wage replacement program for workers ineligible for unemployment benefits, addressing the exclusion of undocumented workers from these benefits due to immigration status. The bill recognizes their contribution to the economy, aiming to rectify this injustice and address racial justice implications. This bill is extremely important to me, and although it did not receive a public hearing in committee and did not advance, I remain committed to continuing the fight for equity and fairness for all workers. 

Other bills of interest

Here are other bills that I am not the prime sponsor of but that I consider especially important this session:

  • SB 5971, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, aims to correct past injustices in Washington’s criminal justice system by making the elimination of juvenile points in sentencing retroactive. It recognizes that using juvenile records to increase sentences is unjust and unnecessary for public safety, emphasizing that retroactivity is essential for fairness and addressing historical racial disparities. This policy is moving forward in the form of Rep. Stearns’s companion bill (HB 2065) in the House. 
  • SB 5961, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, aims to improve housing stability for tenants by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of such increases, and establishing tenant protections, recognizing the disproportionate impact of such practices on marginalized communities. The bill prohibits landlords from increasing rent within the first 12 months of tenancy and limits subsequent increases to 15%, with exemptions for certain circumstances. Unfortunately, this bill did not have the necessary votes to make it out of the Housing Committee but I will be following the House companion bill closely (HB 2114) hoping it continues to advance.  

There are many House bills I truly love, such as Rep. Liz Berry’s Washington Recycling and Packaging (WRAP) bill (SB 5154), but l will talk more about those bills in a future newsletter!

Stay involved

Now that legislation is moving through the process, I hope you will get in touch with my office with feedback on the bills before us. All the bills we pass benefit from public input. Your time and effort help me do the best job I can representing our communities in the 37th Legislative District. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely yours,

 

 

Rebecca Saldaña