Latest news with #Tyler'sLaw
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ferguson signed 23 bills into law this week
Apr. 9—OLYMPIA — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed 23 bills into law in the past week. The bills change laws covering issues from suicide prevention to education funding to vehicle inspections. Sodium nitrite Substitute House Bill 1209, known as "Tyler's Law," introducing strict regulations on the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite due to its significant health risks, particularly regarding suicide attempts among vulnerable populations. The legislation mandates that only verified commercial entities can purchase sodium nitrite and requires prominent labeling that warns of the dangers associated with ingestion, including potential death, with penalties of up to $1 million for violations. Driver licensing Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1439 aims to modify motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to better align with federal definitions, correct technical errors and streamline existing requirements. This legislation includes amendments to multiple sections of the Revised Code of Washington, covering topics from license revocation periods to odometer disclosure requirements and the handling of driver records. The bill enhances privacy protections for vehicle and vessel owners, stipulates conditions for the release of personal information and establishes penalties for misuse of disclosed data. Medical care exiting juvenile detention Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5128 aims to enhance medical services for individuals in juvenile detention facilities. The bill ensures the continuity of Medicaid enrollment for incarcerated youth by mandating that medical assistance benefits be suspended rather than terminated during confinement. It also establishes protocols for reinstating coverage immediately upon release and requires the Washington Health Care Authority to collaborate with various agencies to streamline the process. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing screening, diagnostic services and targeted case management for eligible juveniles in the days leading up to their release. The legislation is set to take effect on July 27, 2025. Long-term care worker requirements Substitute House Bill 1142 aims to standardize training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care to family members, including spouses and domestic partners. Key provisions include a mandate for long-term care workers to complete training within the first 120 days of becoming caregivers, with varying hours of required training based on the recipient's needs; for instance, spouses or domestic partners must complete 15 hours of basic training and six hours of focused training. The legislation, effective July 27, 2025, also incorporates rules to accommodate training requirements during emergencies, with the goal of ensuring that caregivers can meet standards even in adverse conditions, with specific expiration terms set for certain provisions. Community-based care and medication Substitute House Bill 1720 aims to expand the types of medication assistance available to residents in community-based care settings, such as residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill amends the definition of "medication assistance" to allow nonpractitioners to help individuals with self-administration of legend drugs, including controlled substances, under specific conditions outlined by a practitioner. Under the law, medication assistance excludes certain activities, such as assistance with intravenous or injectable medications, with limited exceptions for devices aiding in diabetes management. Accessory dwellings Substitute House Bill 1353 establishes a self-certification program for accessory dwelling unit project permit applications. Under this legislation, effective Oct. 1, 2025, registered architects can self-certify compliance with building code requirements. Each participating city is mandated to create specific rules for the self-certification process, including professional qualifications, random audits of submissions, penalties for non-compliance and maintenance of professional liability insurance, while ensuring that architects provide a certification form that includes necessary attestations and acknowledgments from property owners. Growth Management Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1135 aims to ensure local government compliance with the Growth Management Act. The legislation, in effect July 27, 2025, outlines a process for reviewing local planning efforts, mandating that the Washington State Board conduct compliance hearings to issue findings on whether counties or cities have adequately addressed noncompliance issues identified in their growth management plans. If a locality remains noncompliant, the board can recommend sanctions to the governor while also providing options for technical assistance to facilitate corrections. HIV treatment Senate Bill 5577 mandates Medicaid coverage for all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization or step therapy. Effective July 1, 2025, the legislation aims to streamline access to essential medications for Apple Health clients enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed care programs. Hematological screening Senate Bill 5244 introduces an exemption allowing staff at Women, Infants, and Children clinics to perform hematological screening tests. This legislative measure received unanimous support from both the house and senate, culminating in the Governor's signature on April 4. The bill amends RCW 18.360.090, clarifying that WIC clinic personnel may administer specific blood tests—namely hematological tests via heel-stick, toe-stick, or finger-stick sampling—as part of their roles. The amendment takes effect on July 27, 2025. Early learning funding House Bill 1314 amends various sections of the early learning facilities grant and loan program to enhance support for early childhood education. The bill, which goes into effect July 27, 2025, establishes the Ruth LeCocq Kagi early learning facilities revolving and development accounts, aimed at providing state matching funds for the planning, renovation, purchase and construction of early learning facilities. Additionally, it encourages private and local government funding partnerships, ensures a focus on projects benefiting low-income children and allows for emergency grants to address urgent needs within eligible organizations, including school districts and tribal compact schools. University library access for health officials House Bill 1190 expands access to the University of Washington Health Sciences Library for additional health professions. The bill amends RCW 43.70.110 and outlines provisions for licensing fees charged to healthcare professionals, including exemptions for certain categories, such as retired active physicians and municipal emergency services. Furthermore, the legislation, in effect July 27, 2025, stipulates that a portion of the license fees — up to an additional $25—will be transferred to the University of Washington to support the health sciences library. Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act Senate Bill 5122 enacts the Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act, which aims to streamline the reporting process for certain mergers and acquisitions. Entities engaged in transactions that meet specified thresholds must submit a Hart-Scott-Rodino form, complete with relevant additional documentation, to the Washington Attorney General to enhance regulatory oversight. The legislation also establishes confidentiality protections for submitted materials, permits reciprocal information sharing with other states and outlines penalties for noncompliance. Nursing assistant regulations Senate Bill 5051 consolidates regulatory authority for nursing assistants and amends the Revised Code of Washington. It establishes a 17-member Board of Nursing, appointed by the governor, consisting of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and public members. The bill outlines qualifications for board members and their duties, including oversight of certification and training programs for nursing assistants. Sections take effect July 1, 2026, and some amendments June 30, 2027. Health care and prescription drug tech Substitute House Bill 1706 aims to align Washington's prior authorization processes for health care services and prescription drugs with federal guidelines, enhancing efficiency in decision-making and notifications for providers. Effective July 27, 2025, health carriers must comply with specific time frames for electronic and non-electronic prior authorization requests, with the goal of significantly reducing wait times and ensuring that requests are addressed promptly. The legislation also mandates the establishment of interoperable application programming interfaces to automate prior authorization processes. State corporations amendment Senate Bill 5006 amends various sections of the state's corporation acts, set to take effect July 27, 2025. Key provisions include clarifying the authority of corporate boards to issue rights, options or warrants for shares and defining the establishment and functions of board committees. The bill also outlines revisions related to mergers, shareholder dissent rights and the conditions under which corporate dissolution can be approved. Clinical experience for IMG Substitute Senate Bill 5118 updates the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates. The legislation allows the Washington State Medical Commission to issue limited licenses to IMGs who have been nominated by specific state departments, provided they meet qualifications. Additionally, the commission retains the discretion to waive certain requirements for applicants facing hardships, including those affecting refugees or individuals subjected to persecution. The effective date for the new provisions is set for July 27, 2025. Health carrier reporting Senate Bill 5084 mandates that health carriers annually report their primary care expenditures. The legislation empowers the state's insurance commissioner to define the reporting requirements and ensures that submitted data will remain public information. Effective July 27, 2025, this bill aims to improve accountability surrounding primary care funding, aligning with existing efforts to establish expenditure targets in Washington's healthcare system. Backlog of vehicle inspections Senate Bill 5462 addresses the backlog of vehicle inspections in the state. Signed into law by the governor on April 4, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation amends existing vehicle title inspection requirements, mandating that applicants provide a vehicle inspection certificate from the Washington State Patrol or authorized inspectors for specific vehicles. Amending Social Work Advisory Committee House Bill 1234 amends the existing framework of the advisory committee for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers. The revised committee will consist of nine members: four licensed professionals in mental health, marriage and family therapy, and social work, along with three consumer representatives from the public who are not affiliated with these professions. Broadcasting Senate Bill 5457 amends tax regulations for radio and television broadcasting businesses. The bill establishes a gross income tax rate of 0.484 percent but allows for certain revenue exemptions, specifically from network, national and regional advertising. This legislation, effective from July 27, 2025, aims to clarify the tax structure for broadcasting entities operating within the state, ensuring that revenue generated from out-of-state audiences is excluded from taxation. Journalism tax exemption House Bill 1060, passed by the Washington State Legislature in March 2025, amends existing tax laws to provide exemptions for certain activities related to newspaper publishing and eligible digital content. Specifically, the bill allows tax exemptions for businesses primarily engaged in printing and publishing newspapers or digital content. St. Edward State Park Second Substitute House Bill 1024 grants the State Parks and Recreation Commission expanded leasing authority at St. Edward State Park. Kirkland. The amended legislation allows for leases exceeding 20 years, specifically for properties such as the main seminary building, pool building and gymnasium. Ferry captains House Bill 1511 modifies the responsibilities of ferry vessel captains and introduces provisions for a potential reorganization of bargaining units within the Washington State Ferries crew. Specifically, the bill clarifies the captain's authoritative role in vessel operations and mandates a vote by the captains to determine their inclusion in a combined bargaining unit with masters and pilots by August 2025, impacting collective bargaining agreements effective July 1, 2026.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Washington law signed banning chemical often used in suicides, honoring teenager
A new state law puts restrictions on the sale of a lethal chemical that has been used in dozens of suicide deaths. Governor Bob Ferguson signed 'Tyler's Law' yesterday. It was named after 15-year-old Tyler Schmidt, who died after buying highly concentrated sodium nitrite online. Under the law, the sale of the chemical in concentrations over 10% will be banned. Companies that violate this will now face a penalty of up to $10K for their first violation, and up to $1M after that. If you or a loved one is going through a mental health crisis, the national suicide prevention hotline is available to help 24/7. Call 988 or visit
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Washington restricts lethal chemical previously sold on Amazon
Gov. Bob Ferguson signs a bill on Friday, April 4, 2025. On Monday, he signed more legislation into law, including a bill to prohibit the sale of sodium nitrite. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard) If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat When a package from Amazon arrived at her Clark County home in November 2020, Michelle Vasquez-Stickley assumed it was art supplies for her 15-year-old son. She left it on his bed for him. The package instead contained sodium nitrite, a powder that can serve as a poison antidote and, used at low levels of purity, as a meat preservative. But at high concentrations, it can be lethal. Vasquez-Stickley's son, Tyler Schmidt, used 99.6% pure sodium nitrite to die by suicide weeks after the delivery. 'As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children, but how could I protect Tyler from something I didn't even know was a danger?' Vasquez-Stickley asked lawmakers in January. 'The reality is, my child couldn't walk into a pharmacy and purchase allergy medication without restrictions, yet he could buy a lethal substance online with no age verifications or warnings about dangers.' Schmidt is one of dozens who died by this method across the country. After many warnings, Amazon stopped selling the high-purity products in late 2022, while denying wrongdoing. In hopes of making that restriction permanent, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday signed Tyler's Law, a prohibition on the sale of sodium nitrite at concentrations greater than 10%. The law has exceptions for businesses that use the product. Washington is now the fourth state to place limits on the substance, joining California, Colorado and New York. 'Tyler's law ensures no other Washingtonian can order the deadly poison online and have it shipped to their home,' Ferguson said. Sellers now have to label their sodium nitrite products, 'WARNING DANGER: Deadly if ingested. If ingested, seek immediate medical attention for intravenous administration of methylene blue. Ingestion of sodium nitrite, even in small quantities, causes severe methemoglobinemia, extreme pain, and imminent death. Keep out of reach of children.' Violators of the new requirements face a $10,000 fine for their first transgression, rising to $1 million for subsequent violations. The attorney general or private citizens can bring litigation to enforce the law. House Bill 1209 passed both chambers with bipartisan support. The law takes effect immediately. Vasquez-Stickley and Schmidt's family were on hand as Ferguson signed the bill Monday. 'This is the kind of thing that makes a difference,' Ferguson told them. 'And so I just so appreciate you having the courage to come together, to work with legislators, to work with their advocates, to bring this to public attention.' A similar measure has seen progress at the federal level, with legislation to ban the chemical's sale at high concentrations passing the U.S. House of Representatives before stalling in the Senate last year. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court recently agreed to hear one of the several cases against Amazon from families of loved ones who died after ingesting sodium nitrite. An appeals court last year had dismissed that consolidated case, over four deaths from sodium nitrite purchased from the Seattle e-commerce giant. The judges ruled the company couldn't be held liable for intentional misuse of its products. Many other lawsuits against Amazon over this issue are also ongoing. After Tyler's Law passed the House, Vasquez-Stickley told KING 5 she hoped the bill would save lives 'and prevent other families from experiencing the profound loss we have endured.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Senate passes bill targeting fentanyl dealers
(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill that aims to crack down on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in fatal overdoses. Senate Bill 92, sponsored by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), would enforce stricter penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl that results in the victim overdosing and dying. Individuals convicted of the crime would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison under the bill. The penalty would not apply to drug users who share drugs with friends, family, or individuals seeking medical assistance for people who overdose, according to Mastriano. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The bill, also known as Tyler's Law, was named after Tyler Shanafelter, a young Pennsylvanian who lost his life after purchasing a laced Percocet, Mastriano said. 'It is my duty as a legislator to do everything I can to stem this ever-increasing scourge on our loved ones. My bill would send a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences,' Mastriano said. 'I look forward to it becoming law, serving as a legacy for Tyler, his family and other families who have lost loved ones – and it helping to prevent other families from experiencing that harrowing loss.' The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sen. Baker: Judiciary Committee advances key public safety legislation
Mar. 25—WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Lisa Baker, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said bills passed on Tuesday reflect a bipartisan commitment to tackling pressing issues — including the opioid crisis, violent crime and public safety threats. Baker's Senate Judiciary Committee convened to advance a series of bills aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's criminal justice system and addressing critical public safety concerns. "This committee continues to prioritize legislation that protects our communities, supports law enforcement and ensures justice for victims," said Baker, R-Lehman Township. Sen. Baker said the committee approved the following bills: —Senate Bill 92 — Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence for drug delivery resulting in death when the defendant has two or more prior felony drug convictions. The bill, titled "Tyler's Law" in memory of Tyler Shanafelter — an 18-year-old who died of an overdose after taking a pill that was laced with fentanyl — ensures that repeat offenders who profit from the addiction of others face significant consequences. —Senate Bill 347 — Prohibits the operation of safe injection sites, which are clinics or establishments that provide space for people to consume drugs like heroin or fentanyl. The bill reinforces Pennsylvania's stance against supervised drug consumption facilities, which only further enable those suffering from drug addiction to continue using. —Senate Bill 475 — Updates statutory language by replacing "problem-solving courts" with "treatment courts," emphasizing the underlying mission of these specialized court programs. —Senate Bill 490 — Prohibits courts from releasing criminal defendants on their own recognizance or on unsecured bail when the defendant is a person who poses a threat to public safety. Specifically, the bill targets repeat violent felons, high-level fentanyl traffickers, and individuals who endanger law enforcement, ensuring that these high-risk offenders remain in custody. —Senate Bill 471 — Requires prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when a defendant is in the country unlawfully. —Senate Bill 96 — Enhances penalties for threats against schools and mandates reimbursement of emergency response costs. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, close to a dozen schools were plagued by anonymous threats in 2023, resulting in closures and loss of instruction time, hindering student progress. This bill would increase the grading of the crime of terroristic threats when the threat relates to a school or institution of higher education, and requires a person convicted of making such a threat to pay for the cost of the emergency response. —Senate Bill 175 — Strengthens laws against "swatting" and other false emergency reports by updating the crime of false alarm to agencies of public safety, allowing courts to order a person convicted of that crime to pay for the emergency response. There are potential practical consequences to swatting alarms. They may be an accident on the way to the premises. Because of the anticipated confusion at the scene, there might be an unfortunate escalation due to miscommunication or tension. There may be real emergencies occurring while responders are diverted to a false alarm. It is all risk, all cost, for no justifiable purpose. It is a malicious act that should be treated as such. "These measures address critical gaps in our legal system and improve our ability to protect Pennsylvanians," said Sen. Baker. "We will continue working to ensure our laws reflect the challenges facing law enforcement, communities and crime victims." The bills will now advance to the full Senate for further consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
