Post-Session Round Up
March 13th, 2024.
Four Bills Heading to the Governor!
I am extremely proud to share that four of my bills are waiting to be signed into law. They span the spectrum of progressive democrat priorities while also drawing in bipartisan support. The bills that made it across the finish line are about centering lived experience, creating access to justice, supporting successful re-entry, and holding businesses accountable. Take a closer look below.
HB 1541, the Nothing About Us Without Us Act. This legislation was truly a Team 46 effort and I'm so grateful for my wonderful seatmates who have worked this issue with me for over four years. HB 1541 requires that the legislature include people with direct lived experience in workgroups/taskforces established to provide recommended solutions to their challenges. This is the first of its kind legislation and very importantly, a strong bipartisan issue. Not only is this legislation critical to shifting the culture of the legislature, but it is also extremely nostalgic for me. I had the pleasure of drafting this legislation four years ago, before running for office, hand in hand with advocates and Representative Pollet. It is an absolute dream to be able to pass it as the prime sponsor.
HB 1618, eliminating the statute of limitations for civil claims of childhood sexual abuse. It has been such a privilege to prime sponsor this legislation and work with survivors, advocates, and the attorneys who litigate these cases. Right now, the statute of limitations for civil cases of childhood sexual abuse is three years with a generous discovery period. During the interim, the Washington State Supreme Court provided an extremely progressive reading of the discovery rules which greatly reduces barriers for current survivors. By passing this legislation, we will eliminate the arbitrary timeline of three years for all future survivors, identify predators, and hold accountable those who protect predators.
It was nothing short of heartbreaking to see the retroactive version of this legislation die in Senate Ways & Means last year. Advocates and I made the painful decision to push for a prospective-only bill this year because the good far outweighs the bad. With this legislation, we have fundamentally changed the way Washington state handles childhood sexual abuse. And, it is a priority of mine to find a path forward for us to expand access to justice for current survivors.
HB 2099, requires those exiting state custody or care to have a state identification card. This bill came from the comments of a constituent, Tom, at our last post-session town hall. This legislation asserts the simple and brilliant idea that everyone leaving prisons, state hospitals, and treatment facilities should have an ID before discharge. It is impossible to secure housing, find employment, enroll in benefits or healthcare coverage, visit a food bank, and so much more without an ID. Discharging those furthest from privilege without identification requires them to jump yet another hurdle that we can and should take care of before release. If we want to reduce recidivism, we have to take advantage of the time served or in treatment by preparing individuals for release and making sure they have the tools they need to be successful in the community.
HB 2072, increasing penalties for antitrust violations. This is a new area of law for me that I was excited to learn about. Right now, the maximum penalty regardless of the profits gained or loss avoided for engaging in price fixing, collusion, and other antitrust behaviors is capped at $900,000. This means companies can make millions while acting in bad faith pushing small businesses out of the market and all they have to pay is $900k. These meager penalties give the impression that violating the law is just a cost of doing business in Washington. This legislation increases penalties to three times the profit gained or loss avoided. By passing this bill we are sending a strong message that everyone must play by the rules in Washington.
Wishing you and yours a very happy Nowruz, or Spring Equinox, may you have a joyous and prosperous New Year. I hope to see you around the district and don't hesitate to reach out if anything comes up.
In service,
Darya Farivar
State Representative, 46th Legislative District