KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Washington

HB1574 • 2026

Substance use/care, services

Protecting access to life-saving care and substance use services.

Crime Healthcare
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Macri, Representative Davis, Representative Parshley, Representative Mena, Representative Goodman, Representative Simmons, Representative Ormsby, Representative Scott, Representative Doglio, Representative Pollet, Representative Salahuddin, Representative Reed, Representative Nance, Representative Kloba
Last action
2026-03-12
Official status
H Rules 3C
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Substance use/care, services

Substance use/care, services

What This Bill Does

  • Substance use/care, services

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

1574.E AMS LAW S2596.1

0 • Law & Justice

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS LAW S2596.1 EHB 1574 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Law & Justice NOT CONSIDERED 04/27/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.

  • 1574.E AMS LAW S2596.1 EHB 1574 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Law & Justice NOT CONSIDERED 04/27/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.
  • 1.
  • RCW 69.50.315 and 2015 c 205 s 4 are each amended to 3 read as follows: 4 (1) ((A)) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 5 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 6 experiencing a drug-related overdose ((shall not be charged or 7 prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 8 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for 9 the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a 10 result of the person seeking medical assistance.11 (2) A person)) or who experiences a drug-related overdose and is 12 in need of medical assistance ((shall)) may not be arrested, charged 13 ((or)), prosecuted, or convicted for possession or use of a 14 controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under 15 RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession or use 16 of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose 17 and the need for medical assistance.
  • 18 (2)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 19 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 20 experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a drug-21 related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not:22 (i) Have their property subject to civil forfeiture for being in 23 possession of or using a controlled substance under RCW 69.50.4013, 24 except for items in plain sight; or25 (ii) Be penalized for:26 (A) Violation of probation or supervision related to being in 27 possession or use of a controlled substance; or28 (B) Failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual 29 charge.30 Code Rev/RR:jcm 1 S-2596.1/25 (b) The protections in (a) of this subsection only apply if the 1 property that would be subject to civil forfeiture or the evidence 2 for the possible charge of such a violation was obtained as a result 3 of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.4 (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a peace officer from 5 lawfully detaining a person without making an arrest.6 (4) The protection in this section from prosecution for 7 possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for 8 suppression of evidence in other criminal charges , except as provided 9 in subsection (2) of this section.
1574.E AMS LAW S5573.1

0 • Law & Justice

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS LAW S5573.1 EHB 1574 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Law & Justice NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.

  • 1574.E AMS LAW S5573.1 EHB 1574 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Law & Justice NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.
  • 1.
  • RCW 69.50.315 and 2015 c 205 s 4 are each amended to 3 read as follows: 4 (1) ((A)) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 5 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 6 experiencing a drug-related overdose ((shall not be charged or 7 prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 8 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for 9 the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a 10 result of the person seeking medical assistance.11 (2) A person)) or who experiences a drug-related overdose and is 12 in need of medical assistance ((shall)) may not be arrested, charged 13 ((or)), prosecuted, or convicted for possession or use of a 14 controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under 15 RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession or use 16 of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose 17 and the need for medical assistance.
  • 18 (2)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 19 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 20 experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a drug-21 related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not:22 (i) Have their property subject to civil forfeiture, except for 23 items in plain sight; or24 (ii) Be penalized for:25 (A) Violation of probation or supervision related to being in 26 possession or use of a controlled substance; or27 (B) Failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual 28 charge.29 (b) The protections in (a) of this subsection only apply if the 30 property that would be subject to civil forfeiture or the evidence 31 Code Rev/MW:akl 1 S-5573.1/26 for the possible charge of such a violation was obtained as a result 1 of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.2 (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a peace officer from 3 lawfully detaining a person without making an arrest.4 (4) The protection in this section from prosecution for 5 possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for 6 suppression of evidence in other criminal charges , except as provided 7 in subsection (2) of this section.
1574 AMH MACR H1870.1

237 • Macri

WITHDRAWN

Plain English: 1574 AMH MACR H1870.1 HB 1574 - H AMD 237 By Representative Macri WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.

  • 1574 AMH MACR H1870.1 HB 1574 - H AMD 237 By Representative Macri WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.
  • 1.
  • RCW 69.50.315 and 2015 c 205 s 4 are each amended to 3 read as follows: 4 (1) ((A)) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 5 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 6 experiencing a drug-related overdose ((shall not be charged or 7 prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 8 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for 9 the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a 10 result of the person seeking medical assistance.11 (2) A person)) or who experiences a drug-related overdose and is 12 in need of medical assistance ((shall)) may not be arrested, charged 13 ((or)), prosecuted, or convicted for possession or use of a 14 controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under 15 RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession or use 16 of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose 17 and the need for medical assistance.
  • 18 (2)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 19 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 20 experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a drug-21 related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not:22 (i) Have their property subject to civil forfeiture; or23 (ii) Be penalized for:24 (A) Violation of a restraining order, no contact order, or 25 protection order;26 (B) Violation of probation or parole; or27 (C) Failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual 28 charge.29 (b) The protections in (a) of this subsection only apply if the 30 property that would be subject to civil forfeiture or the evidence 31 Code Rev/MW:jlb 1 H-1870.1/25 for the possible charge of such a violation was obtained as a result 1 of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.2 (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a peace officer from 3 lawfully detaining a person without making an arrest.4 (4) The protection in this section from prosecution for 5 possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for 6 suppression of evidence in other criminal charges , except as provided 7 in subsection (2) of this section.
1574 AMH MACR H1926.1

712 • Macri

ADOPTED AS AMENDED

Plain English: 1574 AMH MACR H1926.1 HB 1574 - H AMD 712 By Representative Macri ADOPTED AS AMENDED 03/12/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.

  • 1574 AMH MACR H1926.1 HB 1574 - H AMD 712 By Representative Macri ADOPTED AS AMENDED 03/12/2025 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "Sec.
  • 1.
  • RCW 69.50.315 and 2015 c 205 s 4 are each amended to 3 read as follows: 4 (1) ((A)) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 5 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 6 experiencing a drug-related overdose ((shall not be charged or 7 prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 8 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for 9 the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a 10 result of the person seeking medical assistance.11 (2) A person)) or who experiences a drug-related overdose and is 12 in need of medical assistance ((shall)) may not be arrested, charged 13 ((or)), prosecuted, or convicted for possession or use of a 14 controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under 15 RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession or use 16 of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the overdose 17 and the need for medical assistance.
  • 18 (2)(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 19 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone 20 experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a drug-21 related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not:22 (i) Have their property subject to civil forfeiture; or23 (ii) Be penalized for:24 (A) Violation of a restraining order, no contact order, or 25 protection order;26 (B) Violation of probation or parole; or27 (C) Failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual 28 charge.29 (b) The protections in (a) of this subsection only apply if the 30 property that would be subject to civil forfeiture or the evidence 31 Code Rev/MW:ajr 1 H-1926.1/25 for the possible charge of such a violation was obtained as a result 1 of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.2 (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a peace officer from 3 lawfully detaining a person without making an arrest.4 (4) The protection in this section from prosecution for 5 possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for 6 suppression of evidence in other criminal charges , except as provided 7 in subsection (2) of this section.
1574 AMH BURN LANG 140

848 • Burnett

WITHDRAWN

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....
  • LANG 140 1 - Official Print EFFECT: Removes language providing that a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug- related overdose or who experiences a drug-related overdose and needs medical assistance may not be penalized for failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual charge.
  • 1574 AMH BURN LANG 140 HB 1574 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-1926.1/25) 848 By Representative Burnett WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 On page 1, line 26 of the striking amendment, after "order;" insert "or" On page 1, beginning on line 27 of the striking amendment, after "parole" strike all material through "charge" on line 29 --- END
1574 AMH BURN LANG 142

849 • Burnett

WITHDRAWN

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....
  • LANG 142 1 - Official Print EFFECT: Removes amendatory language providing that a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a drug- related overdose and needs medical assistance may not be arrested or convicted (in addition to charged or prosecuted in current law) for Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance, or Possession of 40 Grams or Less of Cannabis, if the evidence for the charge was 1574 AMH BURN LANG 142 HB 1574 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-1926.1/25) 849 By Representative Burnett WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 On page 1, beginning on line 5 of the striking amendment, after "(1)" strike all material through "use" on line 16 and insert "A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.
  • (2) A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of possession" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • On page 2, beginning on line 3 of the striking amendment, after "(3)" strike all material through “(4)” on line 5 Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
1574 AMH BURN LANG 139

850 • Burnett

WITHDRAWN

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....
  • LANG 139 1 - Official Print EFFECT: Removes language providing that a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug- related overdose or who experiences a drug-related overdose and needs medical assistance may not be penalized for violation of probation or parole.
  • 1574 AMH BURN LANG 139 HB 1574 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-1926.1/25) 850 By Representative Burnett WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 On page 1, line 26 of the striking amendment, after "order;" insert "or" On page 1, line 27 of the striking amendment, strike all of subsection (B) Reletter the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • END
1574 AMH BURN LANG 138

851 • Burnett

WITHDRAWN

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....
  • LANG 138 1 - Official Print EFFECT: Removes language providing that a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug- related overdose or who experiences a drug-related overdose and needs medical assistance may not be penalized for violation of a restraining order, no contact order, or protection order.
  • Removes language creating an exception from mandatory arrest for specified assault that involves domestic violence and violation of specified protection orders, no contact orders, and restraining orders.
  • 1574 AMH BURN LANG 138 HB 1574 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-1926.1/25) 851 By Representative Burnett WITHDRAWN 03/12/2025 On page 1, beginning on line 25 of the striking amendment, strike all of subsection (A) Reletter the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
1574 AMH GRIF LANG 143

863 • Griffey

ADOPTED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1574 AMH ....
  • LANG 143 1 - Official Print EFFECT: Limits the protection provided from civil forfeiture for a person who seeks medical assistance for a drug-related overdose or experiences a drug-related overdose and needs medical assistance to items that are not in plain sight.
  • 1574 AMH GRIF LANG 143 HB 1574 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-1926.1/25) 863 By Representative Griffey ADOPTED 03/12/2025 On page 1, line 23 of the striking amendment, after "forfeiture" insert ", except for items in plain sight" --- END
NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS HOLY S2654.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-2596.1/25) 431 By Senator Holy NOT CONSIDERED 04/27/2025 On page 2, line 6, after " person" strike " without making an 1 arrest" and insert " and investigating potential charges other than 2 those related to the use and possession of controlled substances.

  • 1574.E AMS HOLY S2654.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-2596.1/25) 431 By Senator Holy NOT CONSIDERED 04/27/2025 On page 2, line 6, after " person" strike " without making an 1 arrest" and insert " and investigating potential charges other than 2 those related to the use and possession of controlled substances.
  • If 3 during such detention, a peace officer develops probable cause the 4 person has committed a crime other than possession or use of 5 controlled substances, the peace officer may arrest the person"6 On page 2, after line 16, insert the following:7 "(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed as to provide an 8 affirmative defense to criminal law violations.
  • The person seeking 9 assistance may not benefit from the protection from arrest, charging, 10 prosecution, and conviction for related or unrelated criminal 11 violations committed prior to seeking assistance."12 EFFECT: (1) Clarifies officers maintain the authority to detain, investigate, and make arrests related to criminal law violations other than those related to possession or use of controlled substances.
  • (2) Clarifies that the protections of the act do not provide an affirmative defense and do not apply to criminal law violations committed prior to the person seeking medical assistance.
1574.E AMS FORT S5644.1

927 • Fortunato

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS FORT S5644.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 927 By Senator Fortunato NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, line 10, after "shelter" strike "((,))" and insert ","1 On page 3, at the beginning of line 11, strike " health care 2 facilities, including hospitals and" 3 On page 3, after line 17, insert: 4 "(4) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits health 5 care facilities, including hospitals, from distributing or using drug 6 testing equipment.

  • 1574.E AMS FORT S5644.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 927 By Senator Fortunato NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, line 10, after "shelter" strike "((,))" and insert ","1 On page 3, at the beginning of line 11, strike " health care 2 facilities, including hospitals and" 3 On page 3, after line 17, insert: 4 "(4) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits health 5 care facilities, including hospitals, from distributing or using drug 6 testing equipment.
  • Health care facility staff taking samples of 7 substances and using drug testing equipment for the purpose of 8 analyzing the composition of the substances or detecting the presence 9 of certain substances are acting legally and are exempt from arrest 10 and prosecution under RCW 69.50.4011(1) (b) or (c), 69.50.4013, 11 69.50.4014, or 69.41.030(2) (b) or (c)." 12 EFFECT: Permits health care facilities to distribute and use drug testing equipment.
  • Exempts health care facility staff using drug testing equipment from arrest and prosecution under statutes criminalizing possession or use of counterfeit substances, possession or use of controlled substances, possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis, or possession or use of a legend drug without a prescription.
  • END --- Code Rev/MW:jlb 1 S-5644.1/26
NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS HOLY S5685.2 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 929 By Senator Holy NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 1, line 13, after "be" strike "arrested,"1 On page 1, line 23, after " property" insert " that was seized 2 incident to an arrest for violation of RCW 69.50.4013 or 69.50.4014"3 On page 1, beginning on line 28, after " for" strike all material 4 through "charge" on line 29 and insert " a charge of possession or use 5 of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013 or possession of 6 40 grams or less of cannabis pursuant to RCW 69.50.4014"7 EFFECT: Allows a law enforcement officer to arrest a person for possession or use of a controlled substance or possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis where that person is seeking medical assistance for an overdose.

  • 1574.E AMS HOLY S5685.2 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 929 By Senator Holy NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 1, line 13, after "be" strike "arrested,"1 On page 1, line 23, after " property" insert " that was seized 2 incident to an arrest for violation of RCW 69.50.4013 or 69.50.4014"3 On page 1, beginning on line 28, after " for" strike all material 4 through "charge" on line 29 and insert " a charge of possession or use 5 of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013 or possession of 6 40 grams or less of cannabis pursuant to RCW 69.50.4014"7 EFFECT: Allows a law enforcement officer to arrest a person for possession or use of a controlled substance or possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis where that person is seeking medical assistance for an overdose.
  • Exempts the property of a person seeking medical assistance for an overdose from civil forfeiture only when that property was seized incident to an arrest for possession of a controlled substance or possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis, unless the property was in plain sight.
  • Exempts a person seeking medical assistance for an overdose from being penalized for failing to appear only when they failed to appear on a charge of possession or use of a controlled substance or possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis.
  • END --- Code Rev/MW:ajr 1 S-5685.2/26 2nd draft
1574.E AMS FORT S6027.1

934 • Fortunato

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1574.E AMS FORT S6027.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 934 By Senator Fortunato NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, at the beginning of line 11, strike " health care 1 facilities, including hospitals and" 2 On page 3, after line 17, insert the following:3 "(4)(a) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits 4 health care facilities, including hospitals, from distributing or 5 using: (i) Drug testing equipment; or (ii) equipment and supplies 6 deemed by a qualified medical professional to be medically necessary 7 to aid in safe withdrawal management.8 (b) Health care facility staff taking samples of substances and 9 using drug testing equipment for the purpose of analyzing the 10 composition of the substances or detecting the presence of certain 11 substances are acting legally and are exempt from arrest and 12 prosecution under RCW 69.50.4011(1) (b) or (c), 69.50.4013, 13 69.50.4014, or 69.41.030(2) (b) or (c)." 14 EFFECT: Permits health care facilities to distribute and use drug testing equipment and to distribute equipment and supplies deemed by a qualified medical professional to be medically necessary to aid in safe withdrawal management.

  • 1574.E AMS FORT S6027.1 EHB 1574 - S AMD TO LAW COMM AMD (S-5573.1/26) 934 By Senator Fortunato NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, at the beginning of line 11, strike " health care 1 facilities, including hospitals and" 2 On page 3, after line 17, insert the following:3 "(4)(a) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits 4 health care facilities, including hospitals, from distributing or 5 using: (i) Drug testing equipment; or (ii) equipment and supplies 6 deemed by a qualified medical professional to be medically necessary 7 to aid in safe withdrawal management.8 (b) Health care facility staff taking samples of substances and 9 using drug testing equipment for the purpose of analyzing the 10 composition of the substances or detecting the presence of certain 11 substances are acting legally and are exempt from arrest and 12 prosecution under RCW 69.50.4011(1) (b) or (c), 69.50.4013, 13 69.50.4014, or 69.41.030(2) (b) or (c)." 14 EFFECT: Permits health care facilities to distribute and use drug testing equipment and to distribute equipment and supplies deemed by a qualified medical professional to be medically necessary to aid in safe withdrawal management.
  • Exempts health care facility staff using drug testing equipment from arrest and prosecution under statutes criminalizing possession or use of counterfeit substances, possession or use of controlled substances, possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis, or possession or use of a legend drug without a prescription.
  • END --- Code Rev/CC:jlb 1 S-6027.1/26

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-12 House

    By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.

Official Summary Text

Substance use/care, services

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
AN ACT Relating to protecting access to life-saving care and 1
substance use services; and amending RCW 69.50.315, 69.50.4121, and 2
69.50.612. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
Sec. 1. RCW 69.50.315 and 2015 c 205 s 4 are each amended to 5
read as follows: 6
(1) A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance 7
for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose ((shall not be 8
charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance 9
pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the 10
evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was 11
obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.12
(2) A person)) or who experiences a drug-related overdose and is 13
in need of medical assistance ((shall)) may not be arrested, 14
detained, charged ((or)), prosecuted, or convicted for possession or 15
use of a controlled substance pursuant to RCW 69.50.4013, or 16
penalized under RCW 69.50.4014, if the evidence for the charge of 17
possession or use of a controlled substance was obtained as a result 18
of the overdose and the need for medical assistance.19
H-0756.1
HOUSE BILL 1574
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Macri, Davis, Parshley, Mena, Goodman, Simmons,
Ormsby, Scott, Doglio, Pollet, Salahuddin, Reed, Nance, and Kloba
Read first time 01/24/25. Referred to Committee on Community Safety.
p. 1 HB 1574
(2) A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance 1
for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose or who experiences a 2
drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance may not:3
(a) Have their property subject to civil forfeiture; or4
(b) Be penalized for:5
(i) Violation of a restraining order, no contact order, or 6
protection order;7
(ii) Violation of probation or parole; or8
(iii) Failing to appear for an existing nonviolent, nonsexual 9
charge.10
(3) The protection in this section from prosecution for 11
possession crimes under RCW 69.50.4013 shall not be grounds for 12
suppression of evidence in other criminal charges.13
Sec. 2. RCW 69.50.4121 and 2023 sp.s. c 1 s 7 are each amended 14
to read as follows: 15
(1) Every person who sells or permits to be sold to any person 16
any drug paraphernalia in any form commits a class I civil infraction 17
under chapter 7.80 RCW. For purposes of this subsection, "drug 18
paraphernalia" means all equipment, products, and materials of any 19
kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in 20
planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, 21
manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, 22
preparing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, 23
injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the 24
human body a controlled substance other than cannabis. Drug 25
paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to objects used, intended 26
for use, or designed for use in ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise 27
introducing cocaine into the human body, such as: 28
(a) Metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic 29
pipes with or without screens, permanent screens, hashish heads, or 30
punctured metal bowls; 31
(b) Water pipes; 32
(c) Carburetion tubes and devices; 33
(d) Smoking and carburetion masks; 34
(e) Miniature cocaine spoons and cocaine vials;35
(f) Chamber pipes; 36
(g) Carburetor pipes; 37
(h) Electric pipes; 38
(i) Air-driven pipes; and 39
p. 2 HB 1574
(j) Ice pipes or chillers. 1
(2) It shall be no defense to a prosecution for a violation of 2
this section that the person acted, or was believed by the defendant 3
to act, as agent or representative of another. 4
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits 5
distribution or use of public health supplies including, but not 6
limited to, syringe equipment, smoking equipment, or drug testing 7
equipment, through public health programs, community-based HIV 8
prevention programs, outreach, shelter ((,)) and housing programs, and 9
health care facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies. Public 10
health and syringe service program clients and staff taking samples 11
of substances and using drug testing equipment for the purpose of 12
analyzing the composition of the substances or detecting the presence 13
of certain substances are acting legally and are exempt from arrest 14
and prosecution under RCW 69.50.4011(1) (b) or (c), 69.50.4013, 15
69.50.4014, or 69.41.030(2) (b) or (c). 16
Sec. 3. RCW 69.50.612 and 2023 sp.s. c 1 s 8 are each amended to 17
read as follows: 18
(((1))) The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and 19
preempts the entire field of drug paraphernalia regulation within the 20
boundaries of the state including regulation of the use, selling, 21
giving, delivery, and possession of drug paraphernalia ((, except as 22
provided in subsection (2) of this section )). Cities, towns, and 23
counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and 24
ordinances relating to drug paraphernalia that are specifically 25
authorized by state law and are consistent with this chapter. Such 26
local ordinances must have the same penalty as provided for by state 27
law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more 28
restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law may not be 29
enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of 30
the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or 31
municipality. 32
(((2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit 33
cities or counties from enacting laws or ordinances relating to the 34
establishment or regulation of harm reduction services concerning 35
drug paraphernalia.))36
--- END ---
p. 3 HB 1574