Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who showed up for our town halls in Bremerton and Bainbridge Island! Hearing directly from you about your concerns, hopes, and aspirations for our government is the most important feedback I can get. You can read about the town hall here. Hopefully, we will be able to host a tele town hall in the next couple of months to continue to receive your ideas and feedback.
Bills Alive!
The House just hit “House of Origin” cutoff, which means that any bills originating in the House that had not passed by last Wednesday are now dead. Prior to Wednesday, we had full time floor action, with debate going on the floor until midnight, even 1 and 2 AM some nights. While there is certainly legislation that did not make it past the deadline that I regret, legislation often takes multiple years to pass. I am committed to continuing to work on the bills that did not make it this year, and will hopefully be able to push them over the line next year.
In the end the late nights were worth it as we were able to pass a record 331 bills and resolutions through the House. These bills include bills to protect reproductive rights, increase housing supply and affordability, support and increase our workforce, and protect out communities. I am also proud to report that five of my bills passed the House and are now being considered by the Senate. Read on for a run down.
HB 1357: Improving Patient Access to Care by Modernizing the Prior Access System
Before I became a lawyer, my first career was as a nurse. In that role, I saw how obtaining ‘prior authorization’ for treatment from insurance companies slowed patient access to care and increased the cost of health care. Some insurance companies are still relying on fax machines! HB 1357 streamlines and modernizes the prior authorization process. It will result in quicker access to care for patients.
HB 1168: Prenatal Substance Exposure
Prenatal substance exposure can impact a child and their chance at success before they are even born. Washington has an interagency agreement dedicated to identification, prevention, and intervention programs for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is time that our state treats children with prenatal substance exposure just as seriously. HB 1168 would have Washington treat prenatal substance exposure the same way that we treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. All children deserve a fair shot to start life and this bill will ensure that kids and families impacted by Substance Use Disorder have a chance.
HB 1169: Reforming the Legal Financial Obligation System
Right now, when a person cannot pay an LFO, it traps them in a cycle of debt that prevents them from moving on with their life. A criminal conviction already comes with significant collateral consequences in housing and employment. We do not need to continue forcing people who cannot pay into debt in order to fund our court system. HB 1169 reforms the LFO system and creates more opportunity for our neighbors who are returning to our communities. By eliminating LFOs that many are not able to afford, we free up our court clerks to collect important LFOs like victim restitution.
HB 1082: Expanding Opportunity for Physical and Occupational Therapy Professionals
Physical and Occupational Therapists help people recover and rehabilitate from injuries and adapt to new physical realities. They often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, state law currently bars them from operating a professional service corporation with other healthcare professionals. These are two occupations could share facilities and clients with other healthcare professionals that might be useful at different stages of their rehabilitation. HB 1082 allows occupational and physical therapists to join into professional service corporations with other healthcare professionals including acupuncturists. This removes an unnecessary regulation that prevents healthcare professionals from better serving their community.
HB 1255: Reducing Stigma and Incentivizing Healthcare Professionals to Participate in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Monitoring Program
The Washington Health Professional Services program is a treatment and monitoring program for healthcare professionals who are diagnosed with substance use disorder. Once the healthcare professional completes the course, they can retain their license to practice. Currently, however taking part in the program puts you on a publicly available list, even after you have completed the five year program. This stigmatizes people with a treatable health condition and disincentivizes participation, at a time when we need more nurses. HB 1255 allows a healthcare provider’s name to come off this list once they have completed the program and provides some monetary assistance for participating in the program as it can be costly.
Latino Democratic Caucus
When the Latino Democratic Caucus’ Chair, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, was sworn into the House of Representatives ten years ago, she was the only Latina in the entire Legislature, a caucus of one. That is why I am so excited that this year we are finally able to form the Latino Democratic Caucus. Comprised of eight House members and 3 state senators, our goal is to uplift Latino families across the state of Washington. Watch our video below to see the ways that we hope to help Latinos in Washington thrive.
Thank you for reading my legislative newsletter. I will continue updating you periodically throughout the legislative session.
Sincerely,
Rep. Tarra Simmons