Committee hears bill to remove Senate confirmation for Washington State Women’s Commission members

The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5,888 on Jan. 23, a bill from Sen. Lisa Wellman that would eliminate a senate-confirmation requirement for members of the Washington State Women’s Commission.

Danielle Creech, committee staff, told the committee the bill removes the current requirement that the Women’s Commission membership be confirmed by the Senate, making its appointment process consistent with similar commissions for Hispanic, Asian Pacific American, African American, and LGBTQ affairs. Wellman, the prime sponsor and an adviser to the commission, described the change as a parity and cleanup measure: the commission was created in 2021 and, she said, has functioned without routine confirmation delays.

Samantha Gorno, public policy and legislative affairs manager for the Women’s Commission, testified in support, saying the selection process is thorough, preserves gubernatorial appointment authority and prioritizes diversity across backgrounds and regions. She also noted that several commissioners had served nearly two years without confirmation because of scheduling constraints.

Vice-chair sign-in tallies were recorded and the hearing concluded; no committee action was taken during the Jan. 23 meeting.