What Housing Bills Should We Pass This Session? Share Your Thoughts!
Dear friends and neighbors,
The second week of the 2025 legislative session wraps up today, and I’m excited to share what we’ve been up to, and what is in store for the coming weeks as we work to pass policies that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the state.
Kids Can’t Learn if They Don’t Feel Safe
Rep. Monica Stonier and Rep. Osman Salahuddin at the Pro-Choice Rally at the Capitol in Olympia on January 22, 2025.
When kids don’t feel safe at school they aren’t focusing on the book in front of them or the lesson being taught in the classroom – they’re focused on what they’re feeling: fear, anxiety and loneliness that come from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and abuse.
That’s not right. No child should have to sacrifice their right to learn because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. We have a responsibility to provide a safe, healthy school environment for every student in Washington, which is why I sponsored HB 1296.
This bill requires schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student’s safety, access to public education, and privacy, including transgender and gender-expansive students. It also underscores the rights of parents to continue to be the first teachers for young people and further includes those parents who may need accommodation to do just that. Every learner should be able to thrive in Washington. However a student shows up, their success is our responsibility.
Upholding Safe and Inclusive Schools
Recent federal actions have undermined immigration protections in places like schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. This new policy sends a chilling message, but we will stick to our values to uphold and protect the rights of all students, regardless of immigration status.
Under Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982), undocumented children have the right to attend public schools. Washington schools cannot deny admission based on immigration status, must avoid practices that discourage enrollment, are prohibited from requiring social security numbers, and are not obligated to enforce immigration laws.
Washington schools must also notify families in advance if federal authorities present a warrant, ensuring time to seek a protective order unless legally forbidden.
If you or someone you know experiences discrimination or rights violations in a public school, you can file a complaint through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Learn more about OSPI’s immigrant students’ rights here. If you’re an educational professional, consider reviewing the Attorney General’s guidance on immigration enforcement here.
Tell Me What You Think! Weigh in on What Housing Bills Should Pass This Session
Did you know that every $100 increase in median rent is estimated to increase homelessness by 9%? With skyrocketing rents pushing families to the brink, we’re taking bold action to stabilize housing costs and protect tenants from displacement. These measures are critical to ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, race, or background—has access to a safe, stable place to call home.
Our housing policies are rooted in equity, addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately burden marginalized and low-income households. By advancing rent stabilization and tenant protections, we’re not just fighting against homelessness; we’re building a Washington where families can put down roots, children can grow up securely, and communities can prosper.
This priority reflects our commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on and upholding the values of fairness and dignity for all Washingtonians.
Here’s some of the bills that are being considered in the House Housing Committee this session. Make sure you take the survey to weigh in on what bills matter to you the most to help pass housing policies that will make a difference for YOU.
I’ll be back with another update in a few weeks but until then you can always email me at monica.stonier@leg.wa.gov or stop by my Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest news.
