OLYMPIA — Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) introduced legislation Monday to prohibit law enforcement officers — including federal immigration agents operating in Washington — from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public. Senate Bill 5855 is a direct response to ongoing immigration raids under the Trump administration during which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents wear ...
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OLYMPIA — Following Tuesday’s press conference with Gov. Bob Ferguson, Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) issued the statement below in response to recent threats from the Trump administration to penalize Washington and other states that maintain so-called “sanctuary” laws: “Today, I stood proudly with Gov. Ferguson to reaffirm what Washingtonians already know to be true: Our state will not ...
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OLYMPIA — The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Biden administration regulation Wednesday aimed at controlling "ghost gun" kits, which enable individuals to easily acquire parts to assemble firearms from online sellers. In response, Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) issued the following statement: “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold regulations that will help keep our communities safer ...
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OLYMPIA — Legislation to protect families and children from gun violence in public spaces passed the Washington State Senate Wednesday. Senate Bill 5098, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), enhances public safety by prohibiting weapons in government buildings, public park facilities, and fairgrounds — places where families and children gather. Gun violence remains a ...
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OLYMPIA — A bill to streamline the path for skilled international medical graduates to join Washington’s health care workforce passed the Senate Wednesday. Senate Bill 5118, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), removes outdated barriers while keeping rigorous medical standards to protect patient safety. Washington faces a growing doctor shortage, leaving many families struggling to ...
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OLYMPIA — Legislation to expand voter registration services through government agencies passed the Senate Wednesday. Senate Bill 5077, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), directs the governor to designate additional state, local, federal, and tribal agencies to offer automatic voter registration. The expansion aims to increase voter participation, particularly among historically underserved communities. “This bill ...
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OLYMPIA — Legislation to make financial education a graduation requirement for Washington high school students was heard Tuesday in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. Senate Bill 5080, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), aims to equip students with the tools they need to manage their finances and plan for the future. “Financial ...
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OLYMPIA — A bill to keep Washingtonians safe from gun violence was heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee Tuesday. Senate Bill 5098, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), would prohibit weapons in locations where children and families frequently gather, including parks with playgrounds, as well as state and local government buildings and county fairs ...
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OLYMPIA — Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) has been elected to serve as chair of the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections Committee, following a vote among Senate Democrats last week. Valdez succeeds Sen. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia), who will retire in January 2025 after nearly 25 years of service in the Legislature. “I am deeply honored to follow Sen. Hunt, whose tireless ...
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OLYMPIA — A bill to provide meaningful help to victims of hate crimes and bias incidents in Washington state was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5427, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), establishes a support system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents by creating a hotline administered by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) ...
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