House passes bill to preserve access to preventative services and immunizations after floor amendment
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Summary
The House passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 22 42, with an adopted amendment clarifying it does not create vaccine mandates; the floor debate included objections that the Department of Health could shop for experts to justify coverage decisions. Final vote: 57–39.
The Washington State House passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 22 42, a measure framed by sponsors as preserving access to low-cost or no-cost preventative services and immunizations. The Health Care & Wellness Committee recommended a substituted bill; the House adopted Amendment 15 22 to clarify intent that the measure does not create vaccine mandates or add enrollment barriers.
Representative Bernofsky urged members to "vote with me, as a yes on this particular bill," saying the goal is to preserve access to current preventative services and immunizations. Representative Marshall moved the amendment 15 22 and explained it clarifies intent: "while the bill is not creating vaccine mandates, it is also not intended to create any extra regulations or barriers surrounding enrollment in schools or into daycare."
In floor debate Marshal (Marshall) and others raised concerns that the bill gives the Department of Health discretion over which experts to consult. "This bill grants DOH discretion to choose which experts they listen to," Representative Marshall said, adding a worry that DOH could "shop for experts" or follow recommendations from an industry-aligned advocacy group instead of broader consensus. Supporters said the language preserves access to services and enables procurement of necessary vaccines and supplies.
After debate the clerk announced the roll call: 57 yays, 39 nays. Having received a constitutional majority, the engrossed substitute was declared passed.
