OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A series of bills were signed into Washington state law by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
A total of 14 bills were signed into law by the governor on Monday, April 7 concerning a litany of subjects. Several more were signed by Wednesday, April 9.
Notably, HB 1209 will regulate the sale of sodium nitrite in the state, becoming the fourth state to do so.
“Sodium nitrite is a chemical with industrial uses, but at high concentrations, it is lethal and has no household purpose. None. As of today, we know that at least 30 young people have purchased sodium nitrite on Amazon and used it to end their lives,” bill sponsor Rep. Sharlett Mena said. “That may just be the tip of the iceberg.”
SB 5141 impacts those supplying disability insurance and how they determine qualifications for insurance.
A couple of the bills have to do with development in the state, including making sure cities are in compliance with state law.
A few of the new laws make it easier to receive medical care through expansion of allowing family members and others to administer insulin and optimization of online systems as well as prior authorization and clarification of a mental health committee.
Some of the other laws would streamline titles and systems for transportation in the state while others will change the tax code for a few areas such as newspapers and certain non-profits.
