AWSP Blog

Hearings and any resulting actions moving bills out of committees have begun as both houses move toward the first cut-off date. This is only a summary of bills that have had some degree of action to date or have been recently introduced. Last week’s report covered all the bills that been introduced to date.

In the beginning, there were close to 300 bills pre-filed even before the Legislature convened. And then, once started, new bills continue to be introduced. Included among those are a number of bills affecting pensions, health, and job benefits.

According to data from the US Center for Disease Control, one in four women (and one in 10 men) have been victims of domestic violence. One in three teens have experienced dating violence. Help and resources are out there. Check out this great list of resources provided by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and while you're at it, make sure you know how to find your local support center.

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that removes the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine required for school and child care entry. It also requires employees and volunteers at child care centers to provide immunization records indicating they have received the MMR vaccine, proof of immunity or a medical exemption. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on May 10, 2019, and goes into effect on July 28, 2019.

The great mystery is the upcoming release of the agreed upon 2019–21 budget. It is to be released Saturday, the 27th. While budget negotiations were occurring behind closed doors, both chambers passed a number of bills. A few pertain to this report.