[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325466,"mediaKeyId","2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731","parentId",2333155,"title","Large turnout as committee hears competing views on medication-abortion access at public campuses","audioSeconds",1746,"startMs",4421000,"endMs",6167000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731&start=4421&end=6167","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731/thumbnail_4421000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325466/Washington/Large-turnout-as-committee-hears-competing-views-on-medication-abortion-access-at-public-campuses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325466-f0691f74d3f2627eef752feada1e6f3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770725334&Signature=mQpzerqQwIuXrhvhhWuEeYwyTIhLuV3o1tu7TTqT2mIN68QWpe4ArgZSwOISuHwkyLYfXxVAfB2xAJDcsdM89p8set7nth-9Ah8PaJmVClhpn0VoV5oHZ8xhSgbTaGyH7Vwdxg66X34Hv4n8c4gFArxJzL-YarP9ZKMFCzhXtB-wq4mxoGlMbwBCMC7U4ugZuiTcqv-zMuCDKRdA3AuNJP5Y1iL-4H1QkQGq0kIMUIkhxirrwciSHe2u1lbZnOwbmZLVefiWfT9eEFPC8ZmGrb89D4U-KbE6wHlQkpxyr6sOAdVk3yXFKqMs72qyhPupra2xBuZeDwugGsbHSD~-Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House State Government & Tribal Relations","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","A contentious public hearing on House Bill 1677 drew wide participation on Feb. 18 as students, reproductive-rights advocates and faith-based opponents presented sharply different views about whether public campuses should provide access to medication abortion or referrals.

Nut graf: The bill would require public institutions that operate student health centers to provide access to medication abortion through campus providers, public referral programs or other delivery methods; campuses without health centers would have to provide referrals and private space and technical support for telehealth. Proponents emphasized student access and equity; opponents said abortion is not health care and raised safety and moral objections.

Students and campus advocates delivered emotional testimonies in favor. Three students from Lake Washington High School said access at campus health centers would prevent students from missing coursework and from traveling long distances for care; they also warned of misinformation from crisis-pregnancy centers. Campus advocates and national organizations, including Advocates for Youth, described medication abortion as safe, time‑sensitive and critical for students who are low-income or who live far from providers. Advocates said medication abortion differs from emergency contraception and that campus services should include clear referral information and accommodations for students using telehealth.

Opponents included representatives of the Washington State Catholic Conference and Conservative Ladies of Washington, who argued abortion is not a right or health care and raised concerns about telehealth distribution of medication and its safety. A retired attorney told the committee that clinic websites and some providers already offer prompt appointments, arguing the bill addresses a “nonexistent problem.”

Committee staff briefed members on the bill’s text: medication abortion generally refers to a two‑drug oral regimen (mifepristone and misoprostol) used early in pregnancy; the bill requires updated campus health webpages, referral contacts, and accommodations for telehealth where student health centers do not exist.

Ending: The committee closed testimony and staff said a proposed substitute would be posted; staff and the chair noted amendment deadlines and that a related Senate bill (SB 5321) exists for reference. The Feb. 18 transcript records no committee vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House State Government & Tribal Relations - 2/18/2025 1:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1677, which would require public higher-education institutions with student health centers to offer access to medication abortion or referrals, drew large pro and con turnout; students and advocates urged access for educational continuity while faith and conservative groups opposed the bill.","taxTitle","State Government & Tribal Relations, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20271,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325471,"Students and faculty push bill to make regents’ presidential selection process more transparent",1095,3368000,4463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731&start=3368&end=4463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731/thumbnail_3368000.jpg","/articles/6325471/Washington/Students-and-faculty-push-bill-to-make-regents-presidential-selection-process-more-transparent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325471-d870cb299b28552f41c2221240264751/orig.mp4?Expires=1770725334&Signature=WMw8wFksJqk5nFLJsQVWQEgOgz4Cx030Wg8uapcA6qd2qj3ExBq113ktWA3v3K-wrcY5oD3lBOng7YnbqhnpYMF4~Cm0-pwH2sTBEpZwX1OV0l0aFH6Q1fs6xW37arj1reNTWCW0jKFwTndvrjBy0lj9jk-NcFmC~Q9cZeyHTPoZkvn-5WqtU6qSfqwO5xQ~JSUG9PUZKyegXAH5fLK0oq4x4U6r4zLksry0SEdjtB3UrfmCUdC2hiOIt2ryV14n1WD9ky6RjhYnDbCAkPOa0Wtcgb2Fc0ycdn-SBbEb9sSv8dqJqUtNYaK7yg~4St7GZA6DbjWZOXM4FJLa65dsaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students, faculty and university representatives told the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 18 they support a proposed substitute to House Bill 13 37 that would clarify and extend participation rights for student and faculty regents in presidential selection processes.

