2023 legislative review
participated in therapeutic or specialty courts in the past six months . Lastly , the bill expands program eligibility to undocumented children and their families . The changes are an important step in supporting child care access and helping parents get back to work . The House passed the bill 36-13 and the Senate 81-16 .
SB 5316 waiving background check fees for child care providers
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Claire Wilson , D-Auburn
The bill eliminates background check fees for child care employee applicants . Under the bill , background checks are still required but fees must be paid by the Department of Children , Youth , and Families . Waiving fees will speed of hiring of child care employees in a time of critical child care workforce shortages . The original bill passed the Senate 30-18 and was changed in the House and passed the chamber 87-10 . The Senate agreed to the changes and passed the final bill 30-17 .
HB 1009 military spouse employment
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Mari Leavitt , D-University Place
This bill returned this session after failing to pass in 2022 . It creates a process for expedited professional licensing for military spouses . The bill modifies the existing requirement for licensing authorities to issue a regular or temporary license to military spouses to require the license to be issued within 30 days of receipt of a completed application . The bill passed unanimously . The legislation supports military spouses who relocate to Washington and is an important step in addressing workforce shortages .
SB 5180 teacher mobility compact
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Sam Hunt , D-Olympia
The bill would have entered Washington into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact , increasing the ability of teachers to work in member states . This was a missed opportunity to help address teacher shortages . The bill unanimously passed the Senate but unfortunately stalled in the House .
SB 5219 counseling compact
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Ron Muzzall , R-Oak Harbor
The bill would have enacted the Counseling Compact for mental health counselors in Washington . Similar to compacts for other health care professions , the bill would have allowed counselors to practice in other members states under one license , helping address a shortage of health care professionals . The bill was heard in the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care but did not advance .
HB 1316 dual credit program access
Passed / AWB Supported
Rep . Drew Stokesbary , R-Auburn , was named House Minority Leader shortly after the close of the 2023 legislative session .
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