OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5216, sponsored by Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-23rd District, Wednesday.

This measure addresses Long Term Care Insurance claims and was requested by the Insurance Commissioner.

“This bill will truly make a difference in the lives of those who are trying to resolve Long Term Care Insurance claims,” Rolfes said in a press release.

“I was very pleased to stand with the governor as he signed this bill. It is the culmination of hard work by me and many of my colleagues to ensure that we’re protecting the elderly and those with long-term health care needs.”

The bill reduces the amount of time that can lapse before a long-term care insurance claim may be denied and requires the Insurance Commissioner to adopt prompt payment requirements.

“Too often there are claims that are delayed or take longer than most people can afford to wait,” Rolfes said. “This legislation will help ease the anxiety and uncertainty that can come with outstanding claims.”

The second bill signed by the governor, SB 5634, was requested by the Department of Natural Resources. This bill will allow the department to contract with local nonprofits, volunteer and community organizations so they may maintain more than 5 million acres of public and aquatic land in Washington state.

“This bill bridges the gap between the Department and the work they need to do to meet their goals of maintaining our public spaces,” Rolfes said. “There is now a framework that the Department may use when contracting with local groups.”

Both of these bills go into effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns.