New law, inspired by WSU student’s death, stiffens penalties for hazing
Washington’s laws against hazing were significantly stiffened Monday, as Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation named in honor of a Washington State University student who died of alcohol poisoning after he was hazed at fraternity events. The new law makes hazing a gross misdemeanor, rather than a simple misdemeanor. It makes hazing a felony if it results in substantial bodily harm. It bumps up penalties for hazing from a maximum of 90 days to up to a year — and up to five years for the felony version. Known as the Sam Martinez Stop Hazing Law, it passed both the House and Senate unanimously. The law, Inslee said in a signing statement, “reflects the inherent danger of hazing rituals that can pressure college students to consume large amounts of alcohol.” Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Courtesy of the family)
WA transgender youth bill targeted in national culture war
Washington state Sen. Marko Liias knew his bill to help unsheltered transgender youth would generate controversy. Approved in the Democratic-controlled House and Senate along party-line votes, Senate Bill 5599 expands an existing law that allows organizations providing services to unsheltered youth to delay notifying a parent or guardian if there is a compelling reason not to, such as abuse or neglect. SB 5599 adds to these reasons youth who are seeking protected healthcare services, which include gender-affirming treatment and reproductive health care. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Amanda Snyder)
Washington’s regular legislative session is over. Here are some of the highlights
Washington’s legislature adjourned its 2023 regular session with a new two-year state budget, alongside dozens of policy changes focused on housing, health care and public safety – and a surprising last-minute bill failure. It was the first session with lawmakers back in-person since the pandemic hit, and legislators talked for weeks about how collaborative the session felt as they worked on bills together in person for the first time in years. “We’re able to have more thoughtful conversations,” said Rep. Joe Nguyen (D-West Seattle). “There’s been a significant amount of work being done across the aisle.” But echoes of pandemic-era sessions remained, with hybrid committee hearings allowing the public to testify on bills remotely and weekly news conferences with legislative leaders held online. Continue reading at NW Public Radio. (Jeanie Lindsay)
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