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SB 5321

Concerning the unauthorized publication of personal identifying information.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Kuderer and 3 co-sponsors

SB 5321 requires Washington public colleges to provide medication abortion access for students - via campus clinics, telehealth, or referrals, plus online information by 2026-27.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5321

SB 5321 — Access to Medication Abortion at Public Postsecondary Institutions (2025 R.S., substitute)

Status & procedural posture
- Bill number: SB 5321 (69th Legislature, 2025 Regular Session).
- Sponsor(s): Senators Nobles, Bateman, Chapman, Cleveland, Dhingra, Frame, Harris, Hasegawa, Krishnadasan, Lovelett, Lovick, Orwall, Riccelli, Salomon, Slatter, Stanford, Trudeau, Valdez, C. Wilson.
- Committee actions: Referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development (HEWD) 01/17/25; public hearing 01/27/25; HEWD reported a 1st substitute do pass (majority) and referred to Ways & Means 01/30/25. Referred to Ways & Means 01/31/25.
- Timeline requirement in the bill: implementation by the start of the 2026–27 academic year.

Note on versions: A 2023 bill bearing the same number related to unauthorized publication of personal identifying information (doxing). The 2025 substitute described here is a distinct bill focused on medication abortion access at public higher education institutions.

Purpose / intent
- To increase access to medication abortion for students at Washington’s public institutions of higher education by requiring student health centers (or institutions without them) to provide services, referrals, telehealth accommodations, and clear information online — with the goal of reducing travel, delay, and other barriers that impede students’ access to reproductive health care.

Key definitions (selected)
- “Medication abortion”: same as “abortion medications” in RCW 69.41.050.
- “Student health center”: campus clinic providing physical health services to students operated by a public institution.
- “Council”: Washington Student Achievement Council (defined by RCW 28B.77.010).

Major provisions
1. Service requirement (student health centers)
- By the start of 2026–27, every campus student health center must offer access to medication abortion. This may be provided directly by campus providers, via telehealth, or through providers associated with a public program that connects Washington patients to reproductive health services.

  1. Requirements for institutions without a student health center

    • By the same deadline, institutions lacking a student health center must provide information and referral services, including:
      • Referrals to qualified providers who can lawfully provide medication abortion; referrals must include contact information for at least two qualified health care organizations and at least one telehealth organization (substitute version).
      • Private, accessible on‑campus space for students to participate in telehealth appointments upon request.
      • Technical support for telehealth use (including reliable internet access).
      • Provision of electronic devices to access telehealth services.

  2. Web and information requirements (all public institutions)

    • Maintain a comprehensive health services website with clear, accessible reproductive health resources, including:
      • Procedures and contact information for scheduling pregnancy‑related and behavioral health appointments.
      • Links/contact information for campus resources for academic accommodations related to pregnancy, recovery, or related conditions (absences, rescheduling exams, etc.).
      • (Substitute adds) an unbroken link and accurate description directing students to the Department of Health’s abortion page.

Who is affected
- Primary: approximately 196,000 “pregnancy‑capable” students attending Washington’s public colleges and universities (per bill findings).
- Public institutions of higher education: student health centers, campus administrators responsible for health services, IT, facility space, and student support services.
- Telehealth and reproductive health provider organizations that may be listed in referral directories or partner with campuses.

Implementation & fiscal considerations
- Deadline: start of the 2026–27 academic year for all specified requirements.
- Fiscal impact: the bill directs operational changes (service provision, telehealth infrastructure, private rooms, devices, website updates, referral systems). The substitute was referred to Ways & Means, indicating anticipated budgetary review for implementation costs; the bill text does not include specific appropriations.

Potential impacts (expected, not prescriptive)
- Increased timeliness and convenience of medication abortion access for students, reduced travel and appointment delay burdens, and strengthened linkage to behavioral health and academic accommodations.
- Administrative and budgetary obligations for institutions to stand up services, maintain telehealth capacity, and update outreach materials.

Where to watch next
- Ways & Means committee deliberations for budget/funding actions and any amendments; subsequent floor actions in the Senate and, if passed, consideration by the House.

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

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