Washington HB 1412: Concerning nonresident pharmacies.

Bill Text

AN ACT Relating to establishing the Washington state commission 1
on Middle Eastern and North African Americans; amending RCW 1.16.050; 2
and adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW.3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature recognizes that 5
Washington's strength lies in the diversity of its histories, 6
cultures, and communities. Among these are the Middle Eastern and 7
North African populations who have, over generations, made profound 8
contributions to the state's economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and 9
civic life. The legislature recognizes that Middle Eastern and North 10
African Americans share ancestral, cultural, and historical ties to 11
the regions commonly referred to as the Middle East and North Africa. 12
While these communities are richly diverse in languages, religions, 13
and traditions, they also share common experiences shaped by how 14
others have perceived and categorized them over time. These 15
perceptions have influenced how Middle Eastern and North African 16
Americans are treated and represented in public, social, and 17
institutional settings in the state.18
(2) The legislature finds that, despite their contributions, 19
Middle Eastern and North African Americans navigate systems that 20
neither fully serve nor see them; a reality further compounded by 21
H-0977.2
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1412
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By House State Government & Tribal Relations (originally sponsored by
Representatives Farivar, Salahuddin, Simmons, Davis, Berry, Parshley,
Peterson, Reed, Gregerson, Thai, Goodman, Doglio, Fey, Berg, Obras,
Fosse, Pollet, Ryu, Street, Macri, and Scott)
READ FIRST TIME 02/06/25.
p. 1 SHB 1412

their historic erasure in public data and decision-making processes 1
across the state. As highlighted in a recent study from the 2
University of Washington Tacoma, Middle Eastern and North African 3
communities continue to face persistent barriers to equity and 4
opportunity, including limited access to culturally and 5
linguistically appropriate health care, economic inequities driving 6
housing instability, underemployment due to unrecognized credentials, 7
and educational systems that fail to reflect their lived experiences 8
or meet their needs. These challenges reflect a need for intentional 9
representation and solutions that are led by the voices and lived 10
experiences of Middle Eastern and North African communities. By 11
addressing these disparities, the state can honor the vital cultural, 12
economic, and civic contributions of Middle Eastern and North African 13
Americans and build a future where all Washingtonians can thrive.14
(3) The legislature acknowledges that the cultural richness of 15
Middle Eastern and North African Americans is rooted in histories 16
that span centuries, shaped by interactions that have included both 17
cooperation and conflict over time. The legislature further 18
acknowledges that two significant influences on Middle Eastern and 19
North African communities have been the role of religion and the 20
influence of international policies. While these factors are 21
important, they represent only a part of the depth and diversity of 22
Middle Eastern and North African lived experiences. As such, the 23
commission may discuss these influences but shall not focus solely on 24
them.25
(4) Therefore, the legislature intends to establish the 26
commission to amplify the voices of Middle Eastern and North African 27
communities, advocate for equitable opportunities, and cultivate 28
stronger connections between Middle Eastern and North African 29
Americans in Washington and decision-making bodies. A key focus of 30
the commission will be to improve the collection of qualitative and 31
quantitative data on Middle Eastern and North African Americans to 32
better inform state policy and programs to meet their needs. Through 33
this work, the commission will contribute to a Washington that 34
uplifts and values its diversity while working toward shared 35
prosperity for all its communities.36
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definition in this section applies 37
throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires 38
otherwise.39
p. 2 SHB 1412

"Commission" means the Washington state commission on Middle 1
Eastern and North African Americans.2
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The Washington state commission on Middle 3
Eastern and North African Americans is established in the office of 4
the governor.5
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The commission shall consist of 12 6
members appointed by the governor. After the appointment of initial 7
members, the governor, in making subsequent appointments, must give 8
due consideration to recommendations submitted by the commission. The 9
governor must consider nominations for membership based upon 10
maintaining a balanced distribution of Middle Eastern and North 11
African ethnic, geographic, gender, age, and occupational 12
representati