Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2025 session is in full swing, and I’m working hard to support our communities in the 46th district and across the state. There’s still so much to do before we adjourn, and I want to hear from you. That’s why I hoped to host a community conversation tonight from 6:30 to 8 PM. Unfortunately, tonight’s event will be postponed. Please stay on the lookout for an announcement for when this event is rescheduled. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!
In the meantime, please consider swinging by Olympia next week on March 4th to welcome the Persian New Year, Nowruz, with Attorney General Brown, Speaker Jinkins, and me. You can also stay updated on all future events by clicking here.
Protecting Trans Youth
I’ve been hearing from so many of you about the importance of protecting vulnerable communities, especially transgender youth. I want you to know that I hear you, and I stand with you. Here in Washington, we are committed to ensuring access to gender-affirming care and making sure our schools remain safe spaces for all students. Despite troubling actions at the federal level, we are strengthening protections at home. We’re working on legislation to expand legal safeguards, improve access to healthcare, and ensure schools provide inclusive and supportive environments. Everyone deserves to live without fear, and I will continue fighting for a more inclusive Washington. Click here to learn more about our work supporting to the Attorney General’s efforts to defeat unlawful actions from the President and to protect transgender youth in Washington State.
A Balanced Approach
On the budget front, we must face a difficult reality. Former Governor Jay Inslee’s “Book 1” budget illustrates what would happen if we relied solely on cuts—slashing $12 billion in services, including devastating reductions in support for people with disabilities. This is not the direction we should take. As we work on the budget, I’ll prioritize a balanced approach that protects the most vulnerable while maintaining the progress we’ve made.
To the Senate
Last Friday marked the first major legislative deadline—policy cutoff—meaning all bills had to move out of committee to stay in consideration. I’m excited to share that many of my bills have passed their respective committees and two are running ahead as they passed the House and head to the Senate. One is an update to our developmental disability waiver system (HB 1130) to ensure those who need services the most can access them. Another, passed earlier this month, helps address delays in Seattle’s municipal court by allowing pro-tempore judges to serve even if they don’t live in the city (HB 1112). These may seem like small changes, but they will make a real difference in people’s lives.
In my last video update, I discussed two important bills aimed at creating a fairer justice system. House Bill 1113 introduces a more balanced approach by allowing misdemeanor diversion, bringing our state in line with 13 others that have already adopted similar reforms. Meanwhile, House Bill 1220 ensures that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises are not automatically subjected to felony upcharges when they may not fully understand their actions. Both bills passed the House Committee on Community Safety, marking an important step toward a more just and compassionate legal system.
Traveling this year?
On May 7, 2025, the federal REAL ID Act goes into effect nationwide. Beginning on that date, if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you won’t be able to fly in the U.S. or enter a restricted federal facility. Click here to learn more and click here to see if you’re ready for this change.
Blake Refund Bureau
Washington state has launched a website for people convicted of drug possession between 1971 and 2021 to request refunds for fines, fees, and other costs. This follows the 2021 State v. Blake decision, which ruled the state’s drug possession law unconstitutional. If you had your conviction vacated by a judge, you can apply for a refund at www.courts.wa.gov/blakerefund. For assistance with the application process, call 360.704.1913.
Stay Engaged
Thank you for staying informed and engaged. I truly appreciate hearing from you and hope to see you tonight at our community conversation. If you can’t attend, please follow me on Facebook for updates and share your thoughts on the issues that matter most you by emailing me or calling my office.
In Service,
Rep. Darya Farivar