The bill seeks to enhance the protection of access to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming treatment in Washington state by introducing a "shield law." This new chapter defines key terms such as "aggrieved party," "gender-affirming treatment," "protected health care services," and "reproductive health care services." It amends existing laws to ensure that subpoenas related to these services require court review, imposes a $10,000 penalty for false attestations regarding such subpoenas, and prohibits the interception of communications related to investigations of criminal liability for the provision or receipt of protected health care services. The bill also establishes civil procedure provisions, ensuring individuals cannot be compelled to testify in civil actions without proper fees and outlines conditions for law enforcement's use of surveillance devices.

Additionally, the bill amends laws concerning the issuance of warrants and arrests related to protected health care services, prohibiting warrants based on criminal liability for lawful health care services and requiring attestations confirming that charges do not relate to such services. It emphasizes Washington's public policy to protect lawful health care services, prohibits state officials from cooperating with other states enforcing punitive laws, and allows claims for interference with protected health care services if actions are deemed baseless. The bill also expands protections for health care service providers against threats and harassment, allows for address confidentiality applications, and includes a severability clause to maintain the act's validity. The act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 5.51.020, 5.56.010, 9.73.040, 9.73.260, 10.55.020, 10.88.250, 10.88.320, 10.88.330, 10.96.020, 10.96.040, 40.24.030
Substitute Bill: 5.51.020, 5.56.010, 9.73.040, 9.73.260, 10.55.020, 10.88.250, 10.88.320, 10.88.330, 10.96.020, 10.96.040, 40.24.030
Engrossed Substitute: 5.51.020, 5.56.010, 9.73.040, 9.73.260, 10.55.020, 10.88.250, 10.88.320, 10.88.330, 10.96.020, 10.96.040, 40.24.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 5.51.020, 5.56.010, 9.73.040, 9.73.260, 10.55.020, 10.88.250, 10.88.320, 10.88.330, 10.96.020, 10.96.040, 40.24.030
Session Law: 5.51.020, 5.56.010, 9.73.040, 9.73.260, 10.55.020, 10.88.250, 10.88.320, 10.88.330, 10.96.020, 10.96.040, 40.24.030