The 2021 Washington State Legislative session began a long-session (105 days) on January 11. In preparation for the legislative session, the District approved a legislative agenda in alignment with our values and priorities (Exhibit A). As of January 14 there are 488 bills currently filed. Of those, more than 20 are of interest to public health. Themes and topic areas of the bills are:

• Public health governance

• Funding for Foundational Public Health Services

• Vaccines

• Opioids

• Public health education

• Vital statistics

• Firearms

• Schools

A majority of bills related to the above are in response to the pandemic.

RCW 70.05.060 – Powers and duties of local board of health

No action required. Briefing only.