Thanks to the Indivisible newsletter called Saving Secular Healthcare.
1. 2022 Legislative Session: Actions and Update
Several bills promoting accessible, comprehensive, and affordable healthcare for all.
The Legislature approved more than 300 bills this session. With the exception of bills containing an emergency clause, the governor will have 20 days to sign bills after they’re delivered to his office. Scheduled bill actions are available on the governor’s bill action web page.
a. HB 1616 – Concerning the charity care act.
Current Status: Speaker signed on March 8, 2022.
IN THE SENATE
President signed on March 10, 2022.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Delivered to Governor on March 10, 2022. (View Bill as Passed Legislature)
Update: The Washington Legislature has passed Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s bill to increase access to affordable health care for millions of Washingtonians. The measure now heads to the governor for his signature. Read the press release from Bob Ferguson’s office for additional information.
b. HB 1651 – Allowing providers to bill separately for immediate postpartum contraception.
Current Status: IN THE HOUSE, Speaker signed on March 7, 2022.
IN THE SENATE, President signed on March 10, 2022.
Delivered to Governor on March 10, 2022.(View Bill as Passed Legislature)
c. HB 1688 – Protecting consumers from charges for out-of-network health care services, by aligning state law and the federal no surprises act and addressing coverage of treatment for emergency conditions.
Current Status: IN THE HOUSE
House concurred in Senate amendments on March 7, 2022.
Passed final passage on March 8, 2022; yeas, 88; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 0. (View Roll Calls)
Speaker signed.
IN THE SENATE
President signed on March 10, 2022.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Delivered to Governor on March 10, 2022. (View Bill as Passed Legislature)
d. HB 1851 – Preserving a pregnant individual’s ability to access abortion care.
This bill puts it in state law that providers like nurse practitioners and physician assistants will always be able to provide abortion care. It is a necessary step to ensure Washington is doing its part in the fight for abortion access as we prepare for a potential post-Roe reality this summer.
Current Status: IN THE HOUSE
House concurred in Senate amendments on March 7, 2022.
Passed final passage; yeas, 57; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 0. (View Roll Calls)
Speaker signed on March 8, 2022.
IN THE SENATE
President signed on Mar 10, 2022.
OTHER THAN LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Delivered to Governor on Mar 10, 2022. (View Bill as Passed Legislature)
