This past week saw significant progress on key health policy initiatives in the Washington State Legislature, with testimony, committee action, and signs of bipartisan support for issues that matter to kidney patients and healthcare advocates.
Supporting a Rare Disease Advisory Council
The Northwest Kidney Council proudly submitted testimony on SB 5064 / HB 1238, which would establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council in Washington. This council will amplify the voices of patients living with rare diseases, including those with impacted kidney functions, and ensure that their unique needs are addressed in policy decisions.
We are thrilled to report that HB 1238 passed out of its first committee in the House, marking an important step forward. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representatives Low and Davis for their leadership in sponsoring this critical legislation.
Advancing Health Justice and Equity
Another highlight of the week was our testimony in favor of SB 5228 / HB 1262, which seeks to rename and expand the Governor’s Council on Health Disparities, transforming it into a more comprehensive and actionable Council on Health Justice and Equity.
While neither committee has held an executive session yet, we remain hopeful these bills will move forward. Thank you to the following legislators for sponsoring and championing this cause:
Senators Riccelli, Hasegawa, Conway, Nobles, and C. Wilson
Representatives Santos, Thai, Doglio, Berry, Ryu, Obras, Ormsby, Scott, Parshley, Timmons, Pollet, Macri, Simmons, V. Hunt, and Hill
This council represents a significant opportunity to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for all Washingtonians, including those living with chronic kidney disease.
Monitoring Other Health Policy Progress
We’re also closely monitoring SB 5084, which would require health insurance carriers to report primary care expenditures, which could lead to more informed spending on this issue — an important one to prevent kidney disease from progressing. This bill passed out of its Senate committee last week and is sponsored by Senators Robinson, Muzzall, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Krishnadasan, Nobles and Salomon.
For more details on the bills we’re following this session, take a look at NWKC’s 2025 Legislative Priorities.
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