OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill that would have made it easier for terminally ill patients to take their own lives is dead for now in the Washington Legislature.
HB1141 was co-sponsored locally by 40th District democratic Representative Alex Ramel of Bellingham and passed the House in late February.
It would have shortened the waiting period to receive lethal drugs from 15 days to 72 hours and eliminate the waiting period when life expectancy is less than 72 hours.
Republican Senator Mike Padden of Spokane Valley says a variety of groups lined up in opposition, including the developmentally disabled community.
HB1141 did not get a Senate vote and will not advance in the current legislative session.