Youth Senate unanimously passes bill to expand overdose-reversal access and recovery navigators

The Washington Youth Senate on Monday passed House Bill 10.16, a measure amending RCW 69.50.315 to widen access to overdose-reversal drugs and expand the state’s recovery navigator program.

Proponent Akila Kayanda told the chamber the bill was aimed at a mounting substance-use crisis: “This bill strengthens current law by expanding access to overdose reversal drugs, improving accountability, and enhancing the recovery navigator program to ensure more equitable, public-health-focused approach to treatment and recovery statewide.” Kayanda noted fentanyl-related deaths rose sharply in recent years and that fear of prosecution can deter people from seeking help during an overdose.

The measure also drew personal testimony. Ruby Stewart, who identified herself as a member of the Dale Turner delegation, described losing a relative to a fentanyl overdose in 2020 and urged colleagues to “vote in favor of this bill because this is something that has affected me and my family.” Alexei Mahmoud, speaking for the Urban League delegation, said the bill reframes substance use as a public-health issue and would help young people respond to overdoses without fear of legal consequences.

Under language read into the record, the bill requires an expansion of recovery navigator services and sets a one-year timeline for completing the recovery navigator program expansion. Supporters said the bill also includes reporting requirements to track outcomes.

After brief floor debate and no proposed amendments, the lieutenant governor called for the vote. The chamber’s presiding officer announced the vote was unanimous and declared the bill passed; delegates applauded.

The bill will move to the next steps delineated by the Senate rules for transmittal and implementation. Sponsors framed the change as an equity and public-health intervention designed to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to treatment.