Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve officially crossed the halfway mark of the 2026 legislative session. Right now, we are doing full-time floor action. That means we are spending long days (and some nights) debating bills on the House floor. The bills that get passed will go to the Senate for consideration. Soon, the senate will be sending their bills to us.
In this newsletter, I wanted to update you on some of my priority bills.
Black History Month – expanding and protecting our fundamental rights
First, let me take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month. This a time to recognize and honor the contributions that the Black community has made to our country, our state, and our communities.
I am particularly reminded of the sacrifices so many have made to expand the right to vote to all U.S. citizens. Being able to vote is a fundamental right we all have that allows us to participate in our communities and have a say over what happens to us. The first bill I ever passed in the legislature, in 2021, changed state law to automatically restore the voting rights of formerly incarcerated people. I am still working to get the more than 15,000 people currently inside Washington’s prisons the right to vote through HB 1196. The right to vote ensures our voices matter and it should be extended to all citizens.
The right to vote must also be protected.
The federal administration has made it a point to attempt to change and disrupt our ability to vote. They’ve tried to force mid-decade redistricting to gain more seats in Congress, sued states (including ours) for voter data, forcibly seized state’s ballots, changed the postmark process which can disrupt mail-in voting, and even suggested elections should just be taken over by the federal government entirely.
In this Washington, we’re trying to protecting our most sacred right through policies such as: tightening the rules for challenging a voter’s registration, reviewing major election changes for cities and town to ensure they don’t unintentionally harm protected voters, protecting military members’ and citizens’ living abroad ability to vote, and protecting our representation by allowing our state to do mid-decade redistricting if another state does.
On this, the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, let us honor all the work that’s been done to expand and protect civil rights and continue to fight for it for ourselves, and our neighbors.
An Update on My Bills
Here is a brief update on some of my priority bills. You can see a full list of all the bills I’ve sponsored this session here.
Moving forward – bills that passed out of committee
Requiring insurance carriers cover treatment for pediatric disorders: House Bill 2196 mandates health care providers cover IVIG treatments for PANDAS/PANS pediatric disorders, ensuring Washington’s children can get the recommended care they deserve without sending their families into debt or forcing them to seek health care away from their home.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing advocates to bring this policy forward. Thank you so much to everyone who has shared their story with me and other members in our legislature. You can hear some of those stories here.
PASSED THE HOUSE! Expanding support for health care professionals in recovery: HB 2340 expands Washington’s CARES Program so nursing assistants have equitable access to financial support for substance use treatment — and it helps reduce stigma after someone successfully completes the program. CARES already supports registered nurses with accountability, monitoring, and a clear path to keep working while they get well. This bill makes sure nursing assistants can access that same support.
As someone who graduated from this program, I am proud to continue to grow it to support more people. The House passed this bipartisan legislation off the floor. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. Listen to my testimony about the bill here.
Gone, but not forgotten – bills that did not pass out of committee
Here are a few bills that I introduced this year that did not make it past cutoff but I am committed to continuing to work on them.
Maintaining a stable health care system: House Bill 2106 requires health insurance carriers to give enough notice to providers and health care facilities about significant contract changes, protecting patients from unexpected changes in coverage and maintaining the stability of our health care system.
Improving healthcare in jails: House Bill 1743 creates more opportunities for community-based health care providers to provide services inside jails, improving outcomes for our incarcerated community members and helping counties save money.
The Law Enforcement Body Worn Camera Act: House Bill 2644 creates a uniform statewide standard requiring all law enforcement officers to have and activate their body worn cameras during law enforcement encounters. The bill also allows anyone who is the subject of an interaction captured by a body worn camera to request a copy of the recording at no cost.
Ensuring due process when placing a police officer on the Brady List: House Bill 2643 creates a way for law enforcement officers to petition the superior court, appeal, or otherwise intervene in a prosecuting attorney’s decision to place the officer on the Brady List.
These are all good policies that help maintain health care access and make us safer. I will continue to push these bills forward.
We’re now on the back half of this short session. I look forward to continuing to update you as we race toward the finish.
Keep an eye out for the next newsletter!
Sincerely,
Rep. Tarra Simmons