Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to protesting nurses on April 24 at the State Capitol Building in Olympia. Inslee indicated he would sign the bill for meal and rest breaks into law if it passes both chambers. Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau

Gov. Jay Inslee speaks to protesting nurses on April 24 at the State Capitol Building in Olympia. Inslee indicated he would sign the bill for meal and rest breaks into law if it passes both chambers. Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau

Lawmakers approve ‘nursing bill’ for mandatory meal and rest breaks

Nurses show up in Olympia to support bill, protest Sen. Walsh’s remarks.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature passed an amended version Wednesday of a bill mandating meal and rest breaks for certain health care employees. The Senate passed the bill in a 63- 34 vote and the House passed it 70-24.

Controversial amendments to HB 1155 were removed in a confirmation committee Tuesday evening. Sen. Maureen Walsh, R-College Place, proposed an amendment that passed that would limit shifts to eight hours.

Walsh made remarks last week in a floor speech that enraged nurses across the country: “Those nurses probably do get breaks, they probably play cards for a considerable amount of the day.” Nurses nationwide have sent her more than 1,700 decks of playing cards before Wednesday’s mail was delivered. While Walsh has apologized for her remarks, they have encouraged nurses to come to the State Capitol and protest.

Nurses from around Washington headed to the Capitol to encourage the Legislature to pass the underlying bill that mandates meal and rest breaks and makes it so employees cannot be required to work overtime.

The House did not concur on the Senate amendments and therefore went into a conference committee with representatives from both chambers to reconcile the two versions of the bill.

The committee removed both Walsh’s amendment and another amendment that exempted critical access hospitals from being required to give meal and rest breaks. Instead, there will be a two-year deferment for many small hospitals in having to comply with this new regulation.

The bill then went back to the Senate for a final vote. Sen. Walsh spoke against the stripped down bill Wednesday.

“I would like to point out the fact that once again it’s one of these typical situations of urban versus rural. I got a little critical access hospital, it has maybe five patients and we’re going to subscribe how they staff their hospital?” said Walsh.

Walsh said she is “very disappointed” at the outcome of this bill and that it is overreach on the Legislature’s part.

Sen. Rebecca Saldana, D-Seattle, noted in her speech that the bill does not detail how a hospital covers these breaks with their staff, but does ensure consistent breaks across the state, which she said ultimately helps patient care.

Gov. Jay Inslee spoke to the protesters Wednesday morning and is expected to sign the legislation into law. The Legislative session is scheduled to end April 28.

Emma Epperly is an intern with the WNPA Olympia News Bureau.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

Sen. Maureen Walsh, R-College Place, poses with bins full of playing cards Wednesday that were sent to her by those upset with her remarks last week on the floor of the Senate. Staff estimates they have received over 1,700 decks of cards. Walsh has since apologized for her comments. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Legislature

Sen. Maureen Walsh, R-College Place, poses with bins full of playing cards Wednesday that were sent to her by those upset with her remarks last week on the floor of the Senate. Staff estimates they have received over 1,700 decks of cards. Walsh has since apologized for her comments. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Legislature

More in Northwest

t
‘Bomb cyclone’ leaves Renton residents without power, damages property

Reports of trees falling into structures and striking individuals in Renton

t
Drive-by shooting hospitalizes man in Auburn near Dave & Busters

Told police he was shot by a passing car the night of Nov. 17 at Outlet Collection mall

t
Renton man arrested in Skagit County sex crime sting

A total of 14 suspects were arrested.

Patrick Moneith teaches Artistic Roller skating at Southgate Roller Rink and also skates at El Centro Skate Rink. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / Sound Publishing
El Centro Skate Rink in Federal Way expands its repertoire

Rink is growing the presence of artistic skating and adult skate nights with live DJs.

t
Coyotes appear throughout Auburn

One West Hill woman is concerned for local children and small animals in her neighborhood

Courtesy Photo, King County
Man awaits resentencing for abusing autistic victim to death in Auburn

Convicted in the abuse, death of the son of a Renton School District special education teacher.

t
Snoqualmie approves downtown model train museum

‘It really isn’t about trains. It’s about imagination,’ model owner Peter Hambling said.

(Black Press file photo)
Auburn carjacking leaves elderly man in hospital with gunshot wound

Man left in serious condition after church parking lot shooting.

File photo
Thousands of firearm sales on hold in WA amid system crash

Washington state courts’ computer systems have been down for nearly two weeks,… Continue reading

King County Executive Dow Constantine. COURTESY PHOTO
King County Executive Dow Constantine won’t run for reelection in 2025

To give up position after 16 years; King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci to seek seat

t
Man dies eight months after 2023 Federal Way hatchet attack | Video

Suspect is under competency review, and charges are expected to be upgraded.

Courtesy photo
70% of WA public school students have access to free meals

In the 2024-2025 school year, 1,523 schools are serving free meals to all students who requested one.