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WashingtonHB 24052025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Establishing a pilot program for posttraumatic stress disorder treatment and research.

Sponsored By: Suzanne Schmidt (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster PTSD care for injured workers

Beginning July 1, 2026, workers who file a PTSD occupational disease claim can opt into a pilot for faster care. It covers one diagnostic interview and up to 11 therapy sessions in the first 90 days; if a claim is still pending, up to 12 more sessions can be approved. After a claim is allowed, ongoing PTSD care must be from a network provider; within one year after claim closure, up to six extra sessions may be approved to maintain functioning. L&I can cut paperwork and can partner with PTSD experts and offer incentives, while keeping workers’ choice of provider. If early care is later denied, the state fund spreads those costs across risk classes; self-insured employers pay their own denied-claim costs.

New provider network for injured workers

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, L&I sets up a provider network for injured workers and minimum standards. On June 30, 2027, a permanent network takes over with credentialing, oversight, and an advisory group. L&I also sets a second tier with best‑practice standards and incentives. Provider contracts renew automatically unless someone gives notice.

PTSD pilot timeline and oversight

The PTSD pilot starts July 1, 2026 and ends December 31, 2030. By July 1, 2030, the director reports to lawmakers on whether to extend or expand it and what changes are needed. During the pilot, its rules override any conflicting state law. L&I may adopt rules to run the pilot. Self-insured employers that join must give L&I reports of pilot claims when asked.

Workplace mental health and safety grants

Beginning July 1, 2026, L&I issues medical aid fund grants to cut injuries, speed return to work, and reduce long‑term disability. At least 25% of awards go to return‑to‑work projects, at least 25% to small‑business projects, and at least 50% to prevention priorities. Grants can fund workplace behavioral health, like suicide prevention, mental health training, trauma‑informed reintegration, or independent navigators, focused on high‑PTSD‑risk jobs. Eligible groups include employers, unions, trade associations, and schools working with state‑fund employers and workers.

Injury medical records shared on request

Starting July 1, 2026, attending providers must share injury‑related medical information with the employer, the worker’s representative, and L&I when asked. This does not apply where RCW 49.17.210 or 49.17.250 say otherwise. No one is legally liable for releasing information under these rules.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Suzanne Schmidt

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Dan Bronoske

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren Davis

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 139 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/16/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 90 • No: 1 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2026*.

    3/25/2026House

  2. Chapter 220, 2026 Laws.

    3/25/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/25/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/10/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/5/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/24/2026House

  12. LC - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    2/18/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 7.

    2/16/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/16/2026House

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/16/2026House

  17. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/12/2026House

  18. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/9/2026House

  19. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

  20. APP - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Labor & Workplace Standards.

    2/9/2026House

  21. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/3/2026House

  22. LAWS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/30/2026House

  23. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/30/2026House

  24. First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

    1/13/2026House

  25. Introduced

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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