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SR8648 • 2026
Honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
Indigenous women
Adopted.
Indigenous women
WHEREAS, Indigenous women and girls face disproportionate rates 1 of violence, homicide, and disappearance in Washington state and 2 nationwide; and 3 WHEREAS, According to the Urban Indian Health Institute, 4 Washington state ranks among the highest in the nation for cases of 5 missing and murdered Indigenous women, highlighting a systemic crisis 6 that requires urgent action; and 7 WHEREAS, The unique legal and jurisdictional complexities 8 involving tribal, state, and federal authorities have contributed to 9 gaps in law enforcement responses, delays in investigations, and a 10 lack of justice for Indigenous families and communities; and11 WHEREAS, Many Indigenous families and communities continue to 12 experience profound pain and trauma due to the disappearance and 13 murder of their loved ones, often without resolution or 14 accountability; and 15 WHEREAS, The Washington state Legislature recognizes the 16 leadership of Indigenous advocates, tribal nations, and grassroots 17 organizations working tirelessly to bring attention to this crisis 18 and advocate for policy solutions; and 19 WHEREAS, Washington state has taken steps to address the crisis, 20 including the establishment of the missing and murdered Indigenous 21 women and people task force and enactment of legislation to improve 22 reporting, coordination, and justice for affected families; and23 SENATE RESOLUTION 8648 By Senators Kauffman, Dhingra, Stanford, Alvarado, Boehnke, Cortes, Chapman, Fortunato, Frame, Liias, Lovelett, Hasegawa, Krishnadasan, Nobles, Orwall, Pedersen, Ramos, Shewmake, Short, Slatter, Torres, Trudeau, Valdez, C. Wilson, Cleveland, King, and Wagoner p. 1 8648 WHEREAS, Raising awareness, educating the public, and 1 strengthening partnerships between tribal nations, law 2 enforcement, and local organizations and the community at large 3 are essential in addressing and preventing further injustices;4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor the 5 lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-6 Spirit people, and stand in solidarity with their families, 7 tribal nations, and advocates in seeking justice and 8 accountability; and 9 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate strive to address 10 this crisis to protect Indigenous communities and prevent 11 further tragedies. 12 I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 13 do hereby certify that this is a true and 14 correct copy of Senate Resolution 8648, 15 adopted by the Senate 16 April 14, 2025 17 SARAH BANNISTER 18 Secretary of the Senate 19 p. 2 8648