Other bills that AAUW-WA is supportive of and tracking:
Reasonable Accommodations for Constructions Workers who Menstruate or Express Milk – EHB 2266
Sponsor: Rep Stonier
HB 2266 ensures that all employers in the state provide reasonable, sanitary accommodations for workers who menstruate, lactate, or express milk. Current law allows for exemptions for employers with mobile crews or those employing less than 15 workers. Some of the reasonable accommodations defined in the bill are more frequent and longer bathroom breaks, modified work schedules, and providing seating when it is not usually available. The bill aims to protect the health of workers while also providing additional privacy on jobsites.
Update: The bill has passed the House 84-13. It passed out of the Senate Labor committee and is now in Rules.
Promoting Inclusive Learning Standards and Instructional Materials in Public Schools – ESB 5462
Sponsor: Senator Liias
This bill would require school districts to adopt curriculum that covers inclusive, age-appropriate materials that tell the histories, contributions, and perspectives of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians.
Update: The bill passed out of the Senate on January 17 on a 29-19 vote. It passed out of House Education, was heard in Appropriations, and is scheduled for executive action on the 26th.
Harmonizing language relating to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment – HB 1954
Sponsor: Rep Riccelli
Last year the Legislature passed a bill, HB 1340, which protects WA health care providers who provide reproductive and gender affirming care. An amendment was added to the bill, at the last moment, which resulted in some unnecessary confusion. As written, the law opens up the possibility of a court determining that the Legislature meant to provide more protections to providers in the context of an unprofessional conduct allegation than in the context of licensure/discipline. This bill is a technical clean-up bill to harmonize the two sections and avoid any future confusion around the law.
Update: The bill passed out of the House on January 25 on a party line vote. It passed off of the Senate floor, 30-19, on February 22 and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
AAUW-WA is also tracking:
Initiative 2081 would codify a parents' bill of rights on matters ranging from reviewing textbooks and curriculum to obtaining student records, including disciplinary and health information, to being able to opt their child out of sex education. The measure would require parents to be able to review educational materials and receive copies of academic and medical records for free. It also says parents should “receive written notice and the option to opt their child out” of surveys, assignments, questionnaires, and other activities in which questions are asked about their child’s “sexual experiences or attractions” or their family religion or political affiliations.
Update: There will be a public hearing on I-2081 on Wednesday, February 28. Click here to follow along. The Legislature can either choose to pass the initiative this session, take no action and let it go to the ballot; or pass an alternative proposal, which would send both I-2081 and the alternative to a vote of the people.
