Bill Cut Off Dates 

We are in the midst of a number of bill cutoff dates.  This past Wednesday was the last day for bills to pass out of policy committees.  Next, bills impacting the state budget must pass out of House fiscal committees, Senate Ways and Means, and the Senate Transportation Committee by Monday, February 5.  Another looming cutoff point is February 13; bills must pass out of their house of origin by this date.  See below for opportunities to contact your legislators about bills that should be supported or rejected.  Thank you for your advocacy!

Urge Your Representative To Respect Life And Oppose HB 1151

Send a message to your state representatives and urge them to vote against House Bill 1151 (HB 1151), which would promote the mishandling of human embryos.  Identify your district and representatives and find a link to send them a message here. The House may vote on this bill soon. HB 1151 would mandate health coverage of fertility services. The WSCC specifically opposes the promotion of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which creates human embryos that are not properly cared for. Our Catholic faith teaches us to respect all life and that life begins at conception. However, IVF often results in unused embryos that are frozen indefinitely, destroyed, or abandoned. Life is not properly cared for nor respected. Additionally, IVF can treat children as commodities that are manufactured outside of the construct of the expression of love of a married couple. A more thorough explanation of the complexity of the Church’s opposition to IVF may be found here. In line with the legislative priority to respect life, the WSCC opposes HB 1151 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 5204.

Ask Your Senators To Pass These Bills Out Of The Senate 

Ask your state senator to support these two bills which are eligible to be voted on by the Senate.  Identify your district and state senator and find a link to send them a message here.  

• Senate Bill 5917 (SB 5917) updates language for hate crimes. Currently, hate crime laws apply if a specific person’s property is damaged.  SB 5917 would consider damage to public property to be a hate crime if motivated by the perception of one’s “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability.”  In line with the bishops’ religious liberty and racial justice priorities, the WSCC supports SB 5917.
• Senate Bill 6063 (SB 6063) revises how the “three strikes,” or persistent offender, law is applied to those who committed crimes while under the age of 18.  The “three strikes” law requires courts to impose a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release when a person is deemed to be a persistent offender. Currently, crimes committed when one is under 18 may be applied to the definition of a persistent offender.  SB 6063 would modify the definition of persistent offender to exclude crimes committed when one is under 18 years old.  In line with the bishops’ restorative justice legislative priority, the WSCC supports SB 6063.

Oppose Changes To Abortion Prescription Labels

If your state senator is a member of the Senate Rules Committee or if one of your representatives is a member of the House Rules Committee, please urge them to oppose Senate Bill 5960 (SB 5960) and House Bill 2115 (HB 2115), which would allow a health care provider who has prescribed an abortion medication to request that their name not be printed on the prescription label. Identify your district and legislators and find a link to send them a message here.  In lieu of abortion providers’ names, a physician’s identification number or a health care facility name may be used on prescription labels.  Proponents of the bill argue that omitting a provider name will decrease harassment or intimidation.  The WSCC does not condone harassment nor violence against abortion providers.  At the same time, women may experience adverse effects following an abortion, and it is important that provider information be easily accessible in the event of an emergency.  The health of women seeking abortions should be prioritized. Additionally, federal law requires that a physician’s name be provided on prescription labels. Respecting life and the dignity of every human person is a legislative priority, and the WSCC opposes HB 2115 and SB 5960.

Help These Bills Pass Out Of The Appropriations Committee

If one of your representatives is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, send your representative a message and urge him or her to pass HB 1075, HB 1929, HB 1941, HB 2019, HB 2049, HB 2058, HB 2070, HB 2076, HB 2130, and HB 2270 out of the committee. Identify your district and representatives and find a link to send them a message here. Bills must be passed out of the Appropriations Committee by Monday, February 5. Bill descriptions are below.

HB 1075: Improving Eligibility For The Working Families Tax Credit

House Bill 1075 (HB 1075) would improve eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).  WFTC is an annual tax credit up to $1,200 for Washington residents with low to moderate incomes.  Currently, single adults aged 18 to 24 are not eligible to receive this tax credit.  Adults over the age of 65 are also ineligible.  HB 1075 would amend the WFTC to cover all adults aged 18 and over.  This will particularly benefit individuals that aged out of the foster care system or are attending community college or trade school.  Increasing WFTC eligibility will also benefit the growing population of aging individuals living in poverty.  In line with the bishops’ economic justice legislative priority, the WSCC supports HB 1075.

