FAN Legislative Session Week 2 Highlights: Building a Just & Sustainable Future
The second week of the legislative session began with floor action honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Reflecting on his enduring wisdom, King once said, "The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy," a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and moral courage in the face of adversity.
On Monday, HB 1217 Rent Stabilization advanced out of the House Housing Committee along party lines. Its Senate companion bill, SB 5222, was heard in the Senate Housing Committee on Wednesday. A remarkable 185 individuals signed up to testify, and there were 4,965 PRO sign-ins for SB 5222. Both HB 1217 and SB 5222 aim to cap annual rent increases at 7%, limit move-in fees, and restrict late fees. The bills also mandate written notices for rent hikes, grant tenants the right to terminate leases without penalty for unauthorized increases, and empower the Attorney General to enforce these provisions. Additionally, the bills propose creating a landlord resource center, requiring model lease provisions in multiple languages, and commissioning a study on the social impacts of these measures to enhance housing stability and affordability.
On Tuesday morning, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee reviewed a variety of bills designed to reduce gun violence in Washington State. These included HB 1132 (Rep. Farivar) to limit bulk purchases of firearms and ammunition, HB 1152 (Rep. Doglio) to establish secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and residences, and HB 1163 Firearm Permits. HB 1163 proposes stricter regulations for firearm transactions by requiring individuals to obtain a valid permit to purchase firearms, with detailed application, issuance, and revocation processes. The bill also mandates certified firearm safety training programs as a prerequisite for permits and concealed pistol licenses. Furthermore, HB 1163 aims to standardize background checks, particularly in cases involving outstanding warrants or pending legal proceedings, and extend application and recordkeeping requirements to cover all firearm transfers.
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Environment & Energy heard HB 1150 Recycling Reform Act. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Liz Berry, emphasized its goals: “The Recycling Reform Act would create a producer responsibility program in which manufacturers and brands come together to reduce unnecessary packaging and paper, fund statewide recycling services, and ensure that materials put in recycling bins will actually be recycled.”
On Thursday, the same committee heard HB 1303, the Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Pollution Act, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena of the 29th Legislative District—one of the regions most affected by health disparities. Front and Centered, a coalition of frontline communities, strongly advocated for the bill, stating, “Communities that have historically borne the worst effects of pollution due to redlining and institutional racism shouldn’t continue to bear the ongoing harm being inflicted on their health, well-being, and even life expectancy today.” They underscored the entrenched health disparities, shorter life expectancies, and higher rates of asthma and cardiovascular disease in overburdened communities caused by decades of harmful environmental policies.
The bill would require permit applicants to consider cumulative impacts on these communities and center the lived experiences of frontline populations. Earthjustice, the Duwamish River Community Coalition, and WA Physicians for Social Responsibility also testified in favor of the measure. Elizabeth Dickinson, Faith Action Network’s partnership coordinator and advocate, expressed support for HB 1303. She highlighted the moral imperative to address disproportionate suffering caused by pollution and climate change, stating, “Our spiritual traditions call us to seek equity and care for those who are most vulnerable. The voices of those who have been impacted for decades need to be heard."
The House Committee on Community Safety heard testimony on HB 1125 Judicial Discretion Act, which seeks to grant judges greater flexibility in modifying sentences when the original sentence no longer serves the interests of justice. Sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, the bill centers on equity, justice, and public safety while prioritizing rehabilitation and addressing victims' needs. Rep. Simmons explained, “This legislation acknowledges that people can change and that our justice system should reflect the potential for rehabilitation. By granting judges the authority to reassess sentences, we aim to ensure that justice is served not only at the time of sentencing but throughout an individual's rehabilitation journey.”
The bill incorporates voices from currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the importance of second chances and reducing recidivism. Allowing judicial discretion could lead to significant cost savings by reducing prolonged incarceration expenses and redirecting resources toward community programs that enhance public safety, support reintegration, and reduce the likelihood of reoffense.
HB 1125 also demonstrates a strong commitment to victims. It requires the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy to establish a flexible fund for affected individuals, contract with prosecuting attorney’s offices for victim advocacy services, and collaborate with experts to provide specialized training for victim advocates. This comprehensive approach ensures the justice system balances accountability, rehabilitation, and the voices of victims, fostering a safer, more equitable, and fiscally responsible community.
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