WashingtonSB 56322025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Protecting the confidentiality of records and information that may be relevant to another state's enforcement of its laws.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More privacy for patients' health records

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington state and local agencies cannot help other states investigate or enforce covered health care laws. This applies when another state imposes civil or criminal liability for gender-affirming treatment or reproductive care lawful in Washington. Agencies and their staff or agents acting officially also cannot share a person's related health information for that purpose. Limits on sharing with federal law enforcement apply only as far as federal law allows.

Stronger legal shields for health care

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington limits arrests and legal demands tied to other states' enforcement against care lawful in Washington. Covered care includes gender-affirming treatment and reproductive care, including contraception, miscarriage care, and abortion, including self-managed abortion. Protections cover providing or receiving care, attempts, and help with money, travel, information, or other support, including attempted help. Washington courts, public officials, and law enforcement cannot issue or carry out covered arrest warrants or knowingly participate in covered arrests. Courts, court staff, and attorneys cannot issue subpoenas, warrants, court orders, or other legal demands for covered out-of-state proceedings. Washington courts and officials also cannot apply laws that conflict with Washington's stated policy on these services.

Communication businesses face health records limits

Beginning July 27, 2025, new rules protect users' information held by certain electronic communication businesses. Covered businesses are incorporated in Washington or have their main place of business there. They cannot knowingly provide records, information, facilities, or help for another state's enforcement against protected care lawful in Washington. Covered legal requests require a statement under penalty of perjury that they do not seek material for that enforcement or investigation. A false statement carries a $10,000 penalty per violation and places the signer under Washington courts' authority. Businesses must notify the Washington Attorney General when the statement is missing or incomplete, unless law or a court order bars notice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Drew Hansen
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Bob Hasegawa
Democratic • Senate
Derek Stanford
Democratic • Senate
Javier Valdez
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Saldaña
Democratic • Senate
Yasmin Trudeau
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 88 • No: 55

House vote • 4/12/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 58 • No: 36 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/4/2025