SGA 9307
In CommitteeSenate
DENNIS E. WORSHAM
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.
AI Analysis
This bill formally appoints Dennis E. Worsham as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, effective July 7, 2025. His position is administrative and leadership-focused, overseeing the state’s public health programs and agencies.
- Appoints Dennis E. Worsham as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health.
- Sets the term to end at the governor's pleasure, meaning the secretary serves at the discretion of the governor and can be removed at any time.
Who is affected
- Dennis E. Worsham — The individual named, Dennis E. Worsham, is appointed to serve as the head of the state Department of Health.
Who Is Most Affected
Mr. Worsham gains formal authority and responsibility as head of the state Department of Health, including oversight of critical public health programs. However, his position is politically contingent — he serves at the governor’s pleasure and can be removed at any time, limiting long-term stability or independence.
As the governor’s appointee, the Secretary of Health implements policies aligned with the current administration’s priorities. This affects the direction of disease prevention, health equity initiatives, emergency response, and regulatory enforcement across Washington — influencing everything from pandemic preparedness to maternal health outcomes.
State and local health departments rely on the Secretary for leadership, budget advocacy, and policy direction. A strong, aligned leader can improve coordination and responsiveness; a mismatched or politically constrained leader may hinder program effectiveness.
This appointment does not alter statutory authority, funding, or regulatory frameworks — it only names an individual to an existing executive position. No new obligations, taxes, or restrictions are imposed on businesses or employers.
The governor gains direct control over health policy leadership, reinforcing executive authority over public health decision-making — consistent with existing gubernatorial appointment powers under Washington law.