Nut graf: Proponents said involving faculty and student regents — including voting rights in the initial selection and hiring — increases transparency and trust in public university leadership choices; several university officials said they had worked with the sponsor to craft clarifying language.

Representative Monica Paulette, sponsor of the revised bill, said the substitute corrects perceived confusion about whether student and faculty regents could vote in presidential hires; she said the intent of prior legislation was for full participation, and the substitute restores that participation across public institutions, including regional universities and community and technical colleges.

Students from UW Bothell and Washington State University described recent searches where student participation varied; Sienna Gerard and Colin Banister urged consistent inclusion of student regents in searches. University officials from Washington State University and the University of Washington testified pro on the substitute and said they supported legal clarity to enable regents’ participation. Joe Dack of the University of Washington noted UW’s public-facing website documenting its most recent search and said the substitute provides “legal clarity on the formal participation of our student and faculty regents in the final presidential selection process.”

Faculty governance representatives — including Gautam Reddy and Jacob Vigdor — argued faculty expertise is essential for assessing scholarly credentials and increases the legitimacy and trust in selected presidents.

Ending: The committee concluded the public hearing on the proposed substitute to HB 13 37. No committee vote on the substitute is recorded in the Feb. 18 transcript.","A proposed substitute to House Bill 1337 would permit student and faculty regents to participate and vote in the initial selection and hiring of college and university presidents; supporters said transparency and faculty expertise improve outcomes while some witnesses representing institutions supported legal clarification.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325476,"Bill to change home care aide testing drawn out for public comment after broad testimony on testing delays",1005,2260000,3265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731&start=2260&end=3265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731/thumbnail_2260000.jpg","/articles/6325476/Washington/Bill-to-change-home-care-aide-testing-drawn-out-for-public-comment-after-broad-testimony-on-testing-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325476-7552abea2cef7a8430daf0fb9198f969/orig.mp4?Expires=1770725334&Signature=AhVlTDv8rQvrI16HJo8YtgCg8STj6iQpQCQvpHA~OjWWP-ZsTkWu7gqPcexKvoMazTwbydmidMcB8lc0pyTB8AdFHW6bAwYwqQDF5OB5IjDy6Et4KlfWaSD67tgSBQJUUiGbjF2qQU~7fbJoVjSrAwOzDbHtDm~Mx5goqpa4Qe8dQ~SjFsWObqNYpe8uSVvb3vKjm-SdARqTBlSs69cpbkIaGllA8Kvz35akJzuafW5AYiiO~RAXdopbzHq~5TcYOi6aBOdBf4e1vzv7dn6asAbPOtaq-10YqYgOlpjMqZ~PQW9bvLPsl5iZjI2Mro967vX92~xmkU6mCGk1Mtsovw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Long-term care providers, unions and senior-living operators told the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 18 that testing and certification delays are blocking qualified home care aides from entering the workforce. They urged passage of House Bill 1926, which would change the timeline and delivery method for home care aide (HCA) testing.

Nut graf: Testimony described multi-month waits for Prometric testing slots, sparse testing locations outside the I-5 corridor, and a backlog in Department of Health processing that leaves trained caregivers unable to get the required credential — a problem providers say worsens workforce shortages. HB 19 26 removes the statutory requirement that HCAs be certified within 200 calendar days of hire and directs the Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), to adopt a timeline by rule and expand testing options at qualified training sites.

