Coming up on Legislative Review — redefining parents’ rights in family court, expanding access to shelters and supportive housing, and a proposal to ensure funding parity for Western Washington University.
Family Law & Parents’ Rights – House Bill 2735
The Washington House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee hears House Bill 2735, sponsored by Rob Chase.
The bill would add new constitutional language to Washington’s family law statutes, reinforcing principles from the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2000 decision in Troxel v. Granville. That ruling affirmed that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions in their children’s best interests and that courts must give special weight to a fit parent’s decisions.
Step Housing Access – House Bill 2266
Lawmakers also consider House Bill 2266, which would require cities and counties within urban growth areas to allow certain types of “step housing” — including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing — in more areas.
Under the proposal, jurisdictions must allow these facilities wherever hotels are permitted and could not impose stricter zoning or design standards than those applied to similar uses.
Western Washington University Funding Parity – House Bill 2070
The Washington House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee reviews House Bill 2070, sponsored by Joe Timmons.
The proposal would require lawmakers to compare per-student state funding across regional universities beginning in the 2029–2031 biennium. If Western Washington University is funded at a lower rate per full-time student than other regional institutions or The Evergreen State College, the Legislature would be required to appropriate additional funds to close the gap.