SR 8651

In Committee

Senate

Evidence-based decisions

Supporting science, scientific research, and evidence-based decision making.

Introduced (completed)
2
Committee (current stage)
3
Floor Vote (not started)
4
Opposite Chamber (not started)
5
Governor (not started)
6
Signed (not started)

This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.

How does a bill become law?

Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
Signed: The bill has been signed into law.

Last Action: April 18, 2025

Status: S Adopted

View Bill Text (HTML)View Bill Text (PDF)

AI Analysis

This analysis was generated by AI and may contain errors. It is not legal advice. Always refer to the official bill text for authoritative information.

People & CommunitiesBalancedCorporate & Wealthy Interests

This resolution affirms the importance of science and evidence-based decision making in Washington State, honoring scientific research and its role in improving public health, protecting the environment, and driving innovation. It calls for continued investment in STEM education, research, and inclusive scientific workforce development.

Expresses formal support for science and scientific research as essential to progress, public health, and environmental protection.
Highlights the role of science in addressing challenges like climate change, public health crises, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Endorses evidence-based decision making across all areas of policy and governance.
Recognizes the importance of STEM education, diversity in science, and public trust in science for equitable outcomes.
Commends Washington’s public universities and research centers for their contributions to discovery and economic growth.

Who is affected

Washington residents — Residents benefit from improved public health, environmental protection, and economic opportunities driven by science-based policies and innovations.
Students and educators — Students and educators gain support for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning and career pathways, especially through public universities and K–12 programs.
Researchers and higher education institutions — Researchers and institutions receive public recognition and may benefit from continued or increased state support for scientific research and infrastructure.
State government agencies and policymakers — State agencies and policymakers use evidence-based frameworks to guide decisions on climate, health, emergency response, and technology.

Effective: April 18, 2025

Model: Intel/Qwen3-Coder-Next-int4-AutoRoundGenerated: Mar 20, 2026, 2:02 AM

Pro/Con Analysis

Stronger case for benefits

Potential Benefits (5)

Affirming science-based decision-making strengthens public health and emergency response capacity — e.g., supporting evidence-based pandemic response, disease prevention, and environmental hazard mitigation.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)
Explicit endorsement of climate science and environmental research supports long-term resilience against wildfires, sea-level rise, and extreme weather, protecting communities and natural resources.
EnvironmentRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)
Recognition of STEM education and workforce development reinforces K–12 and higher education priorities, potentially encouraging curriculum investment and teacher training in science literacy.
EducationRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)
Emphasis on public trust in science and evidence-based governance helps counter misinformation during health crises and technological disruptions (e.g., AI, biotech), improving societal resilience.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)
Highlighting Washington’s research institutions as economic drivers may reinforce public support for R&D infrastructure, indirectly supporting high-skilled jobs and innovation ecosystems.
Business & EmploymentRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)

Who Is Most Affected

Washington residentsPositive Impact
Residents benefit indirectly through stronger public health systems, environmental protections, and crisis response — though the resolution itself imposes no new obligations or funding.
Students and educatorsMixed Impact
Students and educators gain symbolic validation of STEM pathways, which may support advocacy for curriculum funding and career development — but no direct funding or mandate is created.
Researchers and higher education institutionsMixed Impact
Public universities and research centers receive formal recognition, which may bolster political support for future funding — but the resolution does not allocate new resources or change funding formulas.
State government agencies and policymakersMixed Impact
State agencies and policymakers gain rhetorical support for evidence-based policy, but the resolution does not alter statutory authority, regulatory processes, or budgetary constraints.

SR 8651

AI Analysis

Pro/Con Analysis

Potential Benefits (5)

Who Is Most Affected

Sponsorsi

Sponsors