S-3895.1
SENATE BILL 6146
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senators Chapman, Hasegawa, Lovick, Orwall, Saldaña, and Trudeau
Read first time 01/14/26. Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
AN ACT Relating to expanding oral health equity and increasing access to preventive dental care; amending RCW 18.260.040 , 18.260.090 , and 18.29.021 ; adding new sections to chapter 18.260 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) It is the intent of the legislature to advance oral health equity, expand care availability, and ensure that children and families in Washington have meaningful access to basic preventive dental services. Washington families, especially children, continue to face barriers to timely oral health care, even though preventive care is essential to healthy development and long-term well-being.
(2) The legislature finds that as federal policies continue to restrict pathways for internationally trained health professionals, Washington is embracing a more welcoming and pragmatic approach, recognizing that qualified providers strengthen our communities, and that Washington should not be held back by federal barriers that limit access to care.