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Bill

Bill

HJR 4201

Amending the Constitution to address reproductive freedom.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 34 co-sponsors

Washington proposes constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom rights, requiring legislative supermajority and voter approval to enshrine protections against future restrictions.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HJR 4201

Legislative bill overview

HJR 4201 proposes amending the Washington State Constitution to explicitly protect reproductive freedom rights. The bill would add constitutional language addressing reproductive autonomy, likely in response to shifting federal protections following changes in national abortion jurisprudence. This is a joint resolution requiring legislative supermajority approval and voter ratification to become part of the state constitution.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments create the strongest form of legal protection, making it significantly harder for future legislatures to restrict reproductive rights through ordinary legislation. This reflects ongoing state-level battles over reproductive policy following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision returning abortion regulation to individual states, with Washington seeking to entrench protections at the constitutional level.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: What specific reproductive rights are included (abortion access, contraception, fertility treatments, etc.) and whether language is narrow or broad
  • Voter approval challenges: Constitutional amendments require 60% legislative supermajority and majority voter approval, making passage uncertain in a polarized electorate
  • Enforcement mechanisms: How courts would interpret and apply reproductive freedom language, and whether it could extend beyond current statutory protections
  • Parental notification/consent: Whether constitutional protection overrides existing or future parental involvement requirements for minors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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