On the final day to approve legislation originating in the state Senate, three bills sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato, were passed with bipartisan support. Tackling issues ranging from civic education in schools to improving fairness in divorce proceedings and modernizing knife laws, the Auburn Republican’s eclectic proposals now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Teaching students how to think, not what to think

The first bill, Senate Bill 5637, expands civic education and media literacy requirements in Washington high schools, ensuring students are better prepared to engage in government and analyze information critically. The measure requires instruction on voter registration, U.S. naturalization test, powers of the three branches of government, and methods for evaluating news sources. It was approved unanimously.

“We want our children to be well-informed citizens who understand how government works and how to engage in it effectively,” said Fortunato. “This bill equips them with the tools they need to participate meaningfully in our democracy.”

Protecting families from financial ruin in divorce

Divorce can be financially devastating, especially for the parent struggling to provide stable housing for the children. Senate Bill 5536 ensures courts consider housing stability and financial burdens when dividing property in a divorce or domestic partnership dissolution.

The bill aims to protect parties—especially those with children—from being unfairly forced to sell their home at a loss during foreclosure. It seeks to prevent a situation where one side bears the burden of selling costs, taxes, and potential homelessness, while the other party receives half the equity without sharing in those expenses. The Senate advanced the measure with a 46-2 vote.

“Our family law system should not force people, especially those with children, into financial hardship or homelessness after a divorce,” Fortunato stated. “This bill ensures courts consider real-life impacts of their decisions when dividing property.”

Bringing Washington’s knife laws into the 21st century

For decades, Washington has had some of the strictest knife laws in the country, banning the sale and possession of spring blade knives. Approved by a vote of 46-2, Senate Bill 5534 updates state law to remove these knives from the list of dangerous weapons, allowing individuals—including tradespeople, outdoor enthusiasts, and those with disabilities—to legally own and use them.

“This legislation corrects an outdated law that unfairly criminalizes responsible citizens,” Fortunato said. “People who need these knives for work or daily life shouldn’t be treated like criminals for possessing a necessary tool.”