"Signed into law: Protecting consumers from spiraling debt (HB 1531/HB 1602/HB 1730/HB 1066)

Another bill I have sponsored in previous years concerns medical debt, and I was thrilled to see it pass both chambers nearly unanimously this year. Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. My bill lowers the interest rate that often accrues before a patient ever sees a bill, prohibits health care providers from selling medical debt to collections agencies for at least 120 days after the first billing, and requires that patients are informed about opportunities to apply for charity care. Our own community recently witnessed the consequences of charity care being withheld from patients who qualified for it. In addition, bills protecting consumers from becoming destitute due to consumer debt and from unscrupulous debt collection practices also are becoming law this year.

Signed into law: Tuition-free college and apprenticeships (HB 2158)

I mentioned this in my last e-newsletter, but it bears repeating: if you are a student whose family makes 55% of the state’s Median Family Income or less (around $55,000 for a family of four), you can attend one of Washington’s two-year, four-year, or technical colleges tuition-free. This is thanks to the Workforce Education and Investment Act. There are partial tuition grants available for students whose families earn up to 100% of the Median Family Income (around $88,000 for a family of four). As the parent of a graduating senior, I can tell you this a big deal. Every qualified student in our state deserves the opportunity to access affordable higher education."