HB 1531: Helping Local Governments Support Consistent Public Health Messaging

In May 2025, a traveler with measles visited several public locations in King and Snohomish counties — including SeaTac Airport, shopping centers, and grocery stores — while contagious. Local public health agencies issued exposure notices and reminded residents to check their vaccination status. These actions proceeded without issue, but under different circumstances, a city or county might have had ordinances or funding policies that limited how or if these messages could be shared.

Washington’s new public health law, House Bill 1531 (HB 1531), prevents local agencies from diverging from or overstepping public health agency guidance. For example, a city may no longer prohibit the use of local funds for public health education or adopt rules restricting outreach during an outbreak. The law removes conflicting local rules and ensures health officials can share information based on science.

This blog outlines what the new public health law does and what local jurisdictions may need to review in response.

A Uniform Approach to Public Health Messaging

HB 1531 was passed in response to messaging challenges during public health emergencies. The law clarifies the roles and responsibilities of public health officials, particularly during health emergencies, and helps prevent situations where local governments were restricted from sharing guidance.

Specifically, the law affirms the authority of public health officials to conduct education campaigns, even if local ordinances or funding policies limit or prohibit them. It also requires that local government responses to communicable diseases be based on the “best available science.” 

HB 1531 does not add, change, or create any rules about getting vaccines or taking similar steps to prevent disease, nor does it grant anyone new power to make those kinds of rules.

Local Government Responsibilities Under the Law

HB 1531 gives public health officials the authority to provide information to the public about disease prevention and response. The law states that any “statutes, ordinances, rules, or policies” that prevent the implementation or promotion of measures based on “the best available scientific evidence” are considered “null and void.”

Local governments may want to assess whether their internal processes or policies align with this legal framework. Areas for potential review may include:

• Coordination: Establishing or updating communication protocols with local or state public health agencies.
• Messaging Procedures: Reviewing how and when public health messages are created and released.
• Communication Tools: Ensuring websites, digital platforms, and physical signage procedures are current and accessible.
• Administrative Processes: Identifying whether internal approvals or budgetary restrictions might slow message delivery.
• Preparedness Materials: Developing templates or standard language for use during exposure events or public health updates. The Washington State Department of Health's Emergency Communications Toolkit includes pre-designed templates for news releases, case notifications, signage, and disease-specific fact sheets. These tools are designed to help local agencies respond quickly and consistently during public health events.

By reviewing these areas, local jurisdictions can ensure readiness to support public health communication consistent with the law.

Next Steps for Local Governments

HB 1531 provides a clearer framework for how public health information can be shared during disease outbreaks. By addressing conflicting local policies, the law supports consistent communication based on scientific evidence. Local governments may want to review their current policies and procedures to ensure they align with the law and are prepared to support public health messaging when needed.

Additional Resources

• Washington Public Health Association – Member-based association serving Washington’s public health community.
• Washington State Board of Health – Analyzes policies, develops rules, promotes partnerships, and encourages public engagement in the public health system.
• Washington State Department of Health
  • Emergency Communications Toolkit – Provides templates, messaging guides, and communication resources to help public health agencies and partners effectively share information during emergencies.
  • Newsroom – Provides official news releases, public health updates, and announcements from the Washington State Department of Health.