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Lawmakers pass bill to make both parents primary guarantors for minors' hospital bills
Summary
The chamber passed Bill 0702 to designate both parents as primary guarantors for a minor's hospital care, with exceptions for death, court orders and inability to contact a parent; proponents say it eases single-parent financial burdens, opponents flagged missing paperwork and drafting errors.
The chamber voted to pass Bill 0702, "An act relating to equitable billing for minors' hospital care," which adds a section to RCW chapter 70.41 and becomes effective 90 days after passage, the reading clerk said.
Proponent Yosef Massiel opened by telling the chamber, "My bill is simple," and summarized that under current arrangements only one parent is contractually liable as the primary guarantor for a minor's hospital bills. Massiel said the bill would make both parents primary guarantors with listed exceptions — death, a court order or reasonable inability to reach the other parent — so families can coordinate which insurance covers care.
Supporters argued the change would reduce the financial strain on single-parent households and help ensure children receive timely care. "There are situations where people can't get surgeries because nobody can afford it," one supporter said, urging a vote in favor.
Opponents raised procedural and drafting concerns. Delegate Walrod noted that the version under debate lacked a planned "section 2" and said the text did not explain why the act should take effect quickly as an emergency measure. The secretary of state and clerks confirmed the amendment paperwork did not reflect committee changes, which participants described as a clerical error.
After floor debate and a brief appearance by a governor's cabinet representative who said the bill aligned with the governor's goals to expand access, the chamber moved the previous question and voted. The chair announced the bill passed by a clear majority; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally.
What happens next: The bill will proceed to the normal enrollment and enactment process with the 90-day effective date noted in the bill text. The transcript records no implementation assignment or funding details.
