Washington House Bill HB1035

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25

Caption

Creating policies and resources to address secondary traumatic stress in the higher education workforce.

Impact

If passed, HB1035 would potentially lead to the development of guidelines and support systems within higher education institutions to prevent and mitigate the effects of secondary traumatic stress. This could include training programs, counseling resources, and the establishment of supportive workplace environments, significantly influencing the operational frameworks of affected institutions. Such initiatives would aim to enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout among educators, thereby improving the quality of education in the long term.

Summary

House Bill 1035 seeks to create comprehensive policies and resources aimed at addressing secondary traumatic stress specifically within the higher education workforce. This represents an effort to support educators and staff who may experience stress due to their interactions with students facing trauma. Recognizing the psychological burdens placed on these professionals, the bill underscores the importance of mental health resources and preventative measures to improve overall workplace well-being.

Contention

Discussions around HB1035 may reveal points of contention regarding the allocation of funding for these initiatives and whether current resources are adequate to support the implementation of the proposed policies. Certain stakeholders may express concern over the impact this bill could have on budgeting priorities within higher education systems, potentially sparking debates on resource distribution and the responsibility of state versus local governance in addressing mental health within educational settings.