News Releases

OLYMPIA – Minors will have an easier time applying for driver licenses and gaining basic ID cards commonly used for a wide range of identification purposes, under legislation signed into law today. “For far too long, the only people authorized to sign a minor’s driver license application have been a parent, guardian or employer,” said Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), the bill’s ...

OLYMPIA – A state program proven to reduce recidivism and increase public safety by helping people re-enter communities more successfully will be applied to a wider range of people exiting the corrections system, under a bill signed into law today by Gov. Jay Inslee. “Getting your footing in the community is a challenge for anyone, but it’s even harder for someone ...

OLYMPIA — A bill on its way to the governor will broaden the B&O tax exemption allowed for childcare providers, easing the challenges to providers struggling to stay in business and maintaining the supply of high-demand childcare. The existing B&O exemption for childcare providers currently applies to businesses that care for children up to age 8 for and for more than ...

OLYMPIA —Senate legislation passed today by the House will protect consumers from the knowing sale of foods falsely advertised as halal. Having already passed out of the Senate, SB 5799 now goes to the governor to be signed into law. “Increased awareness of culturally acceptable foods improves our ability to meet the needs of our diverse communities,” said Sen. Claire Wilson ...

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed late Wednesday by the House would clarify state guidelines on emergency child removal to ensure the safety of children from lethal risks posed by synthetic opioids while recognizing the importance of not removing children from their homes and families except as a last resort to avoid otherwise imminent physical harm. Because the bill was amended in ...

OLYMPIA — Senate legislation passed today by the House will expand foster care support for youths through ages 18-21. “Young people have expressed their need for continued support as they transition to living on their own,” said Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), the bill’s sponsor. “Extending support through these few critical years can make or break the path to independence for a ...

OLYMPIA – Senate legislation passed today by the House will expand a proven state program that helps people re-enter their communities more successfully and productively. SB 5893, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), aims to reduce recidivism by providing basic clothing, a one-time stipend, and transportation to all those exiting corrections programs. “We see higher rates of productive re-entry and lower rates ...

OLYMPIA —Senate legislation to protect consumers from the knowing sale of foods falsely advertised as halal passed through the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Recourses today. Having already passed out of the Senate, SB 5799 now awaits a vote on the House floor in order to be sent to the governor to be signed into law. “Increased awareness of culturally ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation passed today by the Senate would add valuable perspective to the state’s 12-member board of professional educator standards by adding a 13^th member who is a current or recent student. SB 5903, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), would increase the board by one seat held by an undergraduate or a graduate student enrolled in a Professional ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation passed today by the Senate would expand a program that provides a one-time stipend to help people successfully transition back into the community upon release from a correctional institution or a partial confinement setting. “This is an important re-entry tool so people get started on the right foot to continue recovery and rehabilitation,” Wilson said. “When someone’s released ...