Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2401: Boys and men commission
Status: In committee, February 19, 2026
Establishing the boys and men commission.
What the bill says
An act Relating to establishing the boys and men commission; reenacting and amending RCW 43.79A.040 and 43.79A.040; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and providing contingent expiration dates. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to establishing the boys and men commission; reenacting and amending RCW 43.79A.040 and 43.79A.040; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and providing contingent expiration dates. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that it is important for all Washingtonians to thrive. The legislature finds that on many fronts men and boys struggle at a higher rate. Boys are struggling in school, with a lower average grade point average and a growing gap in graduation rates. Additionally, boys make up 94 percent of the population of juvenile rehabilitation. These issues are exacerbated for boys of color. As boys transition into adulthood, these problems continue to persist. Men make up 71 percent of the unsheltered population and 63 percent of people experiencing homelessness. Men also account for 79 percent of suicides. The legislature finds that addressing men's issues and improving the emotional well-being of men and increasing their sense of belonging will have a positive impact on larger societal issues such as loneliness, isolation, and gender-based violence. The legislature further finds that the development of public policy and the efficient delivery of governmental services to meet the needs of boys and men can be improved by establishing a focal point in state government focused on the well-being of men …
Sponsors
- April Berg (D) · primary sponsor
- Chris Stearns (D)
- Valdez, Michelle (R)
- Leavitt, Mari (D)
- Lisa Parshley (D)
- Janice Zahn (D)
- Adison Richards (D)
- Shaun Scott (D)
- Dave Paul (D)
- Alex Ramel (D)
- Jake Fey (D)
- Gerry Pollet (D)
Latest actions
- : House Rules "X" file.
- : Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : Minority; do not pass.
- : APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
- : Referred to Appropriations.
Votes
- House Committee on Appropriations: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 9, 2026): 22 yea, 4 nay, passed
- House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations: Do pass (January 30, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: PUBLIC FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS, STATE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS
Common questions
- What is HB2401?
- HB2401 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Boys and men commission.
- What does HB2401 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to establishing the boys and men commission; reenacting and amending RCW 43.79A.040 and 43.79A.040; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and providing contingent expiration dates. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2401?
- In committee as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: House Rules "X" file. (February 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2401?
- April Berg (D), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2401?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2401&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.