News Releases

OLYMPIA — A bill extending the tenure of the Pesticide Application Safety Committee passed the Senate on Tuesday with a unanimous 49-0 vote.  Senate Bill 6166, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), extends the provisions of the Pesticide Application Safety Committee and its advisory work group until July 1, 2035, from the original expiration date of ...

OLYMPIA – Un proyecto de ley para mejorar los servicios de acceso lingüístico para los habitantes de Washington fue aprobado por el Senado el viernes pasado con una votación de 31 a 19. El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 5995, patrocinado por la Senadora Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), crea un programa integral de licencias para intérpretes y traductores, abordando una brecha crítica ...

OLYMPIA – A bill to improve language access services for Washingtonians passed the Senate on Friday on a 31 to 19 vote.  Senate Bill 5995, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), creates a comprehensive licensing program for interpreters and translators, addressing a critical gap in the state's regulatory framework. Currently, interpreters and translators are not licensed under Washington ...

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at enhancing benefits for Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers in Washington state was discussed in the Labor & Commerce Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 6074, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) and focused on amending the workers’ compensation system, introduces provisions to ensure that death benefits are rightfully paid to TNC passenger drivers, including ...

OLYMPIA — Un nuevo proyecto de ley destinado a mejorar la transparencia y recopilar datos esenciales sobre los trabajadores H-2A en el estado de Washington fue considerado en una audiencia en el Comité de Trabajo y Comercio del Senado el lunes. El proyecto de ley SB 5996, patrocinado por la Senadora Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), se centra en mejorar el Programa ...

OLYMPIA – A new bill aimed at improving transparency and gathering essential data on H-2A workers in Washington state was heard in the Labor & Commerce Committee on Monday. SB 5996, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), focuses on enhancing the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa Program and ensuring equitable implementation of the prevailing wage program for both migrant and ...

OLYMPIA – A bill addressing Washington state's jail system crisis was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee on Monday.  SB 6189, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), proposes the creation of the Jail Oversight Board within the Office of the Governor to ensure transparency, independent oversight, and reform toward a more rehabilitative jail system. ...

OLYMPIA – On August 10, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of Latino voters living in Central Washington in Palmer v Hobbs, finding that Washington’s legislative map violates the federal Voting Rights Act. The court concluded that the districts drawn in the Yakima Valley dilute the Latino vote and prevent the Latino community ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to crack down on the use of vapor and tobacco products among minors was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. SB 5365, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), focuses on holding retailers and adults accountable for allowing minors to access tobacco products. The bill recognizes that minors who use these products may have a ...

OLYMPIA – A new bill to address inequities in the criminal justice system was signed into law by Gov. Inslee today. SB 5046, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), authorizes the Office of Public Defense (OPD) to provide postconviction access to counsel to people who can't afford it. Personal restraint petitions are essential in challenging unjust criminal judgments and sentences, ...