Domestic partnerships expansion passes House

February 15, 2008

OLYMPIA—Washington state’s domestic partnership registry would be expanded by 174 rights and obligations under legislation passed today in the House.  State Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) is the prime sponsor of House Bill 3104, which aims to protect the financial security of all Washington families.  The bill passed by a vote of 62 to 32.

“Our work last year was only a start.  Domestic partners still lack the vast majority of the protections that married couples take for granted in Washington,” Pedersen said.  “This is the next step in addressing that injustice.”

Some of the issues addressed are community property, joint responsibility for debt, probate, guardianship, nursing homes, taxes, veterans’ benefits, and campaign finance disclosure.

“Rarely do we have the chance down here to help so many people without having to spend a dime,” Pedersen said.

In the seven months since the registry began, 3,438 couples have registered—nearly 200 of them during the current legislative session that started Jan. 14.

Pedersen noted that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the bill’s prospects.  Senator Ed Murray’s (D-Seattle) companion bill in the Senate has 26 co-sponsors.  Governor Gregoire has indicated her support for the legislation.