Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are just days away from the next legislative session, and I have already hit the ground running. In this newsletter, I want to share with you my priorities for the upcoming session, and how you can get involved.
Session Priorities
I have already pre-filed one bill ahead of the legislative session that I am excited about and will soon have a few more.
I’ve partnered with Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Gig Harbor) to prefile House Bill 2106, a bipartisan bill that would require insurance carriers to give substantive and advance notice to health care providers and facilities before making significant contract modifications. This will help prevent those last-minute surprises from carriers that can disrupt patient care, protect patients from unexpected changes in coverage, and strengthen stability in our health care system, especially in rural and underserved areas
Additionally, several of the bills I sponsored last year are still in consideration. Bills such as:
HB 1743 – this bill, in collaboration with Kitsap County leadership, to create more opportunities for community-based health care providers to provide health inside of jails – a cheaper alternative to relying solely on large third-party providers.
HB 1125 – this bill would provide defense counsel with an opportunity to petition for a sentence review on behalf of their clients under certain circumstances. This is the same tool prosecutors already have, but defense counsel does not.
HB 1196 – this bill would protect the voting rights of incarcerated and justice-involved community members, helping them maintain a critical connection to their communities that supports their rehabilitation.
Each of these bills are in line with my commitment to improve healthcare and healthcare access for all Washingtonians, and to ensure our state lives up to the values of equity and justice for ALL. I look forward to updating you on each of these policies and others as they move through the legislature during the upcoming session.
Contacting my office during session
Speaking of session, the 2026 session is what’s considered a “short” session, which means we have just 60 days to complete our work. On top of our limited time, we have the challenge of navigating an increasingly difficult budget situation as well as the unpredictability that continues to come from the federal government. However, I have never been one to back down from a challenge. I’ll need your help though. It’s critical we hear from you and get your thoughts and opinions on the issues.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever for you to participate. You can always contact my office by email or call (360) 786-7934. More importantly, committees are always looking for robust testimony. We have written, remote, and in-person options for testimony.
I hope you and your family have a restful holiday, and I’ll see you in the new year!
Sincerely,
Rep. Tarra Simmons