OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new round of laws went into effect in Washington state that were passed during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions.
Here is a closer look at some of the laws that were enacted on July 1.
Undocumented immigrants may receive professional licenses in Washington
Passed during the 2024 session, HB 1889 allows undocumented immigrants to receive professional licenses in the state, which previously required a Social Security Number.
The law states that a state agency or regulatory authority may not deny an application for a professional license solely based on citizenship.
In lieu of an SSN, undocumented immigrants who have met all other licensure requirements may provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on an application.
Check out the bill text for a full list of licensing bodies that are subject to the new law.
Paving the way for civil action against those who non-consensually remove sexually protective devices
Someone who engages in sexual contact or sexual penetration with another person, and removes a sexually protective device without consent from the other party, may be subject to civil action.
A victim can take civil action in circumstances where:
- A person engaged in sexual contact or penetration removes a sexually protective device without the plaintiff's consent
- A person becomes aware that the sexually protective device has been unintentionally removed, but continues to engage in sexual contact or penetration without obtaining the other person's consent
- A person tampers with a sexually protective device without the plaintiff's consent in a way that would likely render the device ineffective
A plaintiff who wins their case may receive damages of up to $5,000 per violation. The court will also award costs and reasonable attorneys' fees to a plaintiff who wins their case.
Expanding the time limit exemptions for cash assistance programs
Those receiving funds from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are subject to a five-year time limit to receive assistance, with limited exemptions.
This bill expands the list of exemptions that allows families to access TANF funds for longer. TANF time limit exemptions are now expanded to parents and legal guardians with children under the age of 2 who live in the same household and qualify for an infant, toddler or postpartum exemption from WorkFirst activities, a program which includes job training and education that TANF families are required to participate in in most circumstances.
Supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed responses
SB 5937 makes changes to the state's existing Crime Victim's Compensation Program to increase support of victims who have been injured or mentally traumatized by a crime in Washington.
The updates provide for compensation of travel expenses related to forensic examinations of injuries, get rid of the statute of limitations for a rape committed by a first responder who uses their position to facilitate an assault, establishes a statewide forensic nurse coordination program, modifies the elements of what constitutes a first-degree rape, grants minors 13 years and older the right to consent to a sexual assault examination and bars photographic depictions of a victim's genitals taken during a forensic sexual assault examination from being shown in court.
Addressing open motor vehicle safety recalls
SB 5504 requires the Department of Licensing and vehicle inspection personnel to check for active recalls on a person's vehicle and notify them about any outstanding recalls at the time of a vehicle registration renewal or vehicle inspection.