Washington HB2242: Preventive health services

What the bill says

An act Relating to preserving access to preventive services by clarifying state authority and definitions; amending RCW 48.43.047, 70.290.010, and 70.290.040; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 44.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to preserving access to preventive services by clarifying state authority and definitions; amending RCW 48.43.047, 70.290.010, and 70.290.040; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 44.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) It is the intent of the legislature to preserve access to evidence-based preventive health services for people residing in Washington state who choose to use such services. (2) The legislature does not intend to establish new requirements that any individual receive any immunization, including children under childhood vaccination requirements, or other preventive health service, nor does the legislature intend to modify, limit, or expand existing laws related to informed consent for health care decisions for minors or adults. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.70 RCW to read as follows: The department may issue immunization recommendations and related guidance. In developing its recommendations, the department must consider the recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices of the United States centers for disease control and prevention and experts and expert organizations that the department in its discretion deems relevant and based on reasonable scientific evidence and judgment. Any recommendations or guidance issued by the department under this section shall be posted …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Dan Bronoske (D) · primary sponsor
• Beth Doglio (D)
• Lisa Parshley (D)
• Tarra Simmons (D)
• Liz Berry (D)
• Alex Ramel (D)
• Brianna Thomas (D)
• Timm Ormsby (D)
• My-Linh Thai (D)
• Nicole Macri (D)
• Mary Fosse (D)
• Natasha Hill (D)

Latest actions

1. March 9, 2026: Effective date 3/9/2026.
2. March 9, 2026: Chapter 13, 2026 Laws.
3. March 9, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 3, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. February 28, 2026: President signed.
6. February 28, 2026: Speaker signed.
7. February 26, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 36; nays, 12; absent, 0; excused, 1.
8. February 26, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
9. February 24, 2026: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
10. February 23, 2026: Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 26, 2026): 36 yea, 12 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care: Do pass (February 20, 2026): 9 yea, 1 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 11, 2026): 57 yea, 39 nay, passed
• House Committee on Health Care & Wellness: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (January 28, 2026): 11 yea, 4 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2242?

HB2242 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Preventive health services.

What does HB2242 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to preserving access to preventive services by clarifying state authority and definitions; amending RCW 48.43.047, 70.290.010, and 70.290.040; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 44.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB2242?

Signed into law as of March 9, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 3/9/2026. (March 9, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2242?

Dan Bronoske (D), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2242?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2242&Year=2025