Below are a few highlights to share out regarding our mid-session legislative update.
Summary
- NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is excited about the progress of our priority bills, and of the priorities of our coalition partners.
- We have seen advancements in legislation that will make our tax code more equitable for all Washingtonians and will lead to more funding for social programs, including Family Planning and Medicaid coverage for abortion. Progressive revenue bills include a Capital Gains Tax and the Working Families Tax Credit.
- We have also been working with partners for years to pass the Protecting Pregnant Patients Act (SSB 5140). There are health systems in Washington that have institutional policies that prevent timely miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy care. SSB 5140 will ensure that providers are able to provide this care without facing employer repercussions. This is the first year it has been voted out of the Senate and it will be heard in the House Healthcare Committee on March 11th, at 10 AM. We are looking forward to hearing from the patients, experts, and providers on the panels.
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Activists mobilized to drive this change. In fact, Activists, representing 86% of counties across Washington, organized 55 virtual meetings with legislators. The virtual legislative session made it possible for more folks to engage directly with legislators, and the amazing NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Activists really stepped up to make their voices heard.