HB 1929: Support For Youth Exiting Behavioral Health Care 

House Bill 1929 (HB 1929) would provide support for youth exiting inpatient behavioral health care. Young adults completing inpatient behavioral health care treatment are the largest group of people who become homeless within three to 12 months after exiting publicly funded care. This moment of exiting health care is a key point in time to end a youth’s experience with homelessness.  To assist youth during this important time, HB 1929 would create a post inpatient housing program for young adults to provide supportive transitional housing with behavioral health support.  This program would also focus on securing long-term housing for these young adults. HB 1929 is in line with the bishops’ legislative priorities of caring for children and families, combating homelessness, and providing health care for all.  The WSCC supports HB 1929 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 6050 (SB 6050). 

HB 1941: Improve Care for Children With Medically-Complex Conditions 

House Bill 1941 (HB 1941) would improve health care options for children receiving Medicaid who have medically-complex conditions.  In 2019, the federal government passed the Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act.  This law created provider “health homes” and health teams who can coordinate prompt care for children with medically complex conditions.  HB 1941 would create a plan to participate in the ACE Kids Act and establish these health home plans in Washington state to better serve children with medically complex conditions.  In line with the bishops’ legislative priority to improve health care access, the WSCC supports HB 1941.

HB 2019: Native American Apprentice Assistance Program

House Bill 2019 (HB 2019) would establish a Native American apprentice assistant program.  HB 2019 cites challenges Native Americans in our state face in attaining post-secondary education.  For example, in some cases there is a lack of access to programs near reservations.  In other instances, stigma against certain educational opportunities has developed as the result of experiences at historical boarding schools that separated Native American families.  Recognizing obstacles faced in the past, HB 2019 would create a Native American apprentice assistant program to create opportunities for indigenous people and advance workforce development. HB 2019 is in line with the bishops’ legislative priorities to respect the life and dignity of all and to seek racial justice and economic justice. The WSCC supports HB 2019.

HB 2049: The Washington Recycling and Packaging (Re-WRAP) Act 

Currently, over 50% of packaging and paper products are not recycled.  Additionally, less than 60% of the state has access to curbside recycling services. The Washington Recycling and Packaging Act (WRAP Act) was introduced in previous legislative sessions, and this Re-WRAP version of the bill once again proposes to modernize recycling in the state. House Bill 2049 (HB 2049) would employ producer responsibility to ensure that more packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.  Additionally, curbside recycling would be made available to all who currently have curbside garbage pickup services.  A statewide, standardized list of what can and cannot be recycled would also be produced. In line with the bishops’ legislative priority to care for God’s creations, the WSCC supports the Re-Wrap Act, HB 2049/SB 6005.

HB 2058: Increase Access To Free Meals In Schools

House Bill 2058 (HB 2058) would increase student access to free meals in public schools.  Food insecurity is a barrier to education.  Universal access will directly impact childhood hunger and reduce the stigma that is a barrier to accepting meals.  Programs offering free meals to students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade at qualifying schools are already underway, and SB 5964 would increase the scope of access, permitting any student that requests it to receive a free meal. In accordance with our children/families, education, and economic justice legislative priorities, the WSCC supports HB 2058 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 5964.

HB 2070: The CURB Pollution Act 

Under the Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Pollution Act, Senate Bill 5990 (SB 5990) and House Bill 2070 (HB 2070), projects seeking permits in areas overburdened by pollution would be subject to an environmental justice impact statement. Environmental justice impact statements will assess environmental and public health stressors resulting from proposed projects or projects seeking permit renewals.  Impacted communities will have an opportunity to speak about project impacts at a public hearing.  Permits will then be granted, deemed conditional, or denied based on the environmental justice impact statement and the public hearing. The CURB Pollution Act develops a transparent, replicable, and translatable process for analyzing the cumulative health risks of those who are disproportionately harmed by pollution. On Wednesday, WSCC Director of Policy and Communications, Adrienne Corpuz Joyce, testified in support of the CURB Pollution Act before the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy, and Technology.  The testimony may be viewed here.  In line with the bishops’ care for creation and environmental justice legislative priorities, the WSCC supports the CURB Pollution Act.

HB 2076: Addressing Human Trafficking

House Bill 2076 (HB 2076) addresses crimes involving human trafficking and sexual exploitation.  It further expands the criteria for which one can be found guilty of human trafficking to reflect the breadth of tactics used by traffickers. The bill also establishes a statewide committee to address the issue of children who are sexually exploited and to make recommendations on statewide laws and practices.  On January 16 WSCC executive director, Jean Hill, testified in support of HB 2076 at its committee hearing.  Jean’s testimony may be viewed here.  In line with the legislative priority to combat human trafficking, the WSCC supports HB 2076 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 6057 (SB 6057).

HB 2130: Extend Special Education Services 

House Bill 2130 (HB 2130) would extend special education services from age 21 to age 22. In line with the bishops’ legislative priority to care for those with disabilities, the WSCC supports HB 2130.

HB 2270: Creates A State Department Of Housing 

House Bill 2270 (HB 2270) would create a department of housing in Washington.  Amid a housing crisis in our state, a new housing department would focus solely on housing and homelessness issues and bring together state programs that currently span multiple agencies and partners.  Last month the bishops released this statement, calling on the faithful and legislators to care for vulnerable populations impacted by homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.  The WSCC supports HB 2270.

Help These Bills Pass Out Of Senate Ways and Means

If your senator is a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, urge him or her to pass SB 5109, SB 5893, SB 5908, and SB 6191 out of the committee. Identify your district and state senator and find a link to send him or her a message here. Bills must be passed out of Senate Ways and Means by Monday, February 5. Bill descriptions are below. 

SB 5109: Wage Replacement for Immigrant Workers 

Senate Bill 5109 (SB 5109) would establish a wage replacement program to help undocumented immigrant workers who are ineligible for unemployment insurance and meet certain qualifications. In line with the bishops’ immigration legislative priority, the WSCC supports SB 5109 and its companion bill, House Bill 1095 (HB 1095).

SB 5893: Support Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Reintegrating Into Society 

Senate Bill 5893 (SB 5893) would support those reintegrating into society and being released from custody prior to the end of their sentence.  Current law stipulates that those being discharged from the Department of Corrections shall be supplied with suitable clothing, transportation, and subsistence money that the operating budget has currently set for $300.  SB 5893 extends these provisions to those transitioning to partial confinement or community custody.  As individuals complete their sentences, it is important to support those departing from the Department of Corrections to prevent recidivism. This bill aligns with the bishops’ restorative justice legislative priority.  The WSCC supports SB 5893 and its companion bill, House Bill 1995 (HB 1995).

SB 5908: Improve The Extended Foster Care Program 

Senate Bill 5908 (SB 5908) would improve the extended foster care program. Youth who age out of the foster system face substantial challenges. An extended foster care program for youth ages 18-21 has proven impactful: 41% of youth who age out of the foster care system at age 18 experience homelessness or housing instability, compared to only 23% of those using the extended foster care program. SB 5908 improves the extended foster care program by allowing youth to enter or exit the program at any time when they are aged 18-21, increasing awareness of the program among foster youth, improving eligibility, and creating a housing and maintenance subsidy for participants.  Related to the bishops’ children/families and affordable housing/homelessness legislative priorities, the WSCC supports SB 5908 and its companion bill, House Bill 2218.

SB 6191: Increase Affordable Housing 

Using funds from the existing real estate excise tax, Senate Bill 6191 (SB 6191) would designate permanent funds for the housing trust fund, the apple health and homes account, the affordable housing for all account, the new developmental disabilities housing and services account, and the housing stability account. The bishops recently released this statement, calling on the faithful and legislators to care for vulnerable populations impacted by the lack of affordable housing and homelessness.  The WSCC supports SB 6191.

Ask Your Representatives To Pass These Bills Out Of Rules

If one of your representatives is a member of the House Rules Committee, now is the time to urge them to pass the following bills out of committee: HB 1368, HB 2012, HB 2097, and HB 2368. Identify your district and representatives and obtain their contact information here.  Bill descriptions are below.

