My first legislative session is coming to an end.  I’m proud to have championed 4 bills that passed the House and Senate and to have had my first signed into law. There is of course still a ton of work to do to dismantle barriers, strengthen civil rights, protect democracy and ensure our budget reflects our values and needs of the people across our State. 

When we center fairness and equity in our policies, we make better laws, and I will continue to bring this focus to the work I do for the 3LD. With your support, I will continue to fight for working families, expanding housing and healthcare access, and ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, background, or ZIP code—can thrive in Spokane and across Washington. 

I am very proud to share my very first bill that was officially signed into law! I was joined by members Rep. Taylor, Rep. Ormsby and Rep. Thomas, key staff from the Secretary of State office, our first Page Isha and Intern Stella, and my Legislative Assistant Dasha Ventura!  

HB 1361 – Modernizing Service of Process Laws

This new law removes confusion, cuts unnecessary costs, and removes barriers—all while making the law more accessible to the people. It’s a small but powerful step toward making our legal system work better, especially people navigating it without an attorney. 

In these final days of session, one of the most urgent issues on our desks is rent stabilization. Last week, the Senate made changes to our rent stabilization bill that moved us further from the protections Washington families need and support, especially for Spokane renters. 

The Senate’s amendments allow rent to increase by 10% plus inflation—potentially 12 to 15% each year. It also removes protections for those living in single-family homes, which is over 30% of the rentals in Spokane. This is simply not good enough! 

The House voted to NOT CONCUR and to go to conference to try to fix these unacceptable changes. I will keep fighting to pass 1217 without these amendments because Rent stabilization is not a threat—it is a lifeline and Spokane cannot afford to be left out of these protections!

Our juvenile justice system is in crisis. At Green Hill, youth are overcrowded, isolated, and denied the tools they need to heal and grow. Staff are exhausted, safety is slipping, and true rehabilitation is falling away.  SB 5296 offered a real path forward. Instead of perpetuating a broken system, this bill proposed a smarter, more humane approach. And we missed that chance.  

I understand the political challenges, but the reality is this: kids are being harmed – right now, in our name – and we failed to act. I won’t give up. I believe in these young people. They deserve a second chance – and a first one too. I’ll keep fighting for SB 5296 that will:  

 ✔ Prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration

✔ Expand community-based placements

✔ Give judges discretion to consider the full story

✔ Reduce recidivism and built safer communities 

In recognition, House Members, including me, signed onto a letter to the youth at Green Hill – read more here. 

The Students’ Rights Bill, HB 1296, affirms that every young person—regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance—has the right to a quality education free from harassment, discrimination, or erasure.  

Let’s be clear—this legislation doesn’t take rights away from parents. It ensures our schools reflect the values of equity, inclusion, and dignity that all families deserve. It outlines clear, common-sense rights and empowers students and families by improving accountability and access to civil rights protections in our schools. 

This week, we made history for working people in Washington with two historical bills:

✅ SB 5041: Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers  When workers are pushed to the point of striking, it’s not a decision they make lightly. It’s an act of bravery—and solidarity. Senate Bill 5041 ensures those workers have access to unemployment benefits while they fight for safer conditions, fair pay, and respect on the job. 

🤰 SB 5217: Expanding Pregnancy-Related Accommodations  Pregnancy shouldn’t be a barrier to job security or workplace dignity. Senate Bill 5217 expands protections for pregnant workers that are long overdue, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations such as more flexible scheduling, additional restroom breaks, and relief from physically demanding tasks so no one has to risk their health to stay employed. 

While families are in crisis and our democracy under attack domestically, some House Republicans are spending precious time filing performative bills like the “WA DOGE” act—complete with social media videos and gimmicks.  Instead of listening to the people they represent, these lawmakers are mocking their concerns and ignoring their voices. 

This distraction from the real issues our communities are facing is an insult to the thousands of Washingtonians who showed up to protest during the Hands Off Washington week, demanding protections for bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ youth, and public education. It is also intended to further divide us during a time we need to work together to protect American democracy. 

Instead of listening to the people they represent, these lawmakers are mocking their concerns and ignoring their voices. Not on my watch! Kings are not welcome in this Washington and I will continue to fight against fascism at every level.

My work doesn’t end when the gavel falls. I’ll be spending the interim home in Spokane, listening, learning, and staying rooted in the people and places that make this job worth doing. Thank you for trusting me to represent you. Let’s keep building a Washington that works for everyone.

In solidarity,

Rep. Natasha Hill