Kristin Ang connects with Rep. Janice Zahn of the House Committee on Capital Budget, Housing, State Government and Tribal Relations. We are grateful for new justice advocates at the capitol in these times.
Make Use of Our Bill Tracker
Every legislation session so many bills are introduced, and many make it to our legislative agenda. Use our Bill Tracker to keep make the most of your advocacy efforts. As with our legislative agenda, new bills may be added throughout the session.
Take Action for Next Week Hearings
Next week includes several important hearings. Be sure to sign in at least one hour before the hearing.
Strengthen Climate Justice and Environmental Stewardship
SB 5284 Recycling Reform Act – hold packaging and paper product companies accountable for funding recycling programs. Ensure consistent, accessible recycling for all residents while reducing plastic pollution and waste. Senate Committee on Environment & Energy on January 28 at 1:30PM.
Increase Safe Affordable Housing and Prevent Homelessness
HB 1429 Creating a housing assistance program for youth enrolled in extended foster care. House Early Learning & Human Services on January 28 at 1:30pm.
Expand Access to Health Care
SB 5369 Enhancing youth mental health and well-being through advanced training and expansion of the workforce in schools. Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education on January 29 at 10:30AM.
HB 1432 Improving access to appropriate mental health and substance use disorder services. House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on January 29 at 1:30 PM.
SB 5126 Establishing a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health. Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 10:30AM.
Foster Community Safety, Democracy and Civil Rights
SB 5066 AG Investigations and Reform Bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate systemic misconduct in law enforcement and corrections agencies. Senate Committee on Law & Justice on January 30 at 10:30AM.
Reform Our Incarceration System
HB 1125 Judicial Discretion Act Allow judges greater flexibility in sentencing when the original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice. Continued hearing in House Committee on Community Safety on January 30 at 8:00AM.
HB 1147 The Act for Civic Engagement Allow judges greater flexibility in sentencing when the original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice. This is an executive session for the bill in the House Committee of State Gov’t & Tribal Relations which has a hearing January 31 at 8:00AM.
TAKING ACTION BY SAYING THANK YOU
As we seek to expand relationships with our legislators and their staff, try saying “thank you!” Many of FAN’s priority bills have been cosponsored by multiple legislators, so we already know their positions. For example, the bill to increase student access to free meals served at public schools, HB (1404/SB 5352) includes 33 cosponsoring Representatives and 28 cosponsoring Senators, from both sides of the aisle.
While our materials identify the prime sponsor of each bill, it is easy to go to your legislators’ websites at leg.wa.gov. Most legislators have a dropdown menu called “My Bills,” where you can find the bills they have sponsored (primary) and cosponsored (secondary). Look for FAN’s priority bills that you care about. Even if it isn’t your own priority bill, you can thank them for cosponsoring a bill that promotes justice, compassion, or sustainability. If your legislator doesn’t have a dropdown menu, contact Elizabeth dickinson@fanwa.org for her independent tracking of cosponsors. Note that some legislators may be less active in sponsoring or cosponsoring bills if they have a leadership role in the House or Senate. This is also great preparation for Interfaith Advocacy Day!
And thank you!
Strategizing for IFAD
Join our FAN Staff as we take time to strategize before IFAD on Tuesday, February 11th from 7:00-8:00pm on Zoom. We will review key aspects of how to make an advocacy plan with your district in preparation for your legislative meetings on IFAD.
Kristin’s Policy Updates
FAN Legislative Session Week 2 Highlights: Building a Just & Sustainable Future
The second week of the legislative session began with floor action honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Reflecting on his enduring wisdom, King once said, “The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy,” a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and moral courage in the face of adversity.
On Monday, HB 1217 Rent Stabilization advanced out of the House Housing Committee along party lines. Its Senate companion bill, SB 5222, was heard in the Senate Housing Committee on Wednesday. A remarkable 185 individuals signed up to testify, and there were 4,965 PRO sign-ins for SB 5222. Both HB 1217 and SB 5222 aim to cap annual rent increases at 7%, limit move-in fees, and restrict late fees. The bills also mandate written notices for rent hikes, grant tenants the right to terminate leases without penalty for unauthorized increases, and empower the Attorney General to enforce these provisions. Additionally, the bills propose creating a landlord resource center, requiring model lease provisions in multiple languages, and commissioning a study on the social impacts of these measures to enhance housing stability and affordability.
On Tuesday morning, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee reviewed a variety of bills designed to reduce gun violence in Washington State. These included HB 1132 (Rep. Farivar) to limit bulk purchases of firearms and ammunition, HB 1152 (Rep. Doglio) to establish secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and residences, and HB 1163 Firearm Permits. HB 1163 proposes stricter regulations for firearm transactions by requiring individuals to obtain a valid permit to purchase firearms, with detailed application, issuance, and revocation processes. The bill also mandates certified firearm safety training programs as a prerequisite for permits and concealed pistol licenses. Furthermore, HB 1163 aims to standardize background checks, particularly in cases involving outstanding warrants or pending legal proceedings, and extend application and recordkeeping requirements to cover all firearm transfers.
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Environment & Energy heard HB 1150 Recycling Reform Act. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Liz Berry, emphasized its goals: “The Recycling Reform Act would create a producer responsibility program in which manufacturers and brands come together to reduce unnecessary packaging and paper, fund statewide recycling services, and ensure that materials put in recycling bins will actually be recycled.”
On Thursday, the same committee heard HB 1303, the Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Pollution Act, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena of the 29th Legislative District—one of the regions most affected by health disparities. Front and Centered, a coalition of frontline communities, strongly advocated for the bill, stating, “Communities that have historically borne the worst effects of pollution due to redlining and institutional racism shouldn’t continue to bear the ongoing harm being inflicted on their health, well-being, and even life expectancy today.” They underscored the entrenched health disparities, shorter life expectancies, and higher rates of asthma and cardiovascular disease in overburdened communities caused by decades of harmful environmental policies.
The bill would require permit applicants to consider cumulative impacts on these communities and center the lived experiences of frontline populations. Earthjustice, the Duwamish River Community Coalition, and WA Physicians for Social Responsibility also testified in favor of the measure. Elizabeth Dickinson, Faith Action Network’s partnership coordinator and advocate, expressed support for HB 1303. She highlighted the moral imperative to address disproportionate suffering caused by pollution and climate change, stating, “Our spiritual traditions call us to seek equity and care for those who are most vulnerable. The voices of those who have been impacted for decades need to be heard.”
The House Committee on Community Safety heard testimony on HB 1125 Judicial Discretion Act, which seeks to grant judges greater flexibility in modifying sentences when the original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice. Sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, the bill centers on equity, justice, and public safety while prioritizing rehabilitation and addressing victims’ needs. Rep. Simmons explained, “This legislation acknowledges that people can change and that our justice system should reflect the potential for rehabilitation. By granting judges the authority to reassess sentences, we aim to ensure that justice is served not only at the time of sentencing but throughout an individual’s rehabilitation journey.”
The bill incorporates voices from currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the importance of second chances and reducing recidivism. Allowing judicial discretion could lead to significant cost savings by reducing prolonged incarceration expenses and redirecting resources toward community programs that enhance public safety, support reintegration, and reduce the likelihood of reoffense.
HB 1125 also demonstrates a strong commitment to victims. It requires the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy to establish a flexible fund for affected individuals, contract with prosecuting attorney’s offices for victim advocacy services, and collaborate with experts to provide specialized training for victim advocates. This comprehensive approach ensures the justice system balances accountability, rehabilitation, and the voices of victims, fostering a safer, more equitable, and fiscally responsible community.
Standing Together for Immigrant Rights
We know that the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status would have a devastating effect on our families, neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, cities, state, and country.
It will cost billions of dollars to execute President Trump’s mass deportation plans, and this cannot be done without funding from Congress. As our neighbors’ rights, relationships, and lives are at risk, join FAN in sending a clear message to our U.S. Senators and Representatives that they must hold the line and allow NO FUNDING for mass deportations.
Register for Interfaith Advocacy Day
Registration is open for Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia on Thursday February 20! We have a space limit of 200 this year, so please don’t delay—registration closes February 3rd, or before if filled. The sooner we know you’re coming, FAN staff will be able to arrange legislative meetings for you.
You’ll have a chance to hear plenary and workshop presentations, caucus with people from your district, and meet with your legislators or their aides. We will have an online opportunity on February 11 (7-8 pm) to meet others in your legislative district before IFAD to strategize your day in Olympia—more information will be shared with those who register.
Lobby Days with our Coalition Partners
Look for more days to be listed as the session progresses!
Thursday, February 6, in-person. Environmental Lobby Day.
Monday, February 10, 9:00am-5:00pm, in-person. Civil Survival, Advocacy Day,
Thursday, February 20, 9:00am-3:00pm, in-person. Interfaith Advocacy Day 2025,
Friday, March 14, 10:00am-4:00pm, in-person. WLIHA Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day,
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