Washington DP Bill Passes Legislature

More good news from the left coast. In Washington state, the legislature has completed passage of HB 3104, a bill to expand the rights and responsibilities of registered domestic partners. Governor Christine Gregoire, who is running for re-election, has agreed to sign the bill into law.

Washington state enacted a statewide domestic partner registry last year which went into effect in July 2007 with a modest number of rights and benefits. HB 1304 would add an estimated 160 rights and responsibilities to the 23 the initial legislation included.