“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith.” 1 Corinthians 16:13a
Auto-fill will make registering PRO or CON much easier. To do so, sign up for an account at Leg.wa.gov, the official website of the Washington State Legislature.
(To see a video on how you can do this on your phone, click here.)
These bills are for Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
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Health Care
A hearing on SB 5079 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5079 aims to improve the quality of life and alleviate the financial burden of unintentional overpayments on older adults and individuals with disabilities who receive services from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). It establishes new timeframes for the collection of overpayments and debts, specifying that no collections will occur after ten years from the notice of overpayment, unless a court remedy extends this period. Additionally, the bill sets a twenty-year limit for the collection of debts related to recorded liens. The DSHS is also granted the authority to accept compromise offers on disputed claims and to waive collection efforts under certain conditions as costs of recovery have outpaced what is actually collected.
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Education
A hearing on SB 5189 has been scheduled:
Washington State Senate Bill 5189 repeals an older pilot program and aims to support competency-based education. This legislation defines competency-based or mastery-based education – both of which are culturally-responsive learning practices (Critical Race Theory). Key elements include student empowerment and equity. Student progression is based not upon time spent in class but on perceived mastery of a subject. FPIW opposed the pilot program and we continue to oppose this new legislation.
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Education
A hearing on SB 5253 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5253 seeks to extend special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22 years old, amending several sections of Washington state law to align with federal regulations. It recognizes that the current policy of discontinuing services at age 21 may violate federal mandates for free appropriate public education for children with disabilities aged 3 to 21. Additionally, the bill emphasizes collaboration among state agencies to enhance transition planning activities for students likely to become eligible for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The updated implementation plan is required to be completed by October 30, 2026, with the transition planning section set to expire on August 1, 2027.
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Taxes
A hearing on SB 5314 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5314 claims to be a set of routine “clarifications” to Washington’s capital gains tax, but in reality, it’s another “backdoor tax increase” that further entrenches a deeply flawed and legally contested tax policy. Billed as a way to “close loopholes” and streamline administration, this bill actually expands the reach of the state’s capital gains tax and tightens state control over taxpayers, businesses, and investors. It adds new reporting burdens for brokers, redefines taxable events, and makes it harder for taxpayers to claim valid deductions and credits—ultimately increasing compliance complexity and risk. Citizens should reject SB 5314 as a backdoor tax hike disguised as a technical fix, and call for transparent, voter-approved tax policies. Heavy taxation on families is a root problem in Washington, and we do not need more. Please register CON.
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Property
A hearing on SB 5494 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5494 may sound like a well-intentioned effort to protect communities from lead exposure, but it introduces unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and opens the door to unchecked regulatory expansion. The bill hands the Department of Commerce new powers to enforce and manage lead-based paint programs without clear limits or guarantees of consistent oversight. It removes long-standing safeguards like the requirement for 24- to 48-hour advance notice before inspections—allowing inspectors to show up unannounced, disrupting businesses and violating property rights. At the same time, the bill eliminates the clear $25 and $200 statutory fees and instead grants Commerce full authority to set fees by rule—effectively writing themselves a blank check with no cap on costs for certifications, training, or inspections. SB 5494 gives too much authority to unelected bureaucrats, removes critical checks and balances, and places contractors and homeowners at risk of unpredictable fees and enforcement. Please register CON.
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Health Care
A hearing on HB 1162 has been scheduled:
House Bill 1162 is another example of government overreach – particularly in the health care arena. This bill 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. 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”. Democrats need to stay out of the health care realm altogether. They can’t even manage government well.
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Housing
A hearing on HB 1183 has been scheduled:
House Bill 1183 overrides essential local zoning and development standards, weakening the ability of cities and counties to regulate building height, setbacks, and density in a way that reflects neighborhood character or infrastructure limits. It also mandates broad exemptions to off-street parking requirements, even in areas where transit service is minimal or unreliable, potentially leading to overcrowded streets and reduced accessibility for emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, and residents. Additionally, HB 1183 imposes arbitrary caps on affordable housing unit sizes, disregarding the diverse needs of low-income families. Finally, the bill’s provision allowing large rooftop solar panels to exceed existing height limits by up to four feet may create conflicts in areas with height-sensitive view corridors or sunlight access. HB 1183 is a one-size-fits-all solution that fails to respect the unique charm and variety of Washington communities.
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Education
A hearing on HB 1273 has been scheduled:
HB 1273 assists high school students looking to get ahead by earning college credit while still in school. By streamlining dual credit programs and making them more accessible, this bill ensures that students—especially those pursuing career and technical education—can smoothly transition from high school to college or apprenticeships without unnecessary barriers. With better data tracking, improved statewide articulation agreements, and expanded support from educational service districts, HB 1273 removes red tape and helps students claim the credits they’ve worked hard to earn. This means less confusion, fewer wasted credits, and more opportunities for young people to enter high-demand, high-paying careers with a head start.
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Environment
A hearing on HB 1294 has been scheduled:
House Bill 1294 extends the life of the agricultural Pesticide Application Safety Committee to July 1, 2035. 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.
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Health Care
A hearing on HB 1392 has been scheduled:
HB 1392 is another attempt for government to run health care and expand the welfare state. It introduces a flawed and risky funding structure that could hurt both patients and the broader health care system. The bill proposes creating a Medicaid Access Program Account funded by a “covered lives assessment” — essentially, a new tax on every person enrolled in private insurance and Medicaid managed care. For Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), this could be up to $18 per member per month, a steep cost that will likely be passed down to consumers in the form of higher premiums, increased deductibles, or reduced coverage. Rep. Jim Walsh (R) stands against the bill and also points out the proposal hurts private health insurance in order to cover a growing Medicaid program. Please register CON.
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Environment
A hearing on HB 1563 has been scheduled:
HB 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.
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Environment
A hearing on SB 5033 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5033 addresses the sampling and testing of biosolids (municipal sewage sludge) for PFAS chemicals, which are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. The bill ensures that the WA State Department of Ecology rules align with federal regulations and requires the department to establish PFAS chemical sampling and testing requirements for biosolids by July 1, 2027, followed by an analysis of PFAS levels by July 1, 2028. By December 1, 2028, the department must submit a report to the legislature with a summary of the analysis and recommendations for future action. To ensure a collaborative approach, the bill mandates the creation of an