Elizabeth Allison, staff to the committee, briefed members on current requirements: 75 hours of training, a certification examination, state and federal background checks, and certification within 200 calendar days of hire. Allison summarized the bill’s changes: DOH to consult with DSHS on timeline by rule; testing may be conducted at local training or testing sites; DOH must annually evaluate exam results in all languages; testing should be available in qualified facility and community-based training programs by July 1, 2028, subject to appropriation; and testing must be conducted by contracted facility/community trainers or training partner affiliates where applicable.

Union and provider testimony described on-the-ground problems. Maddie Fouch of SEIU 775 said a single contractor—Prometric—serves much of the state and scheduling delays force some caregivers to quit before certification. Brad Banks of the Washington Home Care Coalition and Amy Thomas of the Adult Family Home Council described cases where caregivers waited months for testing appointments and where rural candidates face travel barriers. Allison Lally of Brookdale Senior Living described a Brookdale pilot that created five testing sites to test trainees who could not secure timely Prometric appointments; she said caregivers celebrated when they finally received certificates after the pilot tests.

Several witnesses noted the State Auditor’s 2022 performance audit documented testing and credentialing challenges. Supporters also referenced a section in the bill that had a $6.5 million appropriation; the bill’s sponsor said he was working on an amendment to remove that amount due to budget concerns.

Ending: Committee concluded public testimony on HB 19 26. No committee vote is recorded in the Feb. 18 transcript; staff announced amendment deadlines for bills moving quickly to the House floor.","Witnesses from unions, providers, senior-living operators and training programs told the committee that testing bottlenecks and limited Prometric sites block certification for home care aides; House Bill 1926 would remove a 200-day certification requirement and direct DOH and DSHS to set a timeline and expand testing at training sites.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325481,"Committee hears support for requirement to teach textured hair in cosmetology programs",296,1858000,2154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731&start=1858&end=2154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731/thumbnail_1858000.jpg","/articles/6325481/Washington/Committee-hears-support-for-requirement-to-teach-textured-hair-in-cosmetology-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325481-e0615c75834623cb101aa97d112b51d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770725334&Signature=NusQvnWDXJqVVlyiKHdbih3V0nOKMVRoOkYT90HF8OApvBHHH1L9GHckLe3H6q-TPk4rZgJY4D7wl2nQPHbcyYF3qC7pFPuOlOSYOHTRvzc39rvafirbecxrjNdvyyFWDsckHzWmgUjiGTNr~jc9INXIkDqv5JOXO8QhJFWGieaE~~J1fTG0dkW7oD7X0kKLOOd~QfOmsVo9CFkXHNyZyf5pdSeICqu-zUB5Tvwjkr-WzBvDfGSiFyZTWKgYDmn~L6LCEUCEkSMxdz4jLbAzEueS6VcqmsSFo4MbSpkSUozq16bsE0ZJkWyMsanmom9cUM7KJgjshVRgl7oCAQEB8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cosmetologists, industry trainers and representatives from L'Oréal told the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 18 they support House Bill 1874, which would require cosmetology and barbering programs to include instruction and practical demonstrations on textured hair.

Nut graf: Proponents told the committee that many cosmetology students currently graduate without experience working on a broad range of hair textures and that stronger, standardized curricular requirements would make graduates better able to serve diverse clients and improve job readiness.

Brooke Davies, representing Cosmetologists of Washington United, said the trade association supports HB 18 74 and asked to be “at the table” for implementation to ensure rural and apprenticeship programs can comply. Davies said the goal is meaningful curriculum that is not a “checked box.”

Intisar Benj, with McBride & Benj Public Affairs, and Sean Stearns, education lead for L'Oréal Professional Products, testified for L'Oréal in support of the bill. Stearns, a cosmetologist and educator, told the committee the curriculum changes “should not increase additional hours for cosmetology schools” because demonstrations already occur and the bill would ensure demonstrations and practice cover multiple hair textures.

Committee members asked about how widespread the training gap is and whether the bill would require extra time in school. Stearns replied the gap varies by school demographics and availability of clients during training; he said the adjustment is largely about diversifying demonstration and practice rather than adding hours.

Ending: Committee staff closed the public hearing on House Bill 18 74; no committee vote was recorded in the Feb. 18 transcript.","Supporters including industry groups and L'Oréal told the committee House Bill 1874 would expand and standardize instruction on textured hair in cosmetology and barbering programs; sponsors said the change can be achieved without adding hours to programs.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325484,"House committee advances bill to codify guaranteed-admissions pilot with amendment",468,1299000,1767000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731&start=1299&end=1767","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333155-1f1bb8c98a3a5e923303ef0dfbc5e731/thumbnail_1299000.jpg","/articles/6325484/Washington/House-committee-advances-bill-to-codify-guaranteed-admissions-pilot-with-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325484-819072d02514060a04e7147c55ce9629/orig.mp4?Expires=1770725334&Signature=gzumX6rETQB6mj1YcN9oWy57P4Xke3zLjl733cP5kp9DoOWXak6ssJJ2Po9Y~jk0V1ux1bBxH9fPoUq5viY-mvQxxA7d8X-5LJex989~mK6xIQDXzR5NV~~waruIhLoyTNovAYvSRJ0QMMeDcqh-NPwwGUNbgUCj7QJXg7rrfvTKP4gXZKym-EV4gs8Ci8R~NKPdsEAGHU47jmX0pJDe~dw4SVqu9W6-UOz57TTEFTJ7tVBh5EUDj1NXpQCiceOGFGDznSjOLIUBAtelPCLZEHtO48-JdYduJC-jooG~t1cQdRR9r5yBbvnFHKUQlqXqiHvwTq9H39LpaD1iwFSP3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 18 voted to report out Substitute House Bill 1557 with a “due pass” recommendation after adopting an amendment intended to streamline the proposal and reduce its fiscal impact.

The amendment, moved by Representative Mia Reid and identified in committee as “Ross 077,” trims reporting requirements for the guaranteed-admissions pilot and clarifies implementation steps for the public–private program. The committee then voted to report the substitute bill out with the recommended changes.

Nut graf: Supporters said the bill would expand an existing guaranteed-admissions pilot and align Washington with other states that offer direct admissions programs, while the amendment seeks to preserve philanthropic partnerships and limit additional annual reporting costs.

Representative Mia Reid, sponsor of the amendment and a lead proponent on the bill, told the committee the changes “streamline the bill” and “significantly reduce the fiscal note,” arguing the pilot’s public–private design had relied on philanthropic support and should not overburden taxpayers. Reid asked the committee for support for both the amendment and the substitute.

Ranking Member Joe Ybarra and others signaled they would split their votes, expressing concern about differences in student populations across districts and possible effects on retention and completion. Ybarra said the bill contained “a lot of good things” but cautioned the committee would seek improvements as the legislation moves forward.

After discussion, the committee chair called the roll. The clerk announced 11 ayes and 6 nays and the chair declared Substitute House Bill 1557 reported out of committee with the due pass recommendation.

Votes at a glance — committee roll call (as recorded in the committee): Chair Paul — yes; Vice Chair Nance — yes; Representative Ybarra — yes; Representative McIntyre — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Entenmann — yes; Representative Graham — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Keaton — yes; Representative Levitt — yes; Representative Lee — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Mendoza — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Paulette — yes; Representative Reid — yes; Representative Rude — no (do not pass); Representative Salahuddin — yes; Representative Schmidt — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Thomas — yes; Representative Timmons — yes. Tally: 11 yes, 6 no.

Background and next steps: Committee discussion framed the bill as a way to formalize a pilot that offers direct admission pathways between K–12 and institutions of higher education. Supporters tied the measure to efforts to increase college enrollment and connection to the Washington College Grant; critics said additional safeguards are needed to avoid unintended consequences for completion rates in different communities. The bill will next proceed to the House for further consideration and possible floor amendments.

Ending: Committee members said they expected additional work on the bill as it moves through the process and that future floor amendments could further refine reporting and implementation details.","The House Higher Education Committee voted 11-6 to report out Substitute House Bill 1557, which would establish a guaranteed admissions program building on an existing pilot; the committee adopted an amendment that narrows reporting requirements and reduces the fiscal note.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Large turnout as committee hears competing views on medication-abortion access at public campuses

Students and faculty push bill to make regents’ presidential selection process more transparent

Bill to change home care aide testing drawn out for public comment after broad testimony on testing delays

Committee hears support for requirement to teach textured hair in cosmetology programs

House committee advances bill to codify guaranteed-admissions pilot with amendment