Other bills that AAUW-WA is 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. The bill aims to protect the health of workers while also providing additional privacy on jobsites.
Update: The bill was delivered to the Governor on March 7.
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 was delivered to the Governor on March 8.
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. This bill is a technical clean-up bill to harmonize the two sections and avoid any future confusion around the law.
Update: The bill was signed by the Governor on March 7 and will become effective on June 6, 2024.
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: This initiative was heard on February 28 and executive action was taken on the initiative on March 1. As a reminder, the legislature’s options were to pass the initiative, 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. Both the House and Senate passed the initiative, on votes of 82-15 and 49-0 respectively. Initiatives do not require the governor’s signature and therefore, I-2081 will take effect in 90 days.
