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2025 Legislative Policy Priorities

UTOPIA Washington is committed to uplifting and advocating for the rights and wellbeing of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We work to ensure that the voices, experiences, and needs of our communities are not only heard but centered in the development of legislative priorities across Washington State. Through our advocacy, we strive to create inclusive policies that reflect the lived realities of our people and advance justice, equity, and liberation for all.

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Legislative Priorities

Status: 4/9/25 – Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Rent stabilization is a critical step toward addressing the housing crisis and ensuring stability for families and individuals across Washington communities. When rents rise unpredictably or excessively, it creates housing insecurity, displacing families, deepening poverty, and exacerbating inequities in our communities. 

  • Protect homeowners and tenants by stabilizing annual rent increases to no more than 7% per year. 
  • Require 6 months notice for rent increase of 3% or more. 
  • Ensure that fees count as rent for the purposes of calculating an increase. 
  • Limit move-in fees to the equivalent of one month’s rent or less. 
  • Limit late fees to no more than 1.5% of the monthly rent. 

 

Bill tracker: HB 1217 Washington State Legislature 

Status: Passed Senate, in the House

This bill is designed to ensure that all school boards across Washington State fully implement and adhere to existing state anti-discrimination policies. By reinforcing compliance and accountability at the district level, SB 5179 seeks to strengthen and expand protections for all students particularly those from historically marginalized communities so that every student has equal access to a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Bill tracker: SB 5179 Washington State Legislature

Status: 4/8/25 – Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

This bill improves access to gender-affirming care by requiring health insurance plans that cover prescription hormone therapy to provide reimbursement for a full 12-month supply in a single refill, when prescribed. By eliminating the need for monthly or more frequent pharmacy visits, this policy helps reduce barriers to consistent care, particularly for trans and gender-diverse individuals who may face stigma, transportation challenges, or disruptions in coverage. HB 1971 supports continuity of care, bodily autonomy, and greater dignity in accessing essential medications. 

Passed house and senate 

Bill Tracker: HB 1971 Washington State Legislature 

 

Status: 04/9/25 – Passed to Rules Committee for second reading and placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

This bill builds on I-2081 by expanding student privacy protections, specifically strengthening safeguards for transgender and gender-diverse youth. It also introduces a new, comprehensive statement of student rights to help foster safer, more inclusive school environments. 

Passed house and senate 

HB 1296 Washington State Legislature 

Status: Both this companion bills died in first committee hearing.

  1. HB 1303 strengthens environmental justice by requiring impact assessments for government projects in pollution-burdened communities. It ensures public engagement and transparency, preventing disproportionate harm to vulnerable populations. 
  2. SB 5380 streamlines the approval process for clean energy projects, creating an Interagency Clean Energy Siting Council, expediting environmental reviews, and prioritizing projects of statewide significance