Senate's SHOCKING Move: 3 Major Bills Passed for Your Health & Housing - What You Must Know NOW!

OLYMPIA — Two significant bipartisan bills spearheaded by Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) achieved unanimous passage in the Washington State Senate on Tuesday, marking a progressive step in addressing housing inequities and healthcare accessibility in the state.

The first bill, designated as SB 6091, takes aim at the practice of real estate brokers using private listing networks to market residential properties. This legislation prohibits brokers from marketing homes to an exclusive group unless those listings are simultaneously marketed to the public. Currently, these private networks can limit options for buyers and renters, effectively creating a tiered market that favors select individuals.

“These private listing models that are growing in popularity aren’t just a threat to consumer protections — they’re a way of excluding some people from being able to buy or rent homes in our state,” said Liias. “This bill is fundamentally about fair housing. When buyers and renters have equal access to the market, we level the playing field so everyone can consider all available options when they’re searching for their next place to call home.”

The shift towards private listings has become pronounced; a recent Zillow/Harris Poll from 2025 revealed that 63% of Americans who sold a home in the last five years were advised by their real estate agents to utilize private listings. This figure starkly contrasts with just 18% of sellers who reported similar recommendations a decade ago, highlighting a troubling trend that could exacerbate existing housing disparities.

During discussions about the bill, James Fisher, vice president for government affairs with Washington REALTORS, emphasized the importance of the legislation in combating discrimination in the housing market. “Despite progress, subtle forms of discrimination persist, often hidden with exclusive marketing strategies or selective outreach. This further limits opportunities for certain groups,” Fisher noted. He expressed support for SB 6091, stating that it ensures transparency and equal opportunity for all consumers in the housing market.

The second piece of legislation, known as SB 6183, mandates that all health plans issued or renewed in Washington after January 21, 2027, must cover all HIV antiviral drugs without imposing utilization management protocols such as prior authorization or step therapy. This bill comes at a crucial time, as newly diagnosed HIV cases in Washington have surged by 24% between 2020 and 2024, with over a quarter of these cases being diagnosed late in the illness's progression.

“Eliminating the barriers that prevent people from getting care quickly is an essential step forward in our fight to eradicate HIV and AIDS in Washington,” Liias stated. He highlighted the lifesaving nature of HIV antiviral drugs, which not only help those living with HIV lead healthier lives but also significantly reduce the transmission risk. Research has shown that consistent use of these medications can make the virus non-transmittable through sexual contact, and it also reduces the risk of transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

At the bill's public hearing, Omni Romero, a commissioner and legislative chair for the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, shared personal testimony about the detrimental effects of existing treatment barriers. Romero explained that step therapy, often referred to as “fail first,” requires patients to try less effective treatments before receiving the best available options, which can jeopardize their health. “These barriers put patients at risk of worsening symptoms and dangerous drug interactions,” Romero argued, emphasizing the importance of passing SB 6183 to improve access to necessary medications for those living with HIV.

The passage of these bills reflects a broader commitment to ensuring equitable access in both the housing and healthcare sectors. Liias’s ongoing efforts to expand access to lifesaving care—previously seen in his sponsorship of several bills aimed at enhancing availability of HIV treatments—demonstrate a proactive stance in addressing the urgent needs of Washingtonians in vulnerable communities.