Dear friends and neighbors,
Last week, I had the honor of speaking at a Youth Legislative Takeover. As someone who joined the legislature at 28 years old, it was apparent that the legislature was missing young voices. Since then, young people have come out in full force to lead our communities. Events like this one are proof that when young Washingtonians have the tools to organize, advocate, and engage, they drive real change in our state.
Protecting All Communities Against Rising Threats
In Washington state, many elected leaders are parents and proud members of the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when both children and LGBTQ+ individuals face relentless attacks, I recognize the emotional toll of these developments and want you to know I am listening and standing with you.
Despite alarming federal actions, Washington’s strong protections remain. Our laws uphold access to gender-affirming care and nondiscrimination policies that keep students safe. We will continue to strengthen these safeguards this legislative session.
Key legislation includes:
- HB 1296: Promotes a safe and supportive public education system.
- SB 5179: Establishes a complaint process for addressing noncompliance with state education laws.
- SB 5180: Secures students’ rights to a safe, civil, and respectful learning environment.
- HB 1604/SB 5490: Sets guidelines for conducting searches of transgender and intersex individuals in local jails.
Every person deserves to live free from fear and hate, regardless of identity. To transgender youth, immigrant communities, and communities of color: You are not alone. I stand with you in the fight for a safer, more inclusive Washington.
WA State Developmental Disabilities Council Survey
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (WADDC) is gathering feedback to identify challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Your input will shape the Council’s 5-Year State Plan. Take the survey here.
The survey closes July 21, 2025, and is available in multiple languages. Your support ensures all voices—especially from underserved communities—are heard in shaping a more inclusive Washington.
An Update on My Bills:
As we make our way through week five of the 105-day legislative session, many bills I’ve introduced are on the move through the legislative process. Below is an update on a few that outline my top priorities:
House Bill 1112 removes the requirement for pro-tempore judges to reside in Seattle, addressing delays in the city’s busiest municipal court by recognizing that most judges, like other skilled workers, commute to Seattle. This legislation passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote and heads to the Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 1113 allows for a more balanced approach by creating the option for misdemeanor diversion, aligning Washington with 13 other states that have already made similar reforms. The bill was voted out of the House Committee on Community Safety earlier this week.
House Bill 1130 updates an outdated statute regarding the utilization of developmental disability waivers. These revisions ensure that waivers are available to those who need it most. Last week, the House Committee on Early Learning and Human Services votes this bill out of committee.
House Bill 1132 will reduce the flow of illegal firearms in the state, help law enforcement prevent harm, and cut off the supply of weapons and ammo flowing into the black market. Firearms bought in bulk are twice as likely to become ghost guns and 64 percent more likely to be used in crime. At the end of last month, the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary voted to pass this bill out of committee.
House Bill 1147 supports civic engagement for incarcerated and institutionalized individuals in state custody to promote inclusion and rehabilitation. The House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations passed this bill on January 31st. It awaits a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee.
House Bill 1220 ensures that individuals in behavioral health crises are not automatically given a felony upcharge when they may not fully understand their actions. Earlier this week, the House Committee on Community Safety voted to pass this bill.
House Bill 1395 streamlines the home care worker background check process which is time-consuming and can result in lost job opportunities, workforce shortages, and interruption of care. Watch my recent video update to learn more. The bill awaits a pull in the House Rules Committee for consideration on the floor of the House.
House Bill 1412 establishes the Washington State Commission on Middle Eastern & North African Americans and designates April as Middle Eastern & North African American Heritage Month. Passed by the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations last week, it now heads to the House Appropriations Committee.
Serve As a Legislative Page
I was honored to have Caitlin Reilly serve as a legislative page in our office last week. The Washington State Legislature is one of the best Legislative Page programs in the country. Open to youth ages 14-18, pages contribute to the efficient operation of the legislature, receive daily civics instruction, draft their own bills, and participate in mock committee hearings.
Taking part in the page program is a great opportunity for young people to gain a unique perspective of the legislative process. If you have a teen who could benefit from this experience, I encourage you to consider sending them to Olympia for a week. For more information, please visit the House Page Program website.
Stay In Touch
Please continue to share your thoughts on issues that matter most to you by emailing me. You can also follow me on Facebook for the latest updates Thank you for staying engaged!
In Service,
Rep. Darya Farivar