ELAP is tracking several bills this Washington state legislative session to understand their potential impacts on our clients and other vulnerable people in King County.
These are some of the key pieces of legislation we are watching:
SB 5169 seeks to reduce trauma experienced by children who witness violent crimes. It would allow out-of-court statements from child witnesses, sparing them from testifying in person.
SB 5362 and HB 1487 would attempt to stabilize funding for crime victim support services. Read more analysis in this news article.
HB 1217 and SB 5222 aim to improve housing stability for tenants by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, and providing other protections. Read analysis in this news article.
HB 1620 and SB 5575 aims to establish clearer legal guidelines for parenting plans in cases involving domestic violence allegations. It has mixed support and opposition from community nonprofits.
SB 5202 seeks to enhance protections for survivors of violence by fixing gaps in Washington’s protection order system, including firearm possession loopholes.
