Several proposals introduced this year by 17^th District Sen. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, are still alive this session after being approved by the Senate ahead of today’s “floor cutoff” deadline for the Senate to pass its own bills.

“I’m very encouraged to see these bills receive approval by my Senate colleagues,” said Harris. “Most of them deal with health-care issues, which are very important to me. I plan to work with my former colleagues in the House so these bills can be approved by that chamber as well and reach the governor for his consideration.”

Here are the Harris-sponsored bills that are now in the House of Representatives after recently being advanced by the Senate over the past week:

• Senate Bill 5455 would make changes to the administration of the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment Board, including requiring that the board include members nominated by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Passed by the Senate 48-1 on March 10, it has been referred to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
• Senate Bill 5594 would reduce prescription-drug costs by eliminating barriers that block access to biosimilar medicines. “A large portion of health-insurance premiums go toward drug costs. This bill is a way to control those costs, and would allow a form of drug substitution similar to 47 other states,” said Harris. Approved by the Senate 49-0 on March 11.
• Senate Bill 5628 would change the maximum allowable amount of lead in pots, pans and other cookware from five parts per million to 10 ppm. The measure seeks to fix a similar bill that was approved by the Legislature last year. Passed by the Senate 48-0 today.
• Senate Bill 5629 would require large-group health plans, except those offered to public employees, to provide coverage for prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic devices. “This bill would help make prosthetics affordable for those who need them, especially if they want to be active,” said Harris. Passed 43-6 by the Senate on March 6, it now is before the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
• Senate Bill 5641 would encourage, but not require, school districts, charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools to teach about the awareness of blood donations, to go along with awareness of bone-marrow donations already being encouraged. Passed by the Senate 49-0 on March 5, it has been referred to the House Education Committee.
• Senate Bill 5689 would allow blood-type information to be added to drivers’ licenses and identicards. “This bill will help improve emergency response by making blood-type information available to first responders and medical staff sooner,” said Harris. Approved by the Senate 49-0 on March 5, it is now before the House Transportation Committee.

Earlier this session, the Senate unanimously passed two other measures prime-sponsored by Harris:

• Senate Bill 5316 would modify the procedures and notification requirements for unclaimed property. The measure, which was requested by the state Department of Revenue, has been sent to the House Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 5370 would give voters in seven Washington port districts the option of extending the terms of their port commissioners to six years, rather than the current four years. Most port districts already have three commissioners serving six-year terms. SB 5370 is before the House Local Government Committee.

The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to end April 27.