HB 1368: Clean School Buses

House Bill 1368 (HB 1368) would require and fund the purchase of zero emission school buses.  Under the second substitute bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee, the Department of Ecology would administer a zero-emission school bus grant program and prioritize grants to overburdened communities and school districts with buses manufactured prior to 2007. The current version of the bill would also require 75 percent of school buses used in student transportation contracts to be zero emission by September 1, 2030.  With a statewide fleet of 10,000 buses, moving toward electric school buses would reduce pollution and adverse health effects resulting from diesel buses. In line with the bishops’ legislative priority to care for God’s creation, the WSCC supports HB 1368.

HB 2012: Support Nonprofits Providing Affordable Housing 

House Bill 2012 (HB 2012) would increase the eligibility of nonprofits for property tax exemptions if they are providing affordable rental housing or lots for mobile homes for qualifying low-income individuals. In line with the bishops’ legislative priorities to support affordable housing and combat homelessness, the WSCC supports HB 2012.

HB 2097: Recovering Wages Owed To Workers 

House Bill 2097 (HB 2097) would establish a work group to develop and recommend strategies to help employees recover wages owed to them when employers violate provisions of the Minimum Wage Act or other wage payment requirements.  The bishops prioritize the dignity of work and the rights of workers, and the WSCC supports HB 2097.

HB 2368: Refugee and Immigrant Assistance 

House Bill 2368 (HB 2368) establishes the scope of the office of refugee and immigrant assistance.  Under HB 2368, this office would coordinate state, federal, and local efforts to support the economic and social integration of immigrants and refugees arriving in Washington state.  This office would also provide cash assistance, medical assistance, and refugee support services to immigrants and refugees.  This past fall, the WSCC issued this statement on immigration.  In line with the legislative priority to care for immigrants, the WSCC supports HB 2368.

Preserving the Clergy-Penitent Privilege 

During the 2023 legislative session, the WSCC opposed legislation that would eliminate the clergy-penitent privilege and required priests to be mandatory reporters for child abuse or neglect even if information was obtained during the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  In the Catholic Church, priests are already mandatory reporters of abuse or neglect if information is obtained outside the confessional.  Senate Bill 6298 (SB 6298), a bill once again concerning clergy and mandatory reporting, was introduced this session, and is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.  WSCC executive director, Jean Hill, testified on this bill.  The WSCC will continue to work on this bill to preserve the clergy-penitent privilege in the confessional.

PREPARES Annual Appeal

PREPARES – Pregnancy & Parenting Support – is our promise to care for mothers, fathers, and their families from pregnancy to the child’s fifth birthday – no matter their beliefs. This program is a way we can “walk our talk” about celebrating the gift of life and making sure that no child – born or unborn – is ever abandoned or alone. 

As of 2023, PREPARES statewide has been embraced by 188 parishes; 742 parish Volunteers and Companions, trained by local Catholic Charities staff, have participated in supporting 14,120 vulnerable moms, dads, and children with one-on-one family companionship and infant and child essentials. 

Join our annual appeal. Your financial support enables us to continue the work of PREPARES in the state of Washington. Thank you for giving generously.

End Of Life Guide 

The WSCC publishes the “Catholic Guide to Making Good Decisions for End of Life: Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney,” a resource to assist in making choices about health care and in communicating decisions to others.  Our Catholic faith encourages prayerful reflection on death and preparation for it.  A Spanish translation is available.

Below are various resources of use during the legislative session: 

• WSCC Legislative Priorities
• Washington State Legislature - Information on bills, hearings, legislators, and more.
• Identify your district and legislators
• Find bill information
• WSCC Catholic Advocacy Bulletins
• WSCC website
• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – This document from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops outlines the Church’s position on numerous public policy issues and emphasizes the importance of faithful citizenship.

Important Dates

WSCC Staff

We invite you to contact us at any time.

Jean Welch Hill, Executive Director

jean.hill@wacatholics.org

Adrienne Corpuz Joyce, Director of Policy & Communications     

adrienne.joyce@wacatholics.org

Tracey Wilson Yackley, Operations Manager 

tracey.yackley@wacatholics.org

Did a relative or friend forward this WSCC Catholic Advocacy Bulletin to you? Sign up for your own free subscription here.  The bulletin is available in both Spanish and English. 

You can also find the Washington State Catholic Conference on Facebook, Twitter @wacatholics, and Instagram.

Click here to view previous WSCC bulletins on our website.