Legislative Alert: SB 5920 Passes the Senate

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Councilmember Dunn testifies before the WA State Senate on SB 5920

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am excited to announce that yesterday the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5920, legislation that would help reunite families impacted by substance use disorder. SB 5920 would create a legal pathway for parents who have demonstrated long-term sobriety to regain access to their children. Navigating the legal system can be daunting for anyone, but reforging connections with family can provide the hope needed to maintain recovery.

I am passionate about this issue and worked closely with the primary sponsor Senator Warnick in introducing and advocating for this legislation. With yesterday’s approval, we are one step closer to helping bring together thousands of families across Washington State.

As SB 5920 is sent to the Washington State House of Representatives—and hopefully, soon all the way to the Governor’s desk—I will continue to advocate for the bill however I can and keep you updated on its progress.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember  District 9

Planning Underway for King County’s Substance Use Disorder Anti-Stigma Campaign

Last week, I met with King County staff and our contractor, the Rescue Agency, to kick off the planning for our upcoming campaign that will inform the public about substance use disorders and work to reduce stigma within our community. I was successful in advocating for $500,000 to fund this project and am excited to see it taking shape.

The social stigma associated with seeking treatment for a substance use disorder sadly prohibits folks who need help from getting it. As our understanding of addiction as a disease deepens, it’s important to educate people that this is a physical disease that is very treatable, like any other medical condition. I look forward to sharing more about this campaign in the future.

As Critical Fentanyl Classification Nears Expiration, Dunn Calls on DEA for Permanent Fix

In response to the soaring increase in fentanyl deaths in King County and nationwide, today I submitted a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regarding fentanyl’s classification as a schedule 1 drug, which is due to expire on May 6, 2022.

By permanently classifying fentanyl as a schedule 1 drug, the DEA would ensure that local law enforcement has the maximum resources to fight the spread of fentanyl across our borders and into our local communities, including King County.

Read more here. 

Register for the 2nd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders

If you're interested in learning more about Substance Use Disorder, it's escalation during the pandemic, and available treatment, join us on May 19th for our 2nd Annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders. All are welcome!

📅 Thurs, May 19, 2022
🕙 10AM- 4PM
🔗 kingcounty.gov/council/dunn/CSUD