Dear friends and neighbors,
Last Saturday, our hearts were broken by the sudden passing of our colleague and dear friend, Senator Bill Ramos. Bill was more than a legislator — he was a beloved mentor, a fierce advocate, and a proud Latino leader who brought integrity and compassion to everything he did. He passed while trail running with his beloved dog, Sadie — surrounded by the forests he fought tirelessly to protect. It’s hard to imagine Olympia without him.
From Oakland to Olympia, Bill’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to service. Whether it was environmental justice, housing, or community-centered policymaking, Bill approached every challenge with humility, heart, and courage. He was a leader who truly listened, who uplifted those on the margins, and who left every space better than he found it.
When I arrived in Olympia as a freshman legislator and began receiving death threats, Bill stood by my side. He didn’t have to — but that’s who he was. His warmth, kindness, and steady wisdom guided me and so many others. To honor his memory, I’m recommitting to what he often called “creating good trouble” — disrupting systems that harm and building policies rooted in care and equity. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Sarah Perry, and the entire Ramos family. Rest in power, Senator Ramos.
Congratulations Rep. Pollet!
I want to take a moment to celebrate a huge legislative win. Last week, we passed Senate Bill 5263, a long-overdue piece of legislation that increases funding for special education services across Washington. For years, my seatmate, Rep. Gerry Pollet, has championed the fight to eliminate our state’s cap on funding for students with disabilities — an outdated, inequitable policy that restricted access to critical supports for too many children.
This bill is a game-changer. It not only lifts the cap but also streamlines the evaluation process so students can receive the services they need sooner. It helps relieve families from having to navigate complex bureaucracies or pay out of pocket for essential educational services. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — and thanks to this legislation, we are one step closer to making that vision a reality. My deepest appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to Rep. Pollet and all the advocates who made this possible!
Why We Must Reimagine Juvenile Rehabilitation
While we’ve seen progress, we’ve also faced painful setbacks. On April 16th, the House failed to advance SB 5296, a bill that would have reformed our state’s juvenile sentencing framework and invested in rehabilitation over incarceration.
This wasn’t just a missed policy opportunity — it was a moral failure. Today, far too many youth — especially Black, Brown, and Native children — are incarcerated in conditions that are isolating and deeply harmful. We know what works: keeping young people close to their communities, expanding access to mental health and educational supports, and giving judge’s discretion to prioritize rehabilitation.
Though the bill stalled, I’m not giving up. Alongside 28 of my colleagues, I remain committed to building a justice system that centers healing, equity, and second chances. You can read more in our joint statement.
Session Wrap-Up & Bill Updates
We’re just four days away from the end of the 2025 legislative session! In the coming weeks, I’ll be sending out a full update summarizing our work — so keep an eye on your mailbox.
In the meantime, I’m excited to share a few key wins:
HB 1395, which streamlines background checks for home care workers, is headed to the Governor’s desk. Learn more by clicking here or on the image below:
HB 1130, which improves our developmental disability waiver system, is also awaiting the Governor’s signature.
And I’m proud to report that one of my bills, HB 1112, to reduce judicial delays in Seattle Municipal Court has officially been signed into law!
Stay Connected
Hearing from you is the most important part of this job. Every day, your emails shape my understanding of the challenges and priorities in our district.
This week, I want to thank Robert, who wrote to me about HB 1310/SB 5307, bills supporting funding for special education. I fully support HB 1310 and appreciate your advocacy. Together with SB 5263, these policies bring us closer to an education system that truly meets the needs of all learners — especially those at Seattle Public Schools.
Please keep reaching out and stay tuned for an invitation to an upcoming town hall in early June! It’s an honor to serve you and our incredible 46th District.
In service,
Rep. Darya Farivar