1531-S AMH LOW MORI 208

SHB 1531 - H AMD 503

By Representative Low

WITHDRAWN 03/08/2025

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. A new section is added to chapter 70.54 RCW to read as follows:

(1) It is the policy of the state that the primary focus of state and local health officials is to gather information and data in order to make recommendations to the public on addressing issues of public health in order to facilitate informed decision making on the part of the public.

(2) Consistent with the policy in subsection (1) of this section, state and local health officials may not take actions that interfere with the ability of members of the public to make their own choices and decisions."

EFFECT: Removes the provisions in the underlying bill requiring public health responses to communicable diseases to be guided by the best available science. States that it is the public policy of the state that the primary focus of state and local health officials is to gather information and data in order to make recommendations to the public on addressing issues of public health in order to facilitate informed decision making on the part of the public. Prohibits state and local health officials from taking actions that interfere with the ability of members of the public to make their own choices and decisions.

--- END ---