Essential information on each bill is below. For more details, click on the bill number – e.g., “HB 1000.” The new page will show the progress of the bill, videos of debate, and the link to send a comment to your legislator about the bill.
Topics
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Health Care
Recognizing posttraumatic stress disorder as an occupational disease for county coroners, examiners, and investigative personnel.
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1002 proposes amending existing law to recognize posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an occupational disease for specific public service workers. The bill specifically covers firefighters, law enforcement officers, public safety telecommunicators, and county coroners and medical examiner personnel, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. These exceptions include instances where PTSD stems from employer disciplinary actions or pre-existing conditions, as determined by a pre-employment psychological evaluation. The proposed changes aim to provide workers’ compensation coverage for PTSD in these high-stress professions. The bill also includes precise definitions for the covered professions and situations.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1022, also known as the “Homes for Heroes Act,” proposes a $15 million pilot program to assist eligible essential workers with down payments and closing costs on homes. The program targets individuals in critical occupations facing housing affordability challenges, such as firefighters, nurses, and police officers. Funding is capped, and the program is set to conclude in 2027, with reports on its effectiveness due to the legislature. Loan amounts are limited to 5% of the first mortgage or $25,000, and loans are interest-free, deferred until the mortgage is paid or the property is sold. The bill aims to alleviate Washington state’s workforce crisis by making homeownership more accessible to essential workers.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1028 is a bipartisan bill which aims to update the state’s laws regarding child abuse and neglect. The bill modifies definitions of key terms like “child forensic interview” and “children’s advocacy center” to reflect current best practices and the evolving landscape of child protection. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary team approaches and trauma-informed care. Further, the bill addresses the need for improved support and training for professionals involved in child abuse investigations, including provisions for peer review of forensic interviews. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of child protection services in Washington State.
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Elections
HB 1030
Concerning the conduct of limited audits of counted ballots during the election certification period.
Bill Summary
At the request of the Secretary of State, bipartisan House Bill 1030 details amendments to Washington state election laws. Key change involve ballot duplication procedures, enhanced auditing methods – including risk-limiting audits and limited hand counts – and expanded rule-making authority for the Secretary of State. The bill aims to improve election accuracy and transparency, specifying processes for auditing and resolving discrepancies. Finally, the bill addresses observer participation and procedures for handling defective voting devices.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1037 amends existing laws regarding the creation and governance of public facilities districts in Washington State. It allows towns and cities in counties with populations under one million to create such districts, either individually or through agreements with contiguous towns or counties. Additionally, it specifies that cities with populations between 80,000 and 115,000 in counties with populations over one million can also establish districts if they meet certain conditions. The bill introduces provisions for the governance structure of these districts, including the composition of boards of directors, which can vary based on how the district is formed. Notably, it allows for the creation of additional public facilities districts under specific conditions and clarifies the boundaries of these districts.
The bill also includes several insertions to enhance the governance and operational framework of public facilities districts. For instance, it specifies that the boundaries of a district can include school districts selected for inclusion, and it outlines the appointment process for board members, ensuring representation from local organizations. Furthermore, it designates the county treasurer of the largest proportion of the district as the ex officio treasurer, unless otherwise designated. The bill emphasizes the collaborative nature of these districts, allowing for agreements with various governmental entities for the management and operation of facilities, and it clarifies that counties can participate in the creation and operation of public facilities districts.
Bill Summary
Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, is proposing a new law that would expand when citizens can be charged with crimes motivated by bias even though bias was only part of the motive behind them committing the crime. House Bill 1052 seeks to amend the definition of a hate crime.
As it stands now, a person is guilty of a hate crime if they commit an act “because of” their belief about another person’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The proposed change would modify the phrase “because of” to “in whole or in part because of,” ensuring that jurors can convict if bias is a partial, but not sole, motivation.
Ryu believes that hate crimes often have mixed motives. They range from minor offenses, such as spitting on someone because of his or her race, to serious acts of vandalism. Sadly, these “perceived offenses” can include a church member speaking about the evils of homosexuality or a teacher refusing to address a student by their preferred pronoun. There is no stop to what can be charged as a ‘hate crime’ if ‘bias’ is defined by the ‘victim’.
It will, if passed, place Washington alongside several other states which include California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, and Wisconsin, which have already adopted similar language in combating mixed motives in hate crimes. Please oppose this horrendous bill.
Bill Summary
State lawmakers have created at least 650 exceptions to the state’s Public Records Act. This proposed legislation from Peter Abbarno, R-Centrailia and Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, would require an updated report on the access to public records within state agencies. The report, due this year, would also shed light on the cost of litigation when agencies deny a public records request. This bill also recommends creating the Office of Transparency Ombuds, an independent state agency dedicated to helping requesters to obtain public records.
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Taxes
Promoting economic development by increasing support for local communities to access federal funds.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1057 (the MATCHED Act) aims to stimulate economic growth by helping local communities access federal funding more effectively. This proposed bipartisan legislation, crafted by Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, tackles the difficulties many communities face in securing federal funds, particularly in rural and distressed areas. A lack of state matching dollars, often required to access federal resources, is a common obstacle. The bill seeks to eliminate these barriers by providing state matching funds, enabling communities to leverage federal and private investments more effectively.
“With the statewide budget shortfall, many legislators are considering tax increases,” Barnard said. “But more taxes aren’t the solution. Instead, Washington should take full advantage of federal funding opportunities to tackle the budget crisis and grow our economy. The MATCHED Act helps pave the way for Washingtonians to succeed.”
In addition to offering state matching funds, the MATCHED Act focuses on expanding grant-writing support to improve access to federal assistance. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a grant program by July 1, 2025. This program would help local governments, economic development organizations, and rural counties to hire grant writers. “Washington is leaving significant federal dollars on the table,” Barnard added. “By prioritizing support for distressed areas, we can secure funding for critical projects like broadband expansion, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. These investments will directly benefit our communities.”
Bill Summary
Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has prefiled House Bill 1065, legislation that clarifies existing law to allow families to bury loved ones on privately owned land under certain conditions. The legislation addresses ambiguity in state law, protects property rights, and honors cultural traditions. Walsh explained that this updated proposal builds on a previous version introduced in the last biennium, which received broad, bipartisan support in the Washington State House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate. The 19th District lawmaker also noted that the current bill includes bipartisan amendments added along the way.
Walsh’s proposal clarifies that families wishing to continue traditional burial practices must follow local land-use guidelines, including wetlands and title filings. It specifies that the option only applies to direct family members and disallows any commercial use—thereby protecting landowners while preserving cultural and historical customs. In addition to its past bipartisan legislative support, HB 1065 has garnered backing from several groups, including Native American tribes, property rights organizations, and those invested in preserving Washington’s rich cultural heritage.
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Environment
Implementing strategies to achieve higher recycling rates within Washington’s existing solid waste management system.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1071 is a bipartisan bill that aims to increase Washington state’s recycling rate to 65 percent for packaging and paper products. The bill mandates a statewide needs assessment to identify necessary investments and improvements to the recycling system. It also establishes a producer responsibility program, requiring producers to register and report data on the volume of products sold and to increase the use of postconsumer recycled content. An advisory committee will guide the process, and penalties are outlined for noncompliance. The bill also addresses low-income discounts for solid waste services and clarifies the Pollution Control Hearings Board’s jurisdiction over appeals.
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Safety
Improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties.
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1085 is a bipartisan bill that aims to improve school safety by increasing penalties for violence and intimidation at schools and extracurricular activities. The bill strengthens penalties for interfering with school activities through force or violence, specifically targeting threats against school officials and volunteers at athletic events. Increased fines and jail time are proposed, along with mandatory exclusion from school or events for those convicted. The bill also mandates public signage notifying people of these enhanced penalties. Finally, the bill expands the definition of those protected under the law to include more school personnel and volunteers.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1096 aims to enhance housing options in Washington by allowing existing residential lots to be split into new residential lots through a streamlined administrative process. This initiative is designed to support homeowners facing changing life circumstances and to provide prospective homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers, with more affordable housing opportunities. The legislation mandates that cities complying with minimum density requirements must establish a process for simultaneous review and approval of administrative lot splits and residential building permits, facilitating the development of middle housing or single-family homes.
Key provisions include that the lot split process may only require an administrative decision without a public hearing, provided certain conditions are met, such as compliance with development standards and the absence of displacement of renters. The bill also stipulates that cities
cannot impose limits on the number of dwelling units below what is allowed by existing zoning laws and that any newly created lots must adhere to local density requirements. Additionally, cities are granted immunity from liability related to the approval of lot splits, and the Department of Commerce is tasked with developing guidance and providing grants to assist cities in implementing these requirements.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1098 proposes establishing a new county local road trust account in Washington State’s motor vehicle fund and directs the County Road Administration Board to adopt rules regarding the allocation of funds in the account. The bill defines key terms related to road projects and establishes criteria for project selection, prioritizing overburdened communities and environmental health. It outlines eligible project types and details fund allocation procedures, including matching fund requirements and eligibility restrictions for counties working with the Washington State Department of Transportation. It limits the eligibility for these funds to counties with populations under 8,000 and counties that have not diverted county road levy funds for other purposes.
Bill Summary
Washington State Substitute House Bill 1102 aims to expand the state’s veterans service officer program. The bill addresses the low percentage of Washington veterans receiving federal benefits, noting significant disparities across counties. It proposes expanding the program to increase the number of veterans accessing benefits by adding one to two officers per biennium, prioritizing counties with the lowest rates. Funding and reporting requirements are detailed, focusing on improving outreach, support, and data collection to better serve veterans. The bill modifies existing law to clarify eligibility and funding processes for the program.
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Taxes
Recognizing the tremendous sacrifices made by our military veterans by phasing down the disability rating requirements to ensure more disabled veterans are eligible for property tax relief.
Bill Summary
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, has filed a bill to increase property tax breaks for disabled veterans in Washington State. House Bill 1106 seeks to lower the required disability ratings gradually, making more veterans eligible for property tax relief and providing greater financial assistance to those who have served.
Under current statute, veterans must have a combined service-connected evaluation rating of 80% or higher to qualify for the senior property tax exemption. It’s important to note that this bill does not impact all property-owning veterans who meet the service-connected thresholds. Veterans will still have to meet the financial requirements of 70% of the county median household income, which remains challenging to achieve. This bill does not impact those financial limits.
HB 1106 would introduce significant property tax relief measures through a phased approach to disability rating requirements. Starting in 2026, veterans with a combined service-connected evaluation rating of 60% or higher will become eligible for property tax exemptions. This eligibility threshold will gradually decrease to 40% in 2027 and further to 20% or higher, including those with a total disability rating, beginning in 2028 and beyond. This phased reduction aims to extend financial assistance to a broader group of veterans over time.
“This bill is a testament to our commitment to honor and support the brave men and women who have served our state and nation,” said Barnard. “By expanding property tax relief, we ensure that our disabled veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve while also maintaining fiscal responsibility for our local governments.”
Bill Summary
The median price of a single-family home in Washington now exceeds $600,000 – 29% higher than the national average. Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, wants to know why. He’s reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would create a task force of builders, realtors, lenders, tenants, landlords, and housing experts to determine what is driving these costs skyward. The task force would have until the end of 2026 to present its report to the Legislature.
“Until we get to the root of the problem, we’re not going to be able to fix it. We need to bring people to the table that are continuously in this environment”, states Klicker. Excessive government regulations tracing back to passage of the Growth Management Act in the 1990’s is one of the primary cost drivers. Klicker adds, “As regulations increase, and it starts at the state level and down to the local level, you continue to create more unaffordable housing.”
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1125, the “Judicial Discretion Act,” proposes amendments to the state’s sentencing laws. The bill will give our liberal judges more authority to modify lengthy sentences for dangerous inmates who reportedly meet specific criteria, such as age at the time of the offense or terminal illness. The act also establishes procedures for petitioning for sentence modification, including victim notification and legal representation provisions, and addresses the financial implications of such modifications by creating a flexible fund for victim services. Finally, it modifies existing laws related to exceptional sentencing and collateral attacks on convictions.
The number of Democrats supporting this legislation and the absence of any conservative lawmakers should be your first clue that this is a bad bill. You have witnessed how well the Democrats ’soft on crime’ approach has worked over the past several years. Rather than admit their mistakes, they just continue to push for more leniency.
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Health Care
Standardizing basis training and certification requirements for long-term care workers who provide in-home care for their family members, including spouses or domestic partners.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1142 standardizes basic training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care, especially for family members, including spouses and domestic partners. The bill modifies existing laws (RCW 18.88B.041 and 74.39A.076) to establish specific training hour mandates based on care recipient relationships and care hours provided. Specifically, the bill explicitly includes long-term care workers caring for spouses or domestic partners as exempt from standard certification requirements, and outlines specific training requirements for different categories of family caregivers. For example, a parent caring for a developmentally disabled child must complete 12 hours of specialized training within 120 days of becoming a caregiver, while a spouse caring for another spouse must complete 15 hours of basic training and at least six hours of additional focused training based on the care recipient’s specific needs.
The bill also provides flexibility for different types of family caregivers, such as those providing limited hours of care or respite services, by establishing tailored training requirements. Additionally, the legislation maintains the principle that exempted workers are not prohibited from voluntarily enrolling in training programs and allows the department of social services to adopt rules to implement these provisions, including potential adjustments during emergencies like pandemics that might impact training accessibility.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1150, pedaled by Democrats as an environmental bill, is actually a hidden tax on groceries. This bill expands government control over recycling by creating extended producer responsibility (EPR) organizations, which will ultimately drive up costs for Washington families. Producers will be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars. These costs will be passed directly to consumers at the grocery store. Industry leaders have warned that grocery prices could spike as much as 16% because of this bill. Washingtonians are already paying some of the highest grocery prices in the country. The last thing families need right now is another cost hike, especially one driven by our government, once again, imposing additional regulations on businesses. This is a carbon copy of what has happened in our housing industry.
There remain serious questions as to whether EPR programs actually improve recycling rates and reduce waste, or if they create inefficiencies and bureaucracy without any significant environment benefits. For instance, without proper investments in recycling facilities and technology, requiring producers to take responsibility for recycling could lead to logistical challenges, in addition to the higher costs. Lastly, these imposed compliance costs and regulations will disproportionately impact smaller producers and businesses that will struggle to meet these requirements. Please oppose this bill.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1162 is another example of government overreach – particularly in the health care arena. This bill aims to enhance workplace violence prevention in health care settings by amending existing regulations and introducing new requirements. It mandates that each health care setting develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan, which must be updated at least once a year. The plan should address various factors contributing to workplace violence, including security measures, staffing patterns, job design, and employee training. Additionally, health care settings with established safety or workplace violence committees are required to involve these committees in the development and monitoring of the prevention plan.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that requires health care settings to conduct timely investigations of workplace violence incidents. These investigations must assess the contributing factors of each incident and include a detailed report submitted to the relevant committee. The report should analyze systemic causes of violence and provide recommendations for modifying prevention strategies. The frequency of these reports varies based on the type of health care setting, with some required to submit summaries twice a year and others quarterly. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The vast majority of health care entities in Washington State are not government facilities; therefore, they should not be mandated by state government to follow through on this “order”. Furthermore, why the focus on health care entities? If the government is going force this on healthcare entities, it should be required of every business. Can you imagine how well that would go over? Democrats need to stay out of the health care realm altogether. They can’t even manage government well.
Bill Summary
Rep. Mark Klicker, R – Walla Walla, has introduced bipartisan legislation that would strengthen community bonds and increase public safety while also driving small business growth. House Bill 1175 would require Washington cities and towns to allow small cafés and stores in residential areas. Under current Washington law, cities may allow these businesses, but they are not required to do so. Rep. Klicker introduced a similar bipartisan bill during the 2024 legislative session. HB 2252 made it through most of the legislative process before failing to be voted out of the Senate by the end of the session
The bill defines a neighborhood café as a business serving a limited menu. A business may also sell alcohol only if it also serves food. A neighborhood store is a small market of at least 500 square feet that may sell food, beverages and household items. The bill would not permit bars that solely sell alcohol, nightclubs or big-box stores and local governments could still regulate operating hours, parking and maximum square footage.
“This bill is fundamentally about creating community and fostering small business growth,” Klicker said. “Imagine walking down your sidewalk to a local coffee shop on a Saturday morning or stopping by a neighborhood market to get fresh produce and a gallon of milk. This also incentivizes people to grow a small business in their communities, which will bring more job opportunities for people closer to home.”
Rep. Klicker also said the bill would improve public safety by increasing foot traffic in neighborhoods. “Communities are safer when there are more eyes on the ground. Business owners and customers are invested in safe, vibrant neighborhoods.”
Bill Summary
House Bill 1178 seeks to roll back key sentencing enhancements, making it easier for violent criminals, drug offenders, and gang members to receive reduced sentences and early release. Instead of holding offenders accountable, this bill prioritizes leniency over public safety. It reduces penalties for gang-related crimes involving minors. Under this bill, criminals who recruit or exploit minors for gang-related felonies will no longer face enhanced sentences, weakening a critical tool for combating gang violence.
Firearm and deadly weapon enhancements, which were designed to keep armed offenders off the streets longer, would be eligible for early release and partial confinement. HB 1178 would remove the requirement that firearm and deadly weapon enhancements be served consecutively, allowing judges to run sentences concurrently and significantly reducing time served. Washingtonians deserve policies that deter crime and protect communities—not laws that make it easier for violent offenders to walk free.
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Safety
Implementing certain recommendations from the sex offender policy board concerning the criminal offense of failure to register.
Bill Summary
It is well-documented that sex offenders have extremely high recidivism rates. For this reason, the great majority of Washington citizens are very leery of reducing sentencing rates for registered sex offenders. In addition, community custody efforts are nearly always met with “not in my backyard” resistance.
Washington HB 1180, sponsored by Democrats, addresses changes to “Felony Failure to Register Offenses”. Felony Failure to Register as a sex offender is an unranked class C felony, and the elevation to a class B felony for a third or subsequent felony Failure to Register offense is removed. Furthermore, the definition of “sex offense” in the SRA is modified to not include a second or subsequent felony Failure to Register offense. The bill also encourages diversionary approaches for first-time offenders and mandates a minimum community custody period for certain offenders. Please oppose this legislation.
Bill Summary
For many Washington families, manufactured homes offer an attainable path to homeownership. However, outdated lending rules make it difficult to secure affordable financing. Currently, homes in manufactured housing communities can only be financed with chattel loans, which come with higher interest rates and less favorable terms than traditional mortgages. These loans treat manufactured homes like vehicles or RVs rather than real estate, leading to significantly higher borrowing costs. This barrier makes homeownership unaffordable for many and discourages the creation of new resident-owned cooperatives. More than 1,000 households in Washington already live in resident-owned cooperatives, where residents collectively own the land beneath their homes.
House Bill 1191, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick, would allow these homeowners—and those seeking to join them—to eliminate the separate title to their home, reclassifying it as real property and improving access to more affordable financing. This change would make them eligible for conventional mortgages, unlocking better lending terms and lower interest rates. This legislation would align Washington with approximately 40 other states that have procedures to convert manufactured homes in resident-owned communities from personal to real property
“This bill represents an important step forward in preserving one of the most affordable housing options we have in Washington,” said Connors. “If signed into law, House Bill 1191 will ensure homeowners in resident-owned cooperatives are no longer stuck with high-interest loans by providing access to the same mortgage options as any other homeowner. Currently, 84% of Washington families cannot afford a new home, our state ranks last for the per capita supply of affordable housing, and we are projected to need around 1 million new homes by 2044 to meet demand. It is critical we tackle our housing crisis head-on by reducing as many financial burdens as we can.”
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Elections
Revoking a person’s voting rights only when convicted of a state crime punishable by death.
Bill Summary
The passage of HB 1078, which took effect on January 1, 2022, restored voting rights to people with past felony convictions immediately after they finished their prison terms. Misdemeanors do not affect voting rights in this state. A juvenile conviction does not impact your right to vote. In addition, your voting rights cannot be revoked because of court debt.
Now, House Bill 1196, also known as the “Free the Vote Act”, narrows the definition of an “infamous crime” in Washington state to only include state crimes punishable by death, which significantly changes voting rights restoration for people with criminal convictions. Currently, individuals convicted of felonies lose their voting rights; however, under this new legislation, voting rights would only be revoked for those convicted of a state crime punishable by death. When a person is convicted of such a crime and sentenced to total confinement, their voting rights are automatically revoked, but those rights are also automatically restored once they are no longer serving a sentence of total confinement under the department of corrections. The bill requires individuals whose voting rights have been restored to re-register to vote before casting a ballot. Additionally, the legislation modifies various related statutes to align with this new definition, including voter registration forms, ballot declarations, and jury service eligibility.
When you commit crimes against society, and are removed from society for a period of time to serve a prison sentence, you deserve forfeiture of your voting rights. Once you have completed your prison sentence and paid all court debts, your rights should be automatically restored. We stand against firmly against any legislation that allows convicts the right to vote prior to their release from prison, especially those convicted of felonies.
I implore all democratic legislators to focus more attention on the innocent victims of crime rather than on the rights of those convicted of crimes. Please oppose this unnecessary legislation.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1203 aims to protect public health by banning the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in Washington State starting January 1, 2026. The proposal includes bans on flavored electronic cigarettes, also called vapes, menthol cigarettes and nicotine pouches, like Zyn. The legislation also targets so-called “entertainment vapor products” that include video games or music.
The bill cites alarming statistics on youth vaping and smoking rates, emphasizing the link between flavored products and addiction. In 2023, 29% of Washington’s 12th graders reported having tried e-cigarettes, according to the state’s Healthy Youth Survey. That’s compared to 17.5% who said they’d smoked cigarettes. Nationally, students who have used e-cigarettes overwhelmingly reported choosing flavored options, with fruit flavors being the most popular, according to federal Food & Drug Administration data.
It establishes penalties for retailers who violate the ban and mandates public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of these products. The legislation also includes amendments to existing laws concerning tobacco and vapor product sales, outlining specific enforcement procedures and penalties. Businesses licensed to sell these products would be required to post signage noting the statewide prohibition. The state Department of Health would also run a campaign to build awareness about the harms of flavored tobacco products.
Critics of such bans have argued the measures would cause the state to lose out on millions in tax revenue. How pathetic is that?
Bill Summary
State law currently requires teachers, police, registered nurses, social service counselors and members of several other professions to report to law enforcement or the state Department of Children, Youth and Families if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect. This bill would add clergy to the list and remove their privilege to keep information shared in penitent communications confidential.
Democratic state lawmakers are trying again to require clergy members in Washington to report child abuse or neglect, including when it is disclosed to them by a congregant during confession. This is the third straight session that the issue will be debated. Past efforts failed when the two legislative chambers disagreed on whether to protect what’s heard in confessions. Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, and Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, have introduced companion bills in the House and Senate to add clergy to the state’s roster of professions whose members must inform law enforcement if they believe a child has been harmed. The proposed legislation would close the controversial “clergy-penitent privilege” loophole.
The Washington State Catholic Conference opposes the legislation. The conference is the “public policy voice” of the Catholic Bishops of the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Spokane, and the Diocese of Yakima. “We remain willing to have clergy as mandatory reporters but Catholic priests cannot reveal what is said in the confessional,” wrote Jean Welch Hill, the organization’s executive director. The WSCC welcomes narrowing the clergy-penitent privilege to sacramental confession only and they support mandatory reporting for situations outside of confession. Hill adds, “If they comply with the bill as it is written, the priest will be automatically excommunicated. To demand that a priest choose between compliance with the law or the loss of his lifelong vocation is exactly what the First Amendment is supposed to protect against.”
Abolishing the clergy-penitent privilege would likely prevent abusers from confessing and hinder priests’ efforts to instruct offenders to turn themselves in. The U.S. Constitution protects the clergy-penitent privilege. In addition, the Ninth Circuit, which includes Washington state, recognizes that no state or federal court has ever approved government invasion of the sacrament of confession. The United States Supreme Court has held that “suits cannot be maintained which would require a disclosure of the confidences of the confessional…” Totten v. United States, 92 U.S. 105, 107 (1875). Legally speaking, removing the clergy-penitent privilege would be an unconstitutional violation of civil liberties and would violate the First Amendment’s Free Exercise clause because it would threaten priests with legal sanctions unless they violate their religious vows. In effect, It would say that it’s good for lawyers to keep confessions secret for secular reasons, but it’s illegal for priests to keep confessions secret for religious reasons.
For three years, protection of what is said in the confessional has been the dividing line between the Senate and the House. Proponents of the bill insist that no religious law should be above state law. “It is traumatizing to have colleagues who I love and trust and have respect for tell me to my face that freedom of religion is more important than protecting children,” said Sen. Frame. Last year, Frame crafted what she described as a “delicate” and “very narrowly defined compromise” with the Washington State Catholic Conference. It preserved the clergy-penitent privilege. But, under the legislation, if a religious leader heard a child may be at imminent risk of harm in a confession and in another setting, when they were not carrying out their work as a religious leader, they had a responsibility to contact authorities. The Senate passed the bill but it lapsed in a House committee.
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Life
Removing references to pregnancy from the model directive form under the natural death act.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1215 removes a specific provision related to pregnancy from the model directive form under Washington state’s Natural Death Act. Currently, the form includes language that would nullify the advance directive if the person is diagnosed as pregnant. The bill eliminates this clause, which means a person’s advance healthcare directive will remain valid regardless of pregnancy status. The bill modifies the existing health care directive form by removing the pregnancy-specific language that previously stated the directive would have no force or effect during pregnancy. Additionally, the bill makes some minor technical adjustments to the lettering of subsequent sections of the form (renumbering sections after removing the pregnancy clause). The changes ensure that individuals can maintain their previously stated healthcare wishes even if they become pregnant, potentially giving patients more control over their medical decisions across different life circumstances. Despite completely different DNA, this bill provides no legal rights for a baby in the womb, regardless of its development stage.
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Housing
Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease terminatio, creating parity between lease types, and providing attorney general enforcement.
Bill Summary
HB 1217, a rent control bill, will lead to limited housing supply, a downturn in housing development options and ultimately will lead to increased rental costs. Over any 12-month period, the billl limits rent and/or fee increases to a maximum of 7%. Furthermore, the bill prohibits rent and/or fee increases during the first year of rental, regardless of the length or type of lease. HB 1217 also provides other protections for tenants, including rent and/or fee increase notice requirements, lease termination provisions, and limits on security deposits, late fees and move-in fees. Historically, wherever rent control laws have been put in place, housing and rental costs have increased substantially. Please oppose this legislation.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1252 modifies existing laws regarding pretrial release for both adults and juveniles, introducing new requirements for judicial officers when determining release conditions. The bill establishes that if a defendant has previously resisted arrest, attempted to elude police, or required substantial resources (multiple units, canine team, drones, air support) to apprehend, there is a rebuttable presumption against simple personal recognizance release. In such cases, judicial officers must now document in writing their rationale for releasing a defendant on personal recognizance, declining electronic monitoring, or setting bail lower than recommended by prosecutors.
The bill requires these written findings to explain how public safety and the defendant’s future court appearance will be ensured. Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts must maintain a public database of these orders and submit an annual report to the legislature and law enforcement associations detailing the number of such release orders. The bill applies these new provisions to both adult criminal cases and juvenile justice proceedings, with similar documentation and reporting requirements.
This legislation comes in the wake of the tragic murder of 13 y.o. Jayda Woods-Johnson at Alderwood Mall this past summer. The 16 y.o. suspect in Johnson’s case was initially permitted to post bond shortly after his arrest, leading to his immediate release from Jail. “I really want judges to have to pause, to be thoughtful in those decisions, show their work and to show the public and the community that they are serving how in their minds public safety is going to be maintained with this particular defendant out in the community” said Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, the bill’s primary sponsor. Davis says her fellow Democrats need to address the bleeding now. “The number one issue that my constituents are concerned about is public safety. People don’t feel safe and they have every right not to feel safe,” said Davis.
Bill Summary
The bipartisan bill establishes a surcharge of $183 per document recorded by the county auditor, which is in addition to any other charges authorized by law. Certain documents, such as assignments of previously recorded deeds of trust, vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, death), and various lien documents, are exempt from this surcharge. The funds collected from this surcharge will be allocated as follows: 1% for the county auditor’s fee collection activities, 30% for county use, 54.1% to the state treasurer for the home security fund, 13.1% for the affordable housing for all account, and 1.8% for the landlord mitigation program account.
Additionally, the bill specifies how counties can utilize their portion of the collected funds. It mandates that counties retain at least 75% of their share for local homeless housing plans unless a city within the county opts to run its own program. In such cases, the funds for administrative costs and local homeless housing plans must be combined and distributed based on the city’s share of the real estate excise tax. The bill also allows counties and cities to use up to 10% of their funding for administrative costs related to their homeless housing programs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance funding for homelessness assistance and affordable housing initiatives while providing flexibility for local governments in managing these resources.
Bill Summary
This bipartisan bill modifies the existing law regarding mobilization of fire service resources by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various agencies in emergency response and expanding definitions related to emergency response. Specifically, the bill outlines conditions under which state resources will be deployed. It also updates the definition of “mobilization” to allow for resources to be deployed in preparation of, or in response to, an emergency situation that has or is predicted to exceed local capabilities. The bill maintains the existing prohibition on mobilizing fire resources for law enforcement activities during civil protests, while ensuring that fire departments can still provide medical care and firefighting services. The legislation defines key terms such as “all risk resources” (which include responses to events like wild land fires, landslides, earthquakes, floods, and contagious diseases), “fire chief,” and “jurisdiction.” The bill also specifies that when mobilization is declared, all fire protection authorities’ resources are considered mobilized, and non-host fire protection authorities providing resources will be eligible for expense reimbursement. Importantly, the bill does not reduce or suspend the Department of Natural Resources’ existing authority for fire-related responsibilities.
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Safety
Concerning retroactively applying the requirements to exclude certain juvenile convictions from an offender score regardless of the date of the offense.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1274, if passed, would allow for the early release of violent criminals by automatically recalculating their sentencing scores, leading to reduced sentences. Washington is facing a serious public safety crisis. In fact, public safety was the number one concern of Washingtonians in a poll done prior to the start of Legislative Session. Our crime rates rank among the top ten in the nation in multiple categories. Letting violent offenders, including murderers and rapists, out early not only denies justice for victims and their families, but it also puts every law-abiding citizen at greater risks. Furthermore, reducing sentences does not necessarily mean that crime rates will go down. There is no clear evidence that removing juvenile adjudications from offender scores will lead to better rehabilitation or lower recidivism rates.
Proponents of the bill will argue that the bill includes a provision allowing denial of resentencing if there’s a likelihood of reoffending, but this is a highly subjective standard that may not be applied consistently, particularly considering the number of woke, far-left liberal judges in Washington. Judges may apply the law differently in every case, meaning that some offenders may get reduced sentences while others may not. The bill allows a large number of incarcerated criminals to petition for resentencing, which could certainly overwhelm our overburdened court systems an create significant costs for the state. In addition, the requirement for public defenders to represent individuals who cannot afford counsel adds further strain on our legal system.
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Education
Making financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1285 is a strong bi-partisan bill meant to ensure that graduating students have a basic grasp of financial literacy, including things like balancing a household budget and understanding the interest on a loan. This legislation mandates that school districts provide financial education instruction and ensure students meet state financial literacy standards to graduate.
A similar bill was on track for passage during the 2024 legislative session but got derailed. “This year, I removed the half-credit requirement,” Rude said “It maintains the graduation requirement, but doesn’t quantify it, in deference to the work the state board is doing.” This bill emphasizes flexibility for districts, allowing students to receive financial education through career and technical education courses, online programs, or integration into existing classes like math. “There is also a provision in law that allows professionals to come in and teach in schools, and the credit unions have already offered to help and the state treasurer has a financial education program for adults, so there are a lot of opportunities out there,” Rude continued.
“This has been a topic I’ve been hearing from the public on for a long time and students are asking for it, too,” said bill sponsor Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla. “As they’re leaving high school, every one of these graduates is going to be making financial decisions, whether it’s continuing education or purchasing their first car and insurance, it’s something they need to understand,” Rude said. A bill passed in 2022 required Washington’s 295 public school districts to adopt one or more financial education goals by March 1, 2023. Rude’s bill goes further, requiring financial education for every student as a condition of graduation.
Bill Summary
Bill Summary
House Bill 1293 seeks to address and mitigate the problem of littering in Washington State. It does so by strengthening penalties for littering, ensuring restitution for cleanup costs, and requiring community restitution in specific cases. Additionally, the bill establishes a Littering Solutions Task Force to develop actionable policy recommendations aimed at reducing litter statewide. Key provisions of the bill include: Class 2 civil infraction for littering under one cubic foot, misdemeanor for littering between one cubic foot and 10 cubic yards, gross misdemeanor for littering over 10 cubic yards and mandatory restitution payments based on cleanup costs, with funds directed to landowners and law enforcement. In addition, littering violations in state parks require offenders to perform 24 hours of community service within the park. Representatives from state agencies, businesses, and environmental organizations will work together to craft solutions.
Litter pollutes public lands, waterways, and wildlife habitats. HB 1293 helps protect these areas, ensuring cleaner, more enjoyable spaces for residents and visitors. Leveraging the findings from the 2022 statewide litter study ensures that recommendations and actions are based on evidence and effectively target the most pressing issues. The bill creates stricter penalties for littering, incentivizing responsible disposal habits and discouraging behaviors that harm the environment. By requiring restitution payments and establishing a task force to reduce cleanup costs, the bill promotes efficient use of taxpayer dollars while addressing root causes. Finally, requiring litter offenders to clean up state parks foster community pride and involvement in maintaining public spaces.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1294 from the Washington State Legislature extends the life of the agricultural Pesticide Application Safety Committee to July 1, 2035. The bipartisan bill establishes the committee’s composition, responsibilities, and reporting requirements. The committee’s main tasks include researching pesticide data collection, exploring safety improvements, and recommending policy changes. An advisory work group will assist the committee, providing expertise on agricultural pesticide application. The bill also expands funding for agricultural pesticide applicator training programs.
Bill Summary
You may recall that I-2081 (Parent’s Bill of Rights) was drafted and overwhelmingly approved by legislators. The Democrats were aware of the popularity of this Initiative, so it passed with little opposition: an 82-15 vote in the House and a unanimous 49-0 vote in the Senate. Fast forward to 2025, and the same Democratic legislators are seeking to pass a bill that will erase your voice. House Bill 1296 (and its companion bill, SB 5181), guts the Parent’s Bill of Rights.
The Bill is clearly not aimed at providing a “safe and supportive public education system”. Rather, it’s a bill that will “protect” the few children who receive medical and mental-health services without their parents’ knowledge or consent. To be clear, the intent is clearly to ensure that these kids’ records do not end up in the hands of their parents.
The Bill also requires School districts to implement new policies and procedures, written by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, around “privacy rights of minors; and the licensure or other professional requirements for school district employment classifications, if any, related to protecting student privacy.” Schools that fail to meet these new policies and procedures will face OSPI-issued sanctions. Furthermore, each school district must designate a watch dog to ensure compliance of the “policies and procedures relating to gender inclusive schools.” In short, this Bill empowers OSPI to hammer any district that fails to conform to these new “inclusivity” standards.
The Bill’s sponsors seem to equate “discrimination” with children not receiving medical procedures and other medical/mental services by the school district related to their gender identity without their parents’ knowledge or consent. The Bill requires the schools to adopt – at the expense of your right to protect your children from materials – teaching and extracurricular activities that are in opposition to your own belief system. You will have access to your child’s classroom but not to curriculum, textbooks or supplemental materials.
You can only opt your child out of surveys, not assignments, questionnaires, role-playing activities, recordings of their child, or other student engagements that include questions about a very narrow set of topics. For example, the legislature is looking to remove the sentence that “allows” you to opt out of surveys about your “child’s sexual experiences or attractions.” This bill lays out protection from retaliation for the school district employees who implement the rules laid out.
This bill should be gravely concerning to all parents in Washington state, as these Representatives feel the need to keep parents out of the loop and “protect” certain ideologies and the services provided around those ideologies. More importantly, they’re simply writing parent’s out of the children’s lives and replacing them with the educational system. It is clear that these rules are not in the best interest of children or the family unit, as their aim is that parents are kept out of life-altering decisions and mind-altering instruction that may be in opposition to their beliefs about how their own child should be raised.
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Safety
Concerning persons serving long sentences for offenses committed prior to reaching 21 years of age.
Bill Summary
HB 1317 is a dangerous rollback of sentencing laws that prioritizes leniency for violent offenders — such as murders and rapists — over justice for victims and public safety. By allowing individuals convicted of serious crimes under the age of 21 to petition for early release, the bill undermines the severity of their offenses and reduces accountability. The existing system already allows courts to consider mitigating factors of youth at sentencing, making this bill unnecessary. Reducing the minimum time served for crimes like first-degree murder ignores the lasting impact these violent acts have on victims’ families and communities. Victims and their families deserve certainty and closure, not a legal process that reopens their trauma and forces them to relive it every few years.
The bill also would force the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) to evaluate and possibly release offenders who were originally given lengthy sentences for a reason. Lowering the threshold for early release from 20 years to 15 years further weakens sentencing, sending the wrong message about consequences for violent crime. Washington’s justice system should focus on protecting communities and ensuring that violent criminals serve the time they were given. By opposing HB 1317, we stand against the Democrat’s “soft-on-crime” agenda.
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Safety
Concerning the governor’s authority to limit outside militia activities within the state.
Bill Summary
This is Gov. Ferguson’s “emergency” legislative act designed to prevent the arrest of illegal immigrants. The argument for a declared emergency measure is its “necessity” for “preserving public safety” and supporting state government. If state government was truly interested in preserving public safety they would have passed an emergency measure preventing illegal immigrants from entering our state. This Washington state legislative act restricts the entry of out-of-state militias into the state unless the governor provides written authorization or there’s a federal call to service. The governor retains the power to revoke such authorization at any time. The act mandates that a militia immediately cease operations and depart upon receiving notification of a denial or withdrawal of entry.
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1334 modifies the way inflation is calculated and, as a result, allows for up to 3% annual increases on property taxes. As explained by the Washington Policy Center, the inflation calculation would change from the ‘implicit price deflator’ to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI typically results in a higher inflation percentage – which would increase the maximum ceiling to which a municipality could increase taxes. The result could potentially result in 3% raises in property tax for several years in a row. Additionally, the “limit factor” is adjusted to include population change and inflation, with a cap of 103 percent. A new definition for “population change” is introduced, detailing how it is calculated based on official population estimates.
Furthermore, the bill establishes new timelines for the Department of Revenue and county assessors to determine and communicate limit factors for property tax assessments. Specifically, the Department of Revenue is required to provide necessary limit factors by September 1 each year, while county assessors must notify taxing districts of their determinations by October 1. The bill also repeals the previous authorization for taxing districts to use a limit factor of 101 percent or less, streamlining the process for property tax revenue growth. The provisions of this act will apply
to taxes levied for collection in 2026 and beyond.
Currently, annual property tax increases are capped at 1%. For the past several years, Democrats have attempted to increase the cap limit from 1% to 3% and this year is no different. They just refuse to take ’no’ for an answer.
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Elections
Shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation.
Bill Summary
Every November, Washington holds a statewide general election. In years that end in an even number, the election includes general elections for federal, state, and county officers, as well as state or local ballot measures such as initiatives, referenda, and constitutional amendments. In years that end in an odd number, general elections are held for city, town, and special purpose district officers and school board members. In addition, odd-year elections may include elections for: • filling the remainder of unexpired terms for state legislators, supreme court justices, superior court judges, and federal, state, and county officers; • county officers in a county governed by a charter that provides for odd-year elections; and • state ballot measures. State ballot measures must appear on the ballot at the next regular general election, and therefore they may appear in either even- or odd-numbered years. Special elections and recall elections also may occur in either even- or odd-numbered years.
While purporting to increase voter participation, HB 1339 would likely result in a decrease in voter participation. City and county councils and school board elections will end up at the bottom of lengthy ballots and voters will often choose just to vote for federal and county officers. Furthermore, these same local candidates will be forced to compete against federal and state officials for campaign contributions, advertising opportunities and civic presentations. Lastly, the overwhelming number of federal, state, county, city and school board candidates will potentially lead to even greater “political burnout” for voters.
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Education
Adjusting age requirements for accessing the early childhood education and assistance program.
Bill Summary
In an ideal world, parents would be able to provide the early childhood training required for children to be successful students when they reach school age. However, when both parents work full-time, or when a child is dealing with homelessness, that is not always the case. House Bill 1351 amends existing law regarding eligibility for the early childhood education and assistance program. The bill expands access by increasing income thresholds and including children who meet specific risk factors, such as homelessness or developmental delays. These changes aim to improve kindergarten readiness and school performance for at-risk children. Funding for the expanded program is addressed, with stipulations on enrollment limits based on available funds. The bill also clarifies that these additions do not impact existing state-funded entitlements.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1371 is a bipartisan bill that modifies Washington state law regarding disability parking permits. Amendments clarify eligibility criteria, including adding veterans with a 70% disability rating and a service animal. The bill details requirements for applications, permit types (temporary and permanent), and renewal processes. It also addresses verification procedures and penalties for providing false information. Finally, the bill updates the definition of “veteran” for eligibility purposes.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1380 aims to address the growing homelessness crisis by aiming to create ‘statewide guidelines’ for managing public property. The bill seeks to balance public safety concerns with the need for humane treatment of the homeless by establishing an “objective reasonableness” standard for local ordinances restricting activities like sitting, lying, sleeping outdoors, keeping dry or staying warm in public spaces.
It also protects local governments from litigation if their ordinances are deemed objectively reasonable, while allowing individuals to challenge the reasonableness of such laws in court. In other words, this standard will allow a homeless person to sue a municipality that restricts the use of public land for a homeless camp.
According to the Washington Policy Center, the legislation would redefine how a city or town may create rules and regulations for the use of public land with a vague, indefensible definition. The definition states that municipalities are encouraged to “enact objectively reasonable time, place and manner regulations to manage public spaces effectively and preserve public peace, health, and safety for the befit of the entire community.” This definition is so vague that any relation a municipality could place on the use of public land would open the doors to a lawsuit. Attorney fees will be awarded, in addition to the plaintiff relief, should a lawsuit succeed. The taxpayers of the municipality would be responsible for the cost of the lawsuit, which ultimately would result in higher property and sales taxes. Finally, the act is declared an emergency measure and takes effect immediately.
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Taxes
Providing tax exemptions for the first 20,000 gallons of wine sold by a winery in Washington.
Bill Summary
The proposed bill aims to provide a tax exemption for the first 20,000 gallons of wine sold by wineries in Washington state. It amends RCW 66.24.210 to introduce a new tax structure for wineries that sell less than 20,000 gallons of table wine or cider in a calendar year. Specifically, these wineries will be subject to a reduced tax rate of $0.0528 per liter for their sales, and they will not be liable for any other taxes under this section on the first 20,000 gallons sold, except for taxes imposed for the Washington wine commission. Additionally, the bill stipulates that taxes collected from this exemption will be deposited into the liquor revolving fund.
Furthermore, the bill includes a tax preference performance statement that outlines the legislature’s intent to support small wineries, which face unique challenges compared to larger operations. The performance statement emphasizes the goal of promoting the growth and stability of small wineries, particularly in light of recent economic hardships and environmental challenges. If a review finds that the tax preference successfully promotes small wineries, the legislature intends to consider extending the expiration date of this tax preference.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1385 aims to enhance child protection while ensuring due process for individuals undergoing background checks. This legislation amends existing law and introduces a new section focusing on the fingerprint background check process for individuals involved in the care of children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Key definitions are updated, including the terms “applicant,” “covered individual,” and “qualified entity,” which now encompass a broader range of individuals, including volunteers and contractors who may have unsupervised access to vulnerable populations. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of qualified entities and federally recognized tribes in conducting background checks, including notifying individuals of their rights regarding their criminal history records.
Additionally, the bill establishes the Washington State Patrol as the repository for criminal history records and outlines the procedures for conducting state and national fingerprint-based criminal history checks. It mandates that qualified entities and tribes must inform applicants of their rights to access and appeal their criminal history records and ensures that the information is used solely for screening purposes. The bill also includes provisions for fees associated with processing these checks and limits liability for qualified entities regarding the failure to obtain information.
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Safety
Modernizing, harmonizing, and clarifying laws concerning sheriffs, chiefs, marshals, and police matrons.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1399 seeks to modernize and clarify the laws governing law enforcement officials in Washington State, specifically targeting sheriffs, police chiefs, marshals, and police matrons. It establishes new eligibility requirements for the appointment of police chiefs and marshals, mandating that candidates be at least 25 years old, maintain peace officer certification, and undergo comprehensive background investigations. The legislation also reinforces the core responsibilities of sheriffs to enforce state laws and the Constitution, while addressing the roles of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, ensuring they are properly trained and identifiable, and limiting their authority to non-enforcement activities.
There are several concerns with this legislation. First, sheriffs are elected ‘by the people’ and are part of the Executive Branch of the government, and are bound to uphold the US constitution. County sheriffs have no supervisor except ‘we the people’. This bill requires sheriffs to pledge an oath to uphold only the Washington State constitution, not the United States constitution. This is obvious anti-President legislation.
Secondly, at this time only Peace and corrections officers must be “certified”. This bill requires that sheriffs must now be “certified”. This provides the county legislative authorities the power to decertify an elected sheriff and appoint a replacement.
Another concern with this bill lies in New Section; Section 15. Two specific RCW’s are repealed:
Authority to Establish (RCW 35.66.010)
There shall be annexed to the police force of each city in this state having a population of not less than ten thousand inhabitants one or more police matrons who, subject to the control of the chief of police or other proper officer, shall have the immediate care of all females under arrest and while detained in the city prison until they are finally discharged therefrom.
Persons Under Arrest – Separate quarters (RCW 35.66.050)
For the purpose of effecting the main object of this chapter, no member of one sex under arrest shall be confined in the same cell or apartment of the city jail or prison, with any member of the other sex whatever. These repealed RCW’s effectually desegregate prisons and will continue to allow men in women’s prisons.
For all of these reasons, this bill should be opposed. Please register CON.
Bill Summary
Bill 1403 is a bipartisan bill that seeks to improve homeownership opportunities in Washington State by revising the laws governing condominium construction. It introduces implied warranties for both existing and newly constructed condominium units, ensuring they meet quality standards. For units created before the bill’s effective date, the declarant and dealers must guarantee that the units and common elements are suitable for ordinary use and free from defects. For units created after the effective date, similar warranties apply, with added requirements for compliance with approved plans and building codes. The bill also clarifies the definition of “workmanlike manner” and establishes criteria for proving breaches of warranty.
In addition to warranty provisions, the bill modifies the dispute resolution process by mandating arbitration for certain claims related to condominiums created after the effective date, particularly for monetary judgments not exceeding $500,000. It allows condominium associations to incur expenses for preparing and serving notices of claim without restrictions from governing documents. The bill also permits courts or arbitrators to assess costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees against parties who refuse to accept offers to remedy defects. Furthermore, it specifies that certain provisions do not apply to accessory dwelling units organized as condominiums and outlines conditions for excluding or modifying implied warranties. A sunset provision is included, stating that specific sections will expire on January 1, 2028.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1409 will accelerate Washington’s clean fuels program, imposing stricter carbon reduction mandates, increased penalties, and costly compliance requirements that will drive up fuel prices and hurt consumers, businesses, and the transportation sector. This legislation will raise the carbon intensity reduction requirement to 20% by 2034, four years earlier than the previous law, further increasing costs for fuel producers and consumers. The bill will also remove existing legal protections and replace them with severe new penalties, including fines of up to $50,000 per violation, giving the Department of Ecology unchecked authority to punish fuel providers.
Ultimately, this proposed legislation will further raise gas prices. With Washington already paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation, this bill will make it even worse, disproportionately impacting rural communities, small businesses, and working families who rely on affordable transportation. Instead of pushing extreme fuel mandates that increase costs and limit economic growth, lawmakers should focus on practical, market-driven energy solutions that balance environmental goals with economic reality.
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Health Care
Improving access to appropriate mental health and substance use disorder services.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1432 bill seeks to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services in Washington by updating the state’s mental health parity law. It requires health carriers to make medical necessity determinations based on objective patient needs and align these with accepted standards of care. The bill introduces new definitions and standards for mental health services, mandates coverage for these services, and prohibits different treatment limitations for mental health compared to medical services. It also establishes that utilization review processes must adhere to these standards and prevents health carriers from denying coverage based on assumptions about public entitlement programs. Key amendments include prohibiting utilization management for initial evaluations and a set number of treatment visits, ensuring clinical review criteria are evidence-based, and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
Additionally, the bill enhances grievance and appeal processes for mental health services, requiring health carriers to approve coverage if they do not respond to grievances within specified timeframes. It mandates that carriers assist enrollees in the appeal process and ensures accessibility for individuals with language or literacy barriers. The legislation also eliminates prior authorization requirements for certain behavioral health services starting January 1, 2027, and establishes new standards for prior authorization processes, including specific timelines for decisions. The bill empowers the insurance commissioner to adopt necessary rules for implementation, including data testing for compliance with treatment limitations, and sets a timeline for implementation with certain existing laws being repealed on the same date.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1434 proposes amending Washington state law to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays. Under the current draft of the legislation, the bill would list both the existing and proposed state holidays, explain how each holiday is observed, and clarify procedures for observing holidays that fall on weekends. It also details paid and unpaid leave for state employees, allowing additional leave for religious reasons, and recognizes various commemorative days without granting them official holiday status.
Other states, including New York and Michigan, have sponsored similar legislation. In recent years, some school districts on the East Coast have expanded school calendars to include Muslim and Hindu holidays. For example, New York added Diwali (the Hindu “Festival of Lights”) as a school holiday last year. It is worth noting that Muslims comprise less than 1% of both Washington State’s population and the U.S. population, yet there is ongoing discussion about officially recognizing certain Muslim holidays at both state and local levels.
As a Christian organization existing within what we consider a Christian nation, we cannot support the proposed legislation for several reasons. First, Easter—arguably the most prominent Christian observance—does not have federal or state holiday status. Christmas, historically celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, is increasingly referred to as a “winter holiday” by schools and federal organizations to avoid offending non-Christians. In similar fashion, we believe designating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays would offend Christians and other religious groups in Washington State.
While House Bill 1434 aims to acknowledge and accommodate the diversity of religious observances, our organization maintains that creating additional state holidays for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is unnecessary. If this bill were to pass, how many other religious groups will press to have their unique celebrations recognized as state holidays?
Bill Summary
HB 1448 introduces ranked choice voting (RCV) into local elections, replacing the current, straightforward “top-two” primary system with a more complex and unnecessary voting method. Instead of simply selecting their preferred candidate, voters would be required to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. This system complicates the election process and introduces unnecessary confusion, making it harder for voters to navigate their ballots effectively.
RCV has been shown to increase ballot errors and lead to voter disenfranchisement. Many voters may not fully understand the ranking process, resulting in a higher rate of discarded ballots. This issue disproportionately affects older voters and those with limited English proficiency, who are more likely to make mistakes under this system. Moreover, exhausted ballots—those where a voter does not rank all candidates—can lead to a scenario where the winner is elected with less than 50% of the vote, undermining the fundamental democratic principle of majority rule.
Even some Democrats are speaking out against the bill. Brian Hatfield, legislative director for Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, a Democrat, said that the committee needs to “take into consideration the additional expense, the logistical problems and the confusion that would result in moving from our current system which relies on simple addition to a system that relies on an algorithm.” He called ranked choice voting a “regressive move” and furthermore pointed out that “adopting a more complicated way to vote is highly likely to disenfranchise people who can’t easily adjust to changing rules.”
Beyond voter confusion, the financial and administrative burden of implementing RCV falls heavily on local governments. Counties will be forced to upgrade voting machines and train election staff to process the new, complex system. The costs associated with these changes will divert resources from essential public services, creating unnecessary financial strain. Despite this burden, the bill establishes a so-called “work group” to oversee implementation, but this group is likely to be dominated by organizations that already advocate for RCV, ensuring a biased process with little consideration for the concerns of everyday voters.
The failure of RCV in Pierce County, WA, highlights the risks of this system. After only two election cycles, it was repealed due to widespread voter dissatisfaction and increased election costs. Yet HB 1448 would allow jurisdictions to adopt multi-winner RCV elections, eliminating primary elections altogether in some cases. This change could make it even harder for voters to assess candidates early in the process, ultimately leading to less-informed choices in the general election.
Another major flaw of RCV is that it requires multiple rounds of vote counting, meaning election results could take days or even weeks to finalize. This delay weakens public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the process. Additionally, jurisdictions that adopt RCV must reduce the number of primary candidates to five, an arbitrary rule that adds further confusion. The system also increases the potential for strategic voting and manipulation, as voters may feel pressured to rank candidates tactically rather than voting for their genuine preference.
Ultimately, local governments should not be forced to experiment with a complicated, untested election system when the current method works efficiently and ensures clear winners. HB 1448 is unnecessary, expensive, and confusing, making it a risky experiment that Washington voters should reject. By opposing this bill, voters can preserve a transparent, fair, and effective election process that serves all citizens without unnecessary obstacles.
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Safety
Requiring electronic monitoring of sexually violent predators granted conditional release.
Bill Summary
Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn has filed legislation to reform Washington state’s sexually violent predator (SVP) system. The goal is to balance protecting Washington residents from SVPs with the Constitutional rights of SVPs, who the courts have ruled cannot be held indefinitely under civil commitment at McNeil Island and must be given a path to unconditional release. “These proposals are the starting point to fixing this system,” said Griffey. “While not every stakeholder we have met with agrees on how to fix Washington’s SVP system, they all agree that it is broken.”
Washington State House Bill 1457 modifies existing law concerning the conditional release of sexually violent predators. The bill mandates technologically advanced ankle monitors that are virtually tamper-proof and provide real-time GPS data for those conditionally released to less restrictive environments. It also establishes guidelines for placement, prioritizing fair distribution across counties while considering victim safety and the availability of resources. The legislation includes provisions for individualized treatment plans, regular reporting, and annual court reviews to ensure community safety and the individual’s compliance. Finally, it outlines the roles and responsibilities of various agencies involved in the release and monitoring process.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1458 will impose strict new regulations on building projects, driving up costs and adding layers of government oversight. This bill mandates a 30% reduction in embodied carbon emissions for large construction projects, requiring developers to comply with costly and complex reporting, material restrictions, and bureaucratic oversight. Furthermore, the bill forces builders to meet strict carbon reduction targets through material reuse, alternative building materials, or complex carbon assessments, significantly raising project costs.
This legislation will create a state-run database where developers must report extensive project details, and state agencies will conduct random audits on 3% of projects annually adding uncertainty and red tape. By burdening developers with expensive compliance requirements, HB 1458 will slow new construction, making housing and commercial spaces even more unaffordable in Washington. Instead of imposing rigid mandates, lawmakers should focus on incentives and market-driven solutions to encourage sustainable construction without punishing businesses and homeowners.
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Taxes
Allowing all counties to impose a real estate excise tax for the purpose of developing affordable housing, subject to the will of the voters.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1480 a real estate tax hike bill, would allow counties to impose an additional 0.5% real estate excise tax (REET) on property sales to fund government-run affordable housing programs. This tax would be split between buyers and sellers, making homeownership and real estate transactions more expensive across the state and piling on yet another tax at a time when housing affordability is already a crisis, adding to the cost of buying or selling a home.
While the tax requires voter approval before a county can impose it, the burden will fall disproportionately on homeowners and buyers—many of whom may not be able to afford these added costs. The funds collected would be placed in a county-controlled housing account, distributed through government grants and loans with no clear measures of success or taxpayer accountability. Instead of adding new taxes on home sales, Washington should focus on reducing regulations and expanding private-sector housing solutions to increase affordability without burdening homeowners.
Bill Summary
Democrats in Washington State just can’t seem to learn that citizens of Washington State don’t want to be told how to care for themselves. Furthermore, after the farce of face masking and the vaccine boondoggle that came with CoVid, Washingtonians don’t trust the ‘science’ of our public health officials at the state or federal level.
House Bill 1531 mandates that public health responses to communicable diseases must be guided by science-based evidence, prioritizing proven measures like immunizations. The bill explicitly prohibits any conflicting laws or policies and declares existing ones null and void. It emphasizes the state’s commitment to using the best available science to control disease spread and declares an immediate effective date for reasons of public health.
Unless you want the state to direct your medical care and dictate what vaccines you must take, in addition to what immunizations your children must have, please oppose this scary legislation.
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Health Care
Enhancing the regulation of tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, and vapor products.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1534 is a Washington state legislative bill amending and enhancing existing laws regarding the regulation of tobacco products, alternative nicotine products and vapor products. The bill aims to improve public health by ensuring more rigorous oversight of nicotine-containing products, particularly focusing on preventing sales to minors and regulating the manufacturing and distribution of these products. It establishes a comprehensive certification and directory system for vapor products containing nicotine, requiring manufacturers to submit annual certifications to the state liquor and cannabis board detailing their products and providing documentation of FDA approval or pending applications.
The bill increases penalties for selling these products to minors, Starting January 1, 2026, only vapor products included in a publicly available directory will be legally sellable in the state. The bill introduces significant penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation and potential license suspensions or revocations for retailers and manufacturers. Additionally, the legislation expands reporting and record-keeping requirements for distributors, and creates a new vapor product nicotine directory account to fund enforcement efforts.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1539 establishes a work group tasked with studying and recommending wildfire mitigation and resiliency standards in Washington State. The work group will be co-chaired by the insurance commissioner and the commissioner of public lands, and will include representatives from the property and casualty insurance industry, local emergency management, the Washington fire chiefs association, and legislative members from both the House and Senate. The group is responsible for developing recommendations that align state wildfire property mitigation standards with nationally recognized, science-based standards, enhancing community-level wildfire mitigation, improving data sharing between state agencies and the insurance industry, increasing consumer transparency regarding wildfire risks, and establishing a grant program to assist homeowners in retrofitting properties to resist wildfire damage.
The work group is required to submit a report of its recommendations to the legislature and relevant agencies by December 1, 2025, and will receive staff support from the office of the insurance commissioner. The section of the bill creating the work group will expire on December 31, 2025.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1550, Washington State’s Electric Vehicle Battery Management Act, is modeled after the New Jersey EV batter bill and establishes a producer responsibility program for ensuring safe recycling ore repurposing of electric vehicle batteries. The bill mandates producers to create and implement battery management plans for collection, recycling, and disposal. These plans must detail environmentally sound practices and include consumer education initiatives. The act also outlines registration requirements for producers, fee structures to fund the program, and penalties for non-compliance. Finally, it amends existing law to incorporate the new regulations and clarifies definitions related to battery types and recycling processes.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1553 extends Washington state’s dairy inspection program from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2031. The bill maintains the current assessment mechanism where milk processors pay a small fee to fund dairy inspections, with an exemption for processing plants whose monthly assessment is less than $20. The small assessment funds will continue to be collected by the director, deposited into the dairy inspection account within the agricultural local fund, and used exclusively for dairy industry inspection services. The assessment is capped and processors with low monthly assessments are exempt. If a milk processing plant fails to pay the assessment, the unpaid amount can become a lien on the plant’s property and will be collected similar to delinquent taxes. The bill also includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health and safety, with the new provisions taking effect on June 30, 2025.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington to address the increasing risks of wildfires and promote the use of prescribed and cultural burning as effective forest management tools. The program aims to provide financial coverage for losses incurred during these controlled burns, which are essential for improving forest health and reducing hazardous fuel accumulation. The legislation recognizes the historical significance of fire management practices by tribal peoples and emphasizes the need for a five-fold increase in prescribed burning to mitigate wildfire risks.
To implement this program, a new section is added to the RCW’s detailing eligibility criteria for claims, which must arise from burns conducted by certified managers or cultural practitioners under approved plans. The office of risk management will oversee the program, determining claim eligibility and reimbursement amounts, which are capped at $2,000,000 per claim. Additionally, the bill amends the administration of the prescribed fire claims fund pilot program as an allowable expenditure from the risk management administration account. The program is set to expire on June 30, 2033, and the act takes effect immediately to ensure prompt action in addressing the forest health crisis.
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Taxes
Supporting employers providing child care assistance to employees by establishing a business and occupation and public utility tax credit.
Bill Summary
Washington state ranks as the seventh least affordable for infant care and median child care costs surpassing $20,000 annually—more than tuition at many universities. Nearly 40% of parents have reported quitting their jobs or being fired due to child care challenges, costing families $2.9 billion annually in lost income. This legislation aims to ease these challenges by encouraging a solution that makes child care more affordable and accessible for working families while supporting businesses and strengthening the economy.
House Bill 1564 establishes a 100% tax credit for businesses that provide child care assistance to employees, covering expenses such as direct contributions to child care costs and in-house child care facilities. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the program allows businesses to reduce their business and occupation or public utilities taxes by the amount they spend on providing child care for employees. They can apply the remaining amount to the following year if they don’t use the full tax benefit in one year. Administered by the Department of Revenue, the program is set to run through Jan. 1, 2037, with a potential extension based on its success in increasing employer-provided child care support.
Josh Penner, R-Orting, the bill’s primary sponsor, states: “This legislation is a significant step forward in tackling the affordability and accessibility challenges that working families face daily. Employers who invest in child care solutions for their workers deserve our support, and this bill provides a clear pathway for businesses to be part of the solution.” He continues, “This bill is a meaningful step toward creating a more family-friendly state where parents can thrive at work, children have access to safe and supportive care, and communities are stronger. I’m proud to make this my first legislative priority and look forward to the bipartisan work to see it through.”
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1582 addresses occupancy load calculations in child care centers operating within multi-use buildings, particularly churches. Currently, child care center occupancy load calculations consider the entire building’s use, even if the center only occupies a portion. The bill proposes that occupancy load calculations only consider the space used for child care services, not the entire building. This change would affect building code compliance, particularly regarding fire safety and egress requirements. The bill also notes the role of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the Washington State Patrol Director of Fire Protection in licensing and inspection processes. This bill would ultimately lead to the availability of more child care space. There is a significant need for more child care centers in Washington at this time.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1596 aims to improve road safety in Washington State by addressing speeding. The bill proposes a new “intelligent speed restricted driver’s license” for drivers with multiple speeding violations or reckless driving convictions. This license requires drivers to use an intelligent speed assistance device in their vehicles. The bill also defines “excessive speeding,” outlines the eligibility criteria for the restricted license, and establishes penalties for tampering with the device. Finally, it allocates funds for program administration and sets effective and expiration dates.
This bill has received support from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Safety
Expanding the locations where a person can be guilty of unlawful transit conduct to include the Washington state ferries.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1616 closes a gap in public transportation safety by expanding the definition of unlawful transit conduct to include Washington State Ferries. Currently, disruptive and unlawful behavior—such as smoking, littering, vandalism, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct—is enforced on buses, trains, and transit stations, but not on state ferries. This bill corrects that oversight by granting Washington State Ferries the same legal authority to enforce rules that apply to other transit systems. It ensures that ferry passengers can travel safely without facing harassment, vandalism, or other disruptive behavior. Ferry workers and law enforcement will now have clear legal grounds to address misconduct that threatens public safety and disrupts operations.
Passengers deserve a secure and respectful travel experience, whether they are commuting, visiting family, or exploring the Puget Sound region. The bill strengthens accountability, making violations punishable by a misdemeanor charge, which could result in fines or jail time, just like in other public transit spaces. With millions of passengers relying on ferries each year, this legislation provides an essential safeguard to maintain order and protect public property. It also supports ferry workers, who often deal with unruly individuals but currently lack the legal tools to enforce proper conduct. By deterring illegal activity, HB 1616 helps prevent costly damage to ferry property, reducing unnecessary taxpayer expenses. No one should feel unsafe while using public transportation, and Washington State Ferries should not be an exception. This bill ensures equal enforcement across all public transit systems, making safety a top priority for all riders. Other transit systems already have similar laws in place, proving this is a common-sense, effective measure.
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Taxes
Prohibiting deductions for credit card transaction processing fees from employee tips.
Bill Summary
Bill 1623 sets minimum wage regulations under the age of 18 and the requirement that employers who allow credit card tips may not deduct any portion of an employee’s tips or gratuities to pay for credit card processing fees, thereby protecting employee earnings. The bill also clarifies that tips and service charges are in addition to the minimum wage and cannot be counted towards it. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance wage protections for employees and ensure they receive the full benefit of customer gratuities.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1648 aims to delay child care provider certification requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the industry. The bill proposes a community-based training pathway as an alternative to traditional college coursework, offering flexibility and accessibility. It also introduces a work equivalency option, recognizing the experience of existing providers. The deadline for meeting certification requirements is extended, providing more time for providers to complete training or demonstrate competency through work experience. Ultimately, the bill addresses current workforce shortages and improves access to affordable, quality child care.
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Environment
Authorizing electrical companies to securitize certain wildfire-related costs to lower costs to customers.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1656, a bipartisan piece of legislation, modifies existing law to allow electrical, gas, and water companies to use securitization to finance costs from emergencies and conservation measures. The bill establishes a process for the Utilities and Transportation Commission to approve these financing orders, ensuring ratepayer protection and defining the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. It clarifies how these rate recovery bonds will be structured and repaid, protecting the financial interests of investors while limiting the state’s financial liability. The act also addresses the treatment of existing bonds under the previous law and aims to lower overall customer costs. Finally, the bill declares an emergency clause making it effective immediately.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1668 addresses various aspects of community custody and supervision of offenders in Washington state, with several key provisions focusing on improving oversight, accountability, and technology in tracking and managing individuals under community supervision. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Corrections to exercise discretion when recommending escape charges for individuals who fail to maintain contact, establishes a new process for community corrections officers to coordinate with local law enforcement in locating and apprehending individuals who have absconded, and mandates enhanced electronic monitoring capabilities that include real-time tracking, tamper-alert technology, and victim notification systems.
The bill also requires behavioral health providers to update community corrections officers on a supervised individual’s treatment compliance, develops a system to track scheduled polygraph tests, and makes technical changes to how prior criminal convictions are scored in sentencing calculations. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for more nuanced handling of community custody violations, allowing for graduated sanctions and giving departments more flexibility in responding to different levels of infractions while maintaining public safety as a priority.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1670 aims to increase transparency around sewage spills in Washington State by requiring the Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website and notification system for reporting sewage spills. By July 1, 2026, the department must develop a website that provides detailed information about sewage spills, including the volume of discharge, treatment level, date and time of the incident, location, potential impact area, and steps taken to contain the spill. The website must be designed to be accessible to people with limited English proficiency.
By July 1, 2027, the department must also implement a public notification system that allows people to receive alerts about sewage spills within four hours during regular business hours. Additionally, the department is required to publish an annual report by March 15th each year detailing sewage spills from the previous calendar year, including information about impacted waters, duration, volume, and any departmental actions. The bill defines key terms such as “combined sewer” and “sewage spill” and is intended to help people who rely on clean water for jobs, recreation, or cultural traditions to stay informed about potential water quality issues.
Bill Summary
HB 1696 is a reparations bill. It creates a taxpayer-funded giveaway of up to $150,000 for people to buy a home. It is a misguided expansion of the Covenant Homeownership Program that raises serious concerns about fairness, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term impact on housing markets. By increasing eligibility to those earning up to 140% of the area median income (AMI), the bill shifts assistance away from truly low-income families who need it most. The program was originally designed to help those historically excluded from homeownership, but this expansion broadens it beyond its intended scope, reducing its effectiveness.
Additionally, allowing full loan forgiveness after just five years could encourage misuse or exploitation of the program. Instead of addressing the root causes of housing affordability, such as zoning restrictions and supply shortages, HB 1696 relies on subsidies that fail to create lasting solutions. Furthermore, expanding eligibility and offering quick “loan forgiveness” could drive up home prices, making housing even less affordable for those outside the program. Finally, it places a major financial burden on taxpayers without clear measures to ensure long-term benefits for communities. Previous injustices are not “repaired” by creating present injustices against those who are innocent. Please stand against HB 1696.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1702 authorizes counties in Washington State to impose a public utility tax on the gross income of utilities providing services within their jurisdiction. The tax rate cannot exceed three percent, and utilities must add this tax to their service charges, clearly stating it on customer billings as a separate line item. Counties can only implement this tax at the beginning of a calendar quarter and must provide at least 75 days’ notice after adopting the relevant ordinance. Additionally, counties have the discretion to exempt certain business customers from this tax, but cannot offer a general exemption for residential customers unless similar exemptions are provided for business customers. Furthermore, counties must allow a credit against the tax for any similar utility tax imposed by cities or towns.
The bill also establishes definitions for various types of utilities, including cable service, electrical power, gas, sewer, solid waste, telephone, and water utilities, ensuring clarity in the application of the tax. The provisions of this bill will be codified as a new chapter in Title 36 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
This tax is being imposed because the State of Washington clearly does not tax its citizens enough already. Read our lips … NO NEW TAXES! Please oppose this legislation.
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Environment
Establishing a review process before the state noxious weed control board may list certain agricultural crops as noxious weeds.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1707 establishes a review process that mandates the State Noxious Weed Control Board hold public hearings before listing any agricultural crops as noxious weeds. It emphasizes the importance of communication between agricultural producers and regulators, particularly in light of current economic strains on the agricultural sector. The legislature recognizes the current challenges facing agricultural producers and wants to ensure that before any agricultural crop can be designated as a noxious weed, the Board must first convene a work group convened by the Department of Agriculture and composed of agricultural producers and at least one Board member. This work group will develop recommendations, and the board must then hold a public hearing to discuss these recommendations before taking any action.
The bill aims to create a more collaborative and transparent process that considers both potential invasive qualities and economic benefits of agricultural crops. Specifically, the bill requires the Board to develop guidelines that prohibit listing an agricultural crop as a noxious weed without first going through this new review process, which includes scientific data collection, input from affected producers, and a public hearing. This approach is intended to protect agricultural interests and ensure that any decisions about noxious weed classifications are made with careful consideration and stakeholder input.
Bill Summary
HB 1710 creates unnecessary government overreach, forcing local governments to obtain state approval before making common election changes. This bill introduces an excessive layer of bureaucracy, requiring local election officials to go through a burdensome preclearance process that slows decision-making and increases administrative costs. Rather than empowering communities to govern themselves, it places critical election decisions in the hands of the state, undermining local control.
One of the most concerning aspects of the bill is the excessive power it grants to the Attorney General. This official would have the authority to approve or deny election system changes without clear oversight or accountability. This bill effectively reinstates a failed policy—the preclearance system that was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) for being outdated and unconstitutional. By reviving this approach, HB 1710 disregards the Court’s ruling and imposes unnecessary restrictions on local jurisdictions.
The bill also encourages legal battles, as it allows activist organizations to challenge election changes, leading to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Small communities and rural districts, particularly those with at least 6,000 residents of a so-called “protected class,” will be disproportionately impacted. These areas will face increased scrutiny and unnecessary state oversight, further complicating local governance. Worse, the Attorney General is given unchecked authority to determine what constitutes a “covered jurisdiction,” creating the potential for politically motivated targeting of specific regions.
Routine election adjustments, such as moving polling places, redrawing district lines, or even relocating ballot drop boxes, would now require state approval. This additional hurdle slows down necessary improvements and hinders the ability of election officials to respond efficiently to their communities’ needs. The bill assumes that voter disparities are caused solely by discrimination, disregarding the reality that voter participation is often a matter of individual choice rather than systemic barriers.
HB 1710 does little to address actual voter suppression but instead introduces expensive, redundant regulations that offer no meaningful improvements to election security or accessibility. It imposes arbitrary population and voting percentage thresholds, unfairly labeling certain jurisdictions as needing state oversight based on statistical disparities rather than evidence of misconduct. These unnecessary regulations will increase the financial burden on taxpayers, as local governments will be forced to allocate funds for legal compliance, consultant fees, and court challenges.
Moreover, the bill opens the door for politically motivated interference, granting state officials broad power to influence how local elections are conducted based on subjective criteria. This sets a dangerous precedent, allowing future election laws to further erode local autonomy and diminish voter confidence in fair and impartial elections. At its core, HB 1710 is unnecessary, costly, and politically driven. Please vote CON.
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Energy
Allowing the use of electricity generated by qualified biomass facilities in the Pacific Northwest to meet renewable resource requirements.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1712 amends Washington state law to enhance the integration of biomass energy into the renewable resource requirements for qualifying utilities under the Energy Independence Act. It updates key definitions, particularly “qualified biomass energy,” which must now be sourced from facilities in the Pacific Northwest that began operations before March 31, 1999. The bill also stipulates that utilities can only count biomass energy towards compliance if they own or are directly interconnected to the facility. Additionally, if a facility involved in industrial pulping or wood manufacturing ceases operations, the associated renewable energy credits become unusable for the utility.
Moreover, the bill establishes new compliance timelines, mandating that by January 1, 2030, utilities must meet 100% of their average annual retail electric load through renewable resources and nonemitting electric generation. It clarifies that voluntary renewable energy purchases do not count towards annual targets and sets the same requirements for utilities qualifying after December 31, 2006, as those established earlier. The council is also tasked with determining minimum labor hours for apprenticeship programs to qualify for additional credits related to eligible renewable resources.
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Health Care
Improving access and practices relating to portable orders for life-sustaining treatment.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1724 aims to enhance access to and practices surrounding portable orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) in Washington State. It mandates the Department of Health to adopt guidelines for emergency medical personnel regarding the treatment of individuals who have executed such orders. The bill introduces a standardized form for these orders, which must include an option for individuals to opt out of having their forms submitted to a statewide registry. Additionally, it allows for verbal confirmation of the orders under specific conditions and requires annual reviews of the orders by healthcare providers to ensure they align with the patient’s current health status.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a statewide registry to store these portable orders, ensuring patient confidentiality and accessibility and secure access and legal protections for healthcare providers. It outlines procedures for submitting, revoking, and managing these orders while maintaining patient confidentiality. The registry is exempt from public records inspection, and the Department of Health is authorized to accept donations to support its creation and maintenance. The bill also includes provisions for researching alternative evidence of executed orders, such as medical jewelry or electronic forms, with a report due to the legislature by June 30, 2026.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1728 amends an RCW to allow for the inclusion of a nonfamilial heir in the estate tax deduction for property used in farming. Specifically, it introduces the term “qualified nonfamilial heir,” defined as an employee of a farm who has materially participated in its operations and has acquired property from the decedent. This change expands the eligibility for estate tax deductions to include not only family members but also qualified nonfamilial heirs, thereby broadening the scope of individuals who can benefit from these deductions.
Additionally, the bill makes several technical amendments, such as updating references to subsections and clarifying definitions related to property qualifications and uses. It specifies that the new provisions will apply to decedents dying on or after August 1, 2025, and states that certain existing laws (RCW 82.32.805 and 82.32.808) do not apply to this act. The overall intent of the bill is to support the transfer of agricultural property by providing tax relief to a wider range of heirs, thereby promoting the continuity of farming operations.
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Freedom
Ensuring access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1738 seeks to improve access to state benefits and employment opportunities for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses in Washington State. The legislation highlights the sacrifices of these individuals and ensures they receive equitable benefits when pursuing public service jobs. Key amendments include the inclusion of “uniformed services” in various contexts, the extension of licensing provisions to military spouses, and the establishment of hiring preferences for veterans in public employment. The bill also clarifies definitions related to military service and expands eligibility for service credit in retirement systems for those who have served honorably.
Additionally, the legislation enhances employment preferences for veterans and military spouses in both public and private sectors by broadening the definition of “uniformed services” to include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commissioned officer corps. It removes previous limitations on preferences based on specific wars or military campaigns, thereby expanding eligibility. The bill ensures that individuals returning from active military duty are treated as being on furlough, preserving their seniority and benefits, and emphasizes that these preferences comply with state and local equal employment opportunity laws. Overall, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for veterans and military families in the workforce.
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Elections
Creating guidelines for voter suppression and vote dilution claims under the Washington voting rights act.
Bill Summary
HB 1750 redefines “voter suppression” and “vote dilution” in an overly broad way, making local governments vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits. The bill fails to acknowledge that voter participation is often influenced by individual choice rather than systemic barriers, meaning even minor differences in turnout among demographic groups could be weaponized in court. Furthermore, it explicitly prohibits certain common-sense defenses, such as election integrity measures designed to prevent fraud, unless those measures are backed by “substantial evidence,” another ill-defined and subjective requirement.
The bill introduces unnecessary regulations that could severely disrupt local election processes. This legislation expands government overreach by prohibiting political subdivisions from implementing or enforcing election policies that result in what it defines as a “material disparate burden” on protected classes, a vague and subjective standard that opens the door for endless litigation. The bill does not require proof of intent to discriminate, meaning jurisdictions could face lawsuits simply based on statistical disparities, even if no discriminatory intent exists.
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Housing
HB 1760
Removing barriers for organizations selling manufactured homes to low-income households.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1760 is bi-partisan legislation that amends existing RCW’s to expand the definition of entities exempt from vehicle dealer licensing requirements. Specifically, the bill adds a new exemption for certain nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations that sell manufactured homes to low-income households. Under the new provision, organizations such as community land trusts, resident nonprofit cooperatives, local governments, public housing authorities, nonprofit community organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes, and regional or statewide nonprofit housing assistance organizations can sell up to 12 manufactured homes per 12-month period to low-income households at cost without being required to obtain a vehicle dealer license.
This exemption is designed to remove regulatory barriers that might otherwise make it more difficult for these organizations to help low-income families access affordable housing through the sale of manufactured homes. The bill aims to support community-based efforts to provide housing solutions by simplifying the licensing requirements for organizations working to serve low-income communities.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1752 amends the reporting timeline for campaign contributions and expenditures in Washington State. Key changes include adjusting the reporting deadlines from the twenty-first day to the twentieth day and from the seventh day to the sixth day before an election. Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements to reflect contributions and expenditures as of the end of two business days before the report date, rather than one. It also clarifies that incidental committees must report any election campaign expenditures and the sources of significant payments upon filing their statement of organization.
Furthermore, the bill establishes an expiration date for Section 1 on January 1, 2026, while Section 2 will take effect on the same date. These changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign finance by ensuring timely and accurate reporting of financial activities related to elections.
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Education
Supporting survivors of sexual assault in public elementary and secondary schools.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1817 aims to support survivors of sexual assault in public schools. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) will reportedly lead discussions about mandatory reporting of child abuse, reviewing existing school employee training, reporting systems, and policies related to sexual abuse. The council will include up to 22 students aged 14 to 18, representatives from various state agencies and local experts, and by December 1, 2025, will submit recommendations for improving laws and practices to be more trauma-informed and survivor-centered. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required to develop and post staff training materials by November 1, 2026, focusing on trauma-informed responses to sexual abuse disclosures, and must incorporate the youth advisory council’s recommendations.
The bill also amends existing law to expand reporting requirements for school employees, mandating that they report sexual abuse, misconduct, or assault by another school employee to school administrators. Additionally, OSPI will develop a student and family guide about sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures, which must be culturally informed and translated into the most common non-English languages spoken in the state.
This bill was developed by the same Democratic Party that recently refused to support an amendment to a parental rights bill that would require schools to notify parents immediately upon learning their child was a victim of sexual exploitation or abuse. Furthermore, is this a Council that kids aged 14 to 18 should be serving on? The council is not represented by any parents or parental rights groups. Please oppose this proposed legislation.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1819 aims to increase transmission capacity in Washington state by modifying existing laws and creating incentives for electrical utilities to upgrade transmission infrastructure. The bill is designed to modernize electrical transmission infrastructure, potentially improving grid reliability, supporting renewable energy integration, and facilitating the state’s clean energy goals with minimal environmental disruption.
The bill mandates electric utilities to include a transmission assessment in their integrated resource plans that examines opportunities to improve existing transmission capacity, specifically focusing on the potential to reconductor transmission lines with advanced conductors. The Public Utilities Commission is authorized to provide a financial incentive of up to a 2% increase in the rate of return on equity for electrical companies that invest in reconductoring transmission lines with advanced conductors before July 1, 2025. The bill also provides a categorical exemption from environmental review (SEPA) for transmission line upgrades within existing rights-of-way or minimal widening to meet electrical standards.
By December 31, 2029, the commission must report to the legislature on the impacts of these incentives, detailing how they have increased transmission infrastructure capacity.
Bill Summary
This bill modifies existing Washington state law regarding inspections of accredited birthing centers by establishing a streamlined licensing process. Specifically, a birthing center that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body may be exempt from a standard on-site survey during initial licensure if three key conditions are met: the Department of Health determines the accrediting body’s survey standards are substantially equivalent to state requirements, an on-site survey has been conducted within the previous 24 months, and the Department of Health receives copies of the latest survey reports demonstrating compliance.
The Department of Health retains the authority to inspect areas not covered by the accrediting body’s review and can perform validation surveys on up to 10 percent of accredited centers. The bill prioritizes a lenient interpretation of equivalency between state and accreditation standards, but also mandates notification to licensees if deficiencies are found, detailing risks to consumers. Importantly, this does not change the Department of Health’s overall enforcement authority for licensed birthing centers, ensuring continued oversight of these healthcare facilities.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1833 creates the Spark Act grant program to promote economic development through innovative uses of artificial intelligence (AI). The program, to be administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, will provide grants to organizations developing AI technologies with potential statewide benefits, such as wildfire tracking, cybersecurity, and healthcare advancements. When evaluating grant applications, the department will prioritize proposals from applicants committed to ethical AI use, those who have analyzed product risks, small businesses, and projects with broad statewide impact.
The bill defines AI as machine learning technologies that enable computer systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, like computer vision and natural language processing. The department will solicit input from an existing AI task force to identify state priorities, award grants at least annually, and pursue federal and private funding sources. A dedicated grant program account will be established to receive appropriations and donations. Beginning in October 2027, the department must provide biennial reports to the governor and legislature detailing grant program activities, including the number of applications received, grants awarded, and types of projects supported. The ultimate goal is to position Washington as a leader in technological innovation, create high-paying jobs, and develop AI solutions that can address critical statewide challenges.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1834 aims to enhance the protection of minors in Washington state when using online services, products, or features. The bill mandates that businesses providing online services likely to be accessed by minors must implement age estimation practices, apply privacy protections, and configure default privacy settings to prioritize minors’ safety. Additionally, it prohibits the collection, sale, or retention of personal information from minors under 13, unless necessary for age assurance compliance.
Furthermore, the bill outlines specific actions that businesses must take to protect minors, including providing clear privacy information, enforcing community standards, and ensuring that minors are aware when they are being monitored. It also restricts the use of personal information in ways that could harm minors and prohibits the use of “dark patterns” to manipulate minors into providing personal information. The legislation establishes penalties for violations and emphasizes that compliance does not shield businesses from liability for harm caused to minors. Overall, the bill seeks to create a safer online environment for children by regulating how online services interact with and protect young users.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1860 proposes the creation of a Washington State Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program, working to strengthen the state’s infrastructure for the benefit of public ports and federally recognized tribes involved in port operations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) would lead this initiative, collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Department of Commerce, the Washington Public Ports Association, and the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB). This bill aims to establish a dedicated grant and loan program to boost the competitiveness of the state’s ports, a vital part of Washington’s $60 billion export economy.
By developing a program through the Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program Account, the bill directly addresses Washington’s status as a top export state. Providing financial support to public ports and tribes will support job creation, greater access to international markets, and improvements in the supply chain, all crucial to support ongoing global trade. By creating a program focused on these regions specifically, HB 1860 ensures equity in the distribution of resources, empowering tribal communities to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy. Additional benefits include transparency, with clear performance goals and metrics set collaboratively, ensuring accountability. This initiative also has no direct appropriation costs, utilizing existing transportation accounts to fund the grants and loans. Supporting HB 1860 will be an investment leading to improved port infrastructure, enhanced trade opportunities, and a more robust state economy, making it an effective and strategic choice for Washington.
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Environment
Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the Climate Commitment Act.
Bill Summary
The bill amends the Climate Commitment Act to establish a remittance program for fuels used for agricultural purposes. It mandates the Department to adopt rules that allow suppliers of dyed fuel and other exempt fuels to receive remittances based on projected fuel price impacts derived from total allowance costs. The bill also requires the Department to ensure that suppliers do not charge exempt users for compliance costs and that the price impacts of the program are not passed on to these users. Additionally, the Department is tasked with posting calculated fuel price impacts on its website and issuing remittances to valid purchasers of exempt fuel.
Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of exempt fuels to include any motor vehicle fuel or special fuel used exclusively for agricultural purposes, regardless of whether it is dyed. It also stipulates that the Department must develop a method to permanently expand this exemption to include fuels used for transporting agricultural products on public highways. The bill aims to support the agricultural sector by providing financial relief from compliance costs associated with greenhouse gas emissions regulations.
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Transportation
Establishing new sources of transportation revenue based on motor vehicle use of public roadways.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1921 establishes a road usage charge (RUC) system in Washington State to generate new transportation revenue through a per-mile fee on eligible vehicles. It introduces both voluntary and mandatory programs, with the voluntary program starting on July 1, 2027, for electric and hybrid vehicles, and the mandatory program commencing on July 1, 2029, expanding to include internal combustion engine vehicles over time. If passed, House Bill 1921 would gradually transition Washington state to a road usage charge system over the next 10 years. The transition would begin with passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds.
• Phase 1 (2027-2029): Voluntary for EV and hybrid drivers (registration fees waived).
• Phase 2 (2029-2031): Mandatory for EVs/hybrids; voluntary for fuel-efficient gas vehicles (20+ mpg).
• Phase 3 (2031-2035): Mandatory for all gas vehicles with 20+ mpg. Beginning July 2031 – 2035, fuel-efficient cars will be phased in from most to least fuel-efficient
The primary argument for the tax is that with more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, Washington’s gas tax revenue is disappearing. According to Democrats, the RUC ensures that all drivers contribute fairly by paying for their road usage, rather than paying by the gallon of gas they consume. The road usage charge rate would be 2.6 cents per mile, which would be adjusted periodically to match the gas tax revenue. The legislation would involve annual odometer reporting, with self-reporting starting in 2026. GPS tracking is optional. Drivers would pay either the RUC or a gas tax, but not both. Gas tax already paid would be credited. Residents who own electric or hybrid vehicles that opt in would no longer pay the $225/$75 annual registration fees.
But here’s where the wheels fall off. Drivers would pay the gas tax at the pump and be charged the RUC at the same time. Your gas tax would then be credited toward your RUC at renewal. The gas tax wouldn’t disappear right away. That’s because our transportation projects are bonded against the gas tax and those bonds need to be paid back with the gas tax. RUC’s may be in our future but there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before this concept is ready to be instituted. Please register ‘CON’ on this bill.
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Transportation
Increasing the availability of passenger-only ferries by establishing the Mosquito Fleet Act.
Bill Summary
As the largest ferry system in the United States and second largest in the world, Washington State Ferries (WSF) is responsible for carrying nearly 20 million riders per year and has a fleet of 21 vessels that operate on 10 routes in the Puget Sound. Fixing our ferry system can’t happen overnight, but increasing passenger-only ferries can help ease the pain for riders around Puget Sound who rely on WSF daily to get to work, school, and the doctor. However, House Bill 1923 establishes the Mosquito Fleet Act, which aims to increase passenger-only ferry service in Washington state. The legislation creates a framework for local governments – including counties, port districts, public transportation benefit areas, and other transit authorities – to establish passenger-only ferry service districts. These districts can develop and operate passenger-only ferry services, purchase vessels, construct dock facilities, and address transportation gaps.
The bill creates a local passenger-only ferry account and establishes a grant program administered by the county road administration board to provide funding for ferry vessel purchases, dock improvements, service operations, and feasibility studies.
The legislation is motivated by multiple goals, including improving transportation reliability, supporting communities dependent on ferry service, preparing for the FIFA World Cup, supporting tourism and small businesses, and creating workforce development opportunities in the maritime sector. The bill draws inspiration from Washington’s historical “mosquito fleet” of small vessels and aims to provide faster, more flexible transportation options. The grant program, scheduled to begin July 1, 2025, will help local entities develop passenger-only ferry services that can quickly respond to transportation needs and supplement existing Washington state ferry services.
“Folks are frustrated with years of ferry service cuts and cancellations,” said Rep. Greg Nance, D-Kitsap, primary sponsor of the bill. “Getting more passenger-only boats in the water is the fastest way to show our neighbors that the legislature is making progress to fix our ferries.”
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Safety
Concerning the disclosure of information pertaining to complainants, accusers and witnesses in an employment investigation.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1934 modifies an existing Public Records Act exemption to protect public employees involved in an investigation of workplace harassment by protecting personal identifiers. It would require redacting images, employee agency job titles, email addresses, and phone numbers of complainants, accusers, and witnesses. It would also require altering their voices on audio recordings from the investigation.
“The Public Records Act is a vital tool that promotes and exemplifies open government. But it shouldn’t be used as a backdoor for the accused to gain access to whistleblower identities,” said Rep. Rob Chase, R-Liberty Lake. “If we don’t fix this loophole, public employees will be less likely to come forward in fear of possible retribution. When trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, we need to ensure that public employees can hold their agencies accountable through the whistleblower process and protections. This is an important bill, and I’m extremely pleased with its bipartisan support.”
Rep. Chase said he proposed the legislation due to an incident that happened in his Fourth Legislative District. “We had a situation in a local government where whistleblowers came forward during an investigation with the expectation they would be protected. They thought – and rightly so – that current whistleblower laws would shield them from being identified and suffering any retribution. However, that wasn’t the case. The individual being investigated did a public records request and was able to gain access to documents showing email addresses and other personal information,” explained Chase.
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Energy
Encouraging renewable energy in Washington through tax policy and investment in local communities.
Bill Summary
HB 1960 is a costly and convoluted attempt at restructuring renewable energy taxation that ultimately harms businesses and consumers alike. By replacing an existing property tax exemption with a new excise tax, the bill increases financial burdens on renewable energy developers, potentially discouraging investment in Washington’s clean energy sector. The proposed excise tax rates are high, disproportionately affecting wind energy projects, which are already expensive to develop and maintain.
Additionally, the bill creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles by tying local investment commitments to grant eligibility, favoring jurisdictions that meet arbitrary state-defined criteria. Instead of streamlining the permitting and approval process for renewable projects, HB 1960 adds more regulatory red tape, delaying much-needed energy infrastructure. While it claims to support local communities, the bill restricts grant funding to projects in areas without certain zoning restrictions, potentially excluding regions that want renewable energy but have reasonable development guidelines.
The legislation also empowers the Department of Revenue with broad authority over tax distribution, creating uncertainty for developers and local governments. Finally, HB 1960 fails to provide meaningful incentives for energy storage and grid modernization, which are crucial for a reliable transition to renewable power. By imposing higher taxes and complex regulations, the bill could slow down Washington’s clean energy progress rather than accelerating it.
Bill Summary
HB 1969 establishes a law enforcement aviation support grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to local law enforcement rotary wing aviation support units in Washington State. The program will be developed and implemented by the department, which will work with a statewide association of law enforcement executives to identify and recognize these units. The funding will be distributed equally, with 50% allocated for maintaining and operating the aviation support units, covering costs such as pilot and crew expenses, aircraft maintenance, and training. Additionally, the remaining funds will be available for reimbursement of costs associated with search and rescue missions conducted by these units, excluding depreciation costs.
The bill also amends existing laws to include sheriff’s offices alongside local fire departments in the context of aerial fire response capabilities and initial attack strategies during wildland fires. It mandates that the department prepare an annual report on aviation usage by both local fire departments and sheriff’s offices, detailing funding utilization, specific departments involved, and lessons learned from the previous fire season. The legislation emphasizes the importance of aviation resources in preventing wildfires from escalating and aims to ensure that local agencies have the financial capacity to effectively deploy these resources. The new provisions will expire on July 1, 2027.
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Energy
Authorizing utility companies to securitize certain costs related to disasters or emergencies to lower costs to customers.
Bill Summary
The proposed bill authorizes electrical, gas, and water companies in Washington State to utilize securitization financing for costs related to disasters or emergencies, aiming to lower customer costs. It establishes a framework for companies to petition the utilities and transportation commission for financing orders that designate specific expenditures as bondable, which can then be financed through rate recovery bonds. The bill introduces new definitions for “rate recovery assets,” “rate recovery bonds,” and “financing orders,” while ensuring that securitized debt is not classified as public debt. The commission’s authority over rates and services is preserved, and it is mandated to evaluate the reasonableness of expenditures and the benefits of securitization for customers.
Significant amendments include the removal of previous requirements for companies to seek determinations on bondable conservation investments and the introduction of new terms clarifying the nature of rate recovery assets. The bill emphasizes that rate recovery charges are irrevocable until all costs are paid, preventing changes by the commission or state agencies. It also establishes a process for transferring rate recovery assets, ensuring protection against claims and outlining the rights of secured parties. Additionally, costs for energy or water conservation measures can be classified as bondable if they meet specific criteria, and the bill includes provisions to maintain the rights of companies under approved contracts even in bankruptcy situations. The act is designed to take effect immediately, highlighting its significance for public safety and state governance.
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Safety
Improving public safety funding by providing resources to local governments and state and local criminal justice agencies, and authorizing a local option tax.
Bill Summary
HB 2015 is another tax increase, and it is an unnecessary tax increase disguised as a public safety measure that burdens local communities without real accountability. By authorizing a new 0.1% sales and use tax, this bill raises the cost of everyday goods and services, disproportionately impacting low-income residents. While it claims to fund law enforcement, the bill ties grant eligibility to compliance with politically driven policies, limiting how local agencies can use the funds. This means some communities might be forced to adopt policies that do not align with their specific safety needs just to receive financial support. As we have noted before: The crime problem is not rooted in a lack of funding, but it includes a lack of proper punishment for crime, an undermining of police use, and far too many “soft-on-crime” judges.
Additionally, the bill mandates spending on retention bonuses and recruitment but does not guarantee that these efforts will actually improve public safety. Instead of focusing on proven crime reduction strategies, HB 2015 creates bureaucratic hurdles that could lead to inefficiencies and misallocated resources. The requirement that agencies impose the new tax to qualify for grants effectively forces local governments into raising taxes rather than giving them flexibility in budget decisions. Public safety should be prioritized through responsible spending and policy reforms, not by coercing cities into tax increases. Furthermore, the bill lacks sufficient oversight to ensure the tax revenue is spent effectively.
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Elections
Requesting that the Attorney General of the United States audit and review the state department of licensing’s implementation of the “motor voter law”.
Bill Summary
Concerned about the accuracy of Washington’s voter registration system, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has introduced House Joint Memorial 4007, calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to audit and review the Washington State Department of Licensing’s implementation of the state’s voter registration laws. If approved, HJM 4007 would request that the President and U.S. Attorney General review how voter registration is managed when individuals obtain a driver’s license or state ID. Under Washington’s motor voter law, which is part of the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993—also known as the “Motor Voter Act”—individuals can register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or ID. In 2018, Washington expanded this system by passing the Automatic Voter Registration Act, requiring certain state agencies, including the DOL, to automatically register individuals to vote unless they opt out.
Washington operates as an all-mail-in voting state, meaning the accuracy of the voter registration database is critical to maintaining fair and secure elections. Under the current system, the DOL, the Secretary of State’s Office, and local election officials share responsibility for verifying and maintaining voter rolls. However, conflicting reports from these agencies about voter registration procedures have raised questions about whether proper safeguards are in place to prevent errors. While these policies are meant to streamline voter registration, concerns have been raised that the current system does not do enough to verify whether an individual is eligible to vote before being added to the voter rolls. HJM 4007 seeks to ensure that voter registration is handled securely and complies with both state and federal laws and also requests that, if any issues are identified, the U.S. Department of Justice provide recommendations for corrective actions to bring Washington’s voter registration system into full compliance with the law. If approved by the Legislature, HJM 4007 will be transmitted to the President, the U.S. Attorney General, congressional leadership, and each member of Washington’s congressional delegation.
“Election integrity is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” Walsh stated. “The people of Washington deserve confidence that our voter registration system is secure and functioning as intended. This review is about ensuring accountability, accuracy, and transparency in our elections,” Walsh added. “An audit of how voter registrations are processed will provide clarity and help ensure that we are following both state and federal election laws correctly.”
Bill Summary
House Joint Resolution 4200 proposes an amendment to Washington State’s constitution regarding taxation and addresses issues of tax fairness and uniformity. The constitution mandates uniform taxation, with limitations on levy rates (a maximum of 1% of assessed value) and exceptions for certain entities. This bipartisan amendment would clarify the definition of “property” subject to taxation, allowing for exemptions of certain personal property and specifying that taxes must be uniform within the same property class. Furthermore, the resolution also details the allocation of tax revenue and clarifies the existing personal property tax exemption. It proposes to increase the personal property tax exemption from $15,000 to $50,000 per household, removing the previous “head of family” restriction. The resolution also mandates publication of the proposed amendment prior to a statewide vote. Please support this proposed resolution.