Tech Legislation
Provide telecommunication services to underserved areas
On Wednesday morning, we heard public testimony on my bill, SB 5383, in the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. This is a bipartisan effort to enhance equitable access to telecommunication by allowing public utility districts to provide retail telecommunication services in unserved areas, effectively expanding the market. Under current law, a public utility district is not authorized to provide these services. We need more parties involved and providing the connectivity needed to access work, medicine, or school remotely.
Computer science for graduation requirements
Later that morning, the Senate Committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education heard public testimony on my bill SB 5299. If you remember from the Week 2 Newsletter, this legislation would allow high school students to take an approved computer science course in place of a third-year math or science course. If passed, I hope this bill will encourage more students to engage with computer science and maybe even find a new passion or skill!
Creating teaching endorsements for computer science
SB 5389 would require that the Professional Education Standards Board develop a specialty endorsement option for elementary computer science and secondary computer science. Specialty endorsements provide an avenue for already certified teachers to teach a different course if they demonstrate required knowledge. This is an important part of expanding access to computer science education all across the state, especially in more rural areas where teachers with the necessary certifications are in short supply.
Authorizing community and technical colleges to offer a bachelor degree in computer science
I was excited to see SB 5401 introduced this week from Senators Nguyen and Rivers and to sign on as a cosponsor. This bill will allow community and technical colleges to offer a bachelor’s degree in computer science. As a state that is proud of its status as a tech hub, this is an important step towards equity for communities currently underrepresented in the technology sector. There are literally thousands of tech jobs waiting to be filled.
Henrietta Lacks
Last year I had the privilege to visit the Henrietta Lacks High School in the Evergreen School District of Vancouver, Washington. The students spoke with me about the life and legacy of the school’s namesake and asked me to ensure it was shared as widely as possible. This week, I got the chance to do so through a resolution on the Senate floor. You can read my resolution or watch it being read in the Senate and stick around for my personal statements.
Data Breach at the State Auditor’s Office
In late January 2021, the Office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO) was informed of a data breach, involving a third-party provider, that might have exposed the sensitive data of Washingtonians who filed for unemployment claims from January 2020 to December 2020. To learn more, please watch my video about the breach. If you are concerned about your private data or would like additional information, you can go to the SAO’s Press Release or SAO’s webpage regarding this breach. Please do not hesitate to follow up with my office regarding any additional questions or concerns.
How to participate in this legislative session:
Watch – Committee meetings, debates, and more can all be seen live or in a recording at TVW.org
Research – Look up legislation by lawmaker or by topic here.
Learn – Learn about the entire legislative process from start to finish here.
Testify – Visit here for an overview of the process. Written testimony is also an option, and you can also email me your story.
Get in touch – As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or comments.
Best,
