American Civil Liberties Union of Washington

Concerned Organizations Call on Governor to Enact Moratorium on Decisions about Hospital Mergers

The ACLU of Washington and ten other civil rights and health care advocacy organizations are urging the Governor to take immediate action to protect Washingtonians’ access to health care. In a letter to Gov. Inslee, they have asked him to enact a six-month moratorium on any decision by the State Department of Health on proposed or pending applications related to hospital ownership, operation, or management. Read More »

Read The Letter >>

Visit our hospital merger info center >>

Mergers Have Increased Dramatically in Washington >>

Victory! Seattle Bans the Box

This Monday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to enact a law that would prevent employers from automatically rejecting any applicant with a criminal record. The goal of the bill, sponsored by Councilmember Bruce Harrell, is to reduce the long-term effects of a criminal record by allowing applicants to be considered on their merits before being denied simply because of a record. Read More »

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Criminal Justice

Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional Public Defense System Goes to Trial

Jun 3, 2013

A class-action lawsuit is challenging a public defense system that deprives indigent persons who face criminal charges of their constitutional right to assistance of counsel. The suit says that Mt. Vernon and Burlington are not meeting their duty to ensure that low-income individuals have a fair chance to defend themselves in court. Read More »

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How Civil Liberties Have Fared in the State Legislature

The Dream Act, Reproductive Parity Act, and WA Voting Rights Act have passed the House, had hearings in Senate committees, and now need to pass the full Senate. See our legislative agenda for details and updates on civil liberties bills in this year’s session.