Essential information on each bill is below. For more details, click on the bill number – e.g., “SB 5000.” The new page will show the progress of the bill, videos of debate, and the link to send a comment to your legislator about the bill.
Bill Summary
This proposed Washington state legislative act prohibits housing inmates convicted of sex offenses against a specific biological sex in correctional facilities that primarily house individuals of that same sex. The law adds a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW to implement this restriction. This aims to ensure the safety and security of inmates by preventing situations where prior sex offenders could be housed with vulnerable individuals of the same biological sex as their victims. The act specifically defines “sex offense” using existing state law (RCW 9.94A.030).
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1028 is a bipartisan bill which aims to update the state’s laws regarding child abuse and neglect. The bill modifies definitions of key terms like “child forensic interview” and “children’s advocacy center” to reflect current best practices and the evolving landscape of child protection. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary team approaches and trauma-informed care. Further, the bill addresses the need for improved support and training for professionals involved in child abuse investigations, including provisions for peer review of forensic interviews. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of child protection services in Washington State.
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Elections
HB 1030
Concerning the conduct of limited audits of counted ballots during the election certification period.
Bill Summary
At the request of the Secretary of State, bipartisan House Bill 1030 details amendments to Washington state election laws. Key change involve ballot duplication procedures, enhanced auditing methods – including risk-limiting audits and limited hand counts – and expanded rule-making authority for the Secretary of State. The bill aims to improve election accuracy and transparency, specifying processes for auditing and resolving discrepancies. Finally, the bill addresses observer participation and procedures for handling defective voting devices.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1033 modifies the state’s child care licensing system. Counties will gain the option to license and regulate child care centers and family homes beginning July 1, 2026, subject to specific requirements outlined in the bill. The bill mandates a third-party analysis of this new system’s effectiveness. Existing state regulations are updated to reflect these changes, and some are repealed. The bill aims to improve child care quality and access while allowing for local control.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1037 amends existing laws regarding the creation and governance of public facilities districts in Washington State. It allows towns and cities in counties with populations under one million to create such districts, either individually or through agreements with contiguous towns or counties. Additionally, it specifies that cities with populations between 80,000 and 115,000 in counties with populations over one million can also establish districts if they meet certain conditions. The bill introduces provisions for the governance structure of these districts, including the composition of boards of directors, which can vary based on how the district is formed. Notably, it allows for the creation of additional public facilities districts under specific conditions and clarifies the boundaries of these districts.
The bill also includes several insertions to enhance the governance and operational framework of public facilities districts. For instance, it specifies that the boundaries of a district can include school districts selected for inclusion, and it outlines the appointment process for board members, ensuring representation from local organizations. Furthermore, it designates the county treasurer of the largest proportion of the district as the ex officio treasurer, unless otherwise designated. The bill emphasizes the collaborative nature of these districts, allowing for agreements with various governmental entities for the management and operation of facilities, and it clarifies that counties can participate in the creation and operation of public facilities districts.