By The Seattle Medium
OLYMPIA — In a landmark legislative moment for Washington’s most vulnerable residents, Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way) secured the passage of two major bills signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on April 16. Together, the laws modernize background checks for caregivers and ensure that all individuals—regardless of pregnancy status—retain full autonomy over their end-of-life healthcare decisions.
As Washington grapples with a shortage of qualified caregivers for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, Rep. Taylor’s legislation, House Bill 1385, takes direct aim at one of the biggest barriers to filling these roles: slow and outdated background check processes. The new law enables the Washington State Patrol to formally join 35 other states in implementing the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, allowing for faster, more secure interstate sharing of criminal history records.
“We’ve got to get more qualified individuals into the workforce to make sure our developmentally disabled, seniors, and other vulnerable communities are provided for,” said Taylor. “At the same time, we need to make sure those who are working with our vulnerable communities are trustworthy, competent caregivers.”
By designating the State Patrol as the official agency for transmitting and coordinating background records, the bill streamlines checks for noncriminal justice purposes—helping qualified caregivers get to work faster while keeping standards high for safety and trust.
“This is a great example of using technology and collaboration to give our communities an added layer of protection,” Taylor added. “It ensures that the background check process remains fair, secure, and transparent.”
While HB 1385 addresses the structural challenges in workforce development, Taylor’s second legislative victory—House Bill 1215—confronts a long-standing equity issue in healthcare law. Until now, Washington’s advance directive form included a pregnancy clause that effectively invalidated a person’s end-of-life wishes if they were pregnant.
HB 1215 removes that exclusion, ensuring that pregnancy does not override a person’s legally documented healthcare decisions.
“In this Washington, we uphold the fundamental right of adults to determine the end-of-life care they wish to receive,” said Taylor. “Pregnancy should not be a condition that invalidates that right.”
Advance directives, created in consultation with healthcare providers and included in medical records, allow individuals to outline their preferences for care in the event they can no longer communicate. Taylor’s bill eliminates confusion and ensures that patient autonomy is upheld in all circumstances.
The law also clarifies that healthcare providers are not restricted from taking steps to preserve the life of a fetus when appropriate. Providers may still opt out of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment if they disclose their policies to patients in writing ahead of time.
Taken together, these two new laws reflect Rep. Taylor’s commitment to advancing equity and safeguarding dignity for all Washingtonians—whether through fairer hiring practices or affirming the right to make deeply personal healthcare decisions.
“It’s a small change that will ensure clarity, fairness, and dignity for all Washingtonians during the hardest moments of their lives,” Taylor said. “Even if they are unconscious or no longer able to speak for themselves.”
Source: Seattle Medium