Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re officially halfway through the 2025 legislative session! The House of Representatives is now holding public hearings on Senate bills and these are the ones I’m most excited about:
- Enhancing public safety in public spaces (SB 5098): We have already passed laws that prohibit firearms in libraries, zoos, and aquariums. This would extend those same restrictions to other public spaces, such as parks where children are present, government buildings, and county fairs.
- Prohibiting medical debt from credit scores (SB 5480): Health care costs and medical debt are a huge concern for many Washington families. SB 5480 prohibits collection agencies from reporting medical debt to consumer credit agencies, easing the burden on families who are faced with unexpected medical costs.
- Reduce plastic pollution and increase access to recycling (Recycling Reform Act HB 1150/SB 5284): The companion to my legislation which I highlighted previously, the Recycling Reform Act which will increase our recycling rates by requiring producers of consumer products to be responsible for managing their packaging after its use. They will also reimburse 90% of utility costs to ratepayers like you and invest in system improvements to provide more convenient, affordable and equitable recycling service to all Washingtonians.
- Expanding pregnancy and postpartum workplace accommodations (SB 5217 ): Right now, state law only requires businesses over 15 employees to provide any sort of pregnancy-related accommodations. SB 5217 guarantees paid lactation breaks regardless of the employer size and limits an employer’s ability to require lactation breaks are used during lunch or rest breaks.
- Fully funding special education (SB 5263): As the mom of two elementary school students, boosting funding to our public schools is personal to me. This bill would remove the arbitrary enrollment cap on special education funding from the state so that our public schools can fully support all of our kiddos.
Legislative Youth Advisory Council: Apply today!
Did you know that there is a nonpartisan youth advisory group that consists of students ages 14-17 from across the state? The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) brings the voices of our youth to the Legislature and ensures that their interests are represented. LYAC meets with community leaders, lawmakers, and youth to lobby, testify in committees, and organize events.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Currently be in grades 7 – 10
- Reside and attend school in the State of Washington
- Have the consent of a parent or guardian to participate
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leaders is optional but strongly recommended. Applications close on April 30, so apply today! https://walyac.org/apply
Constituent Coffee Chat at KEXP on April 13!
Hearing from you is incredibly valuable to me, so please contact my office if you have any questions or comments.
Talk soon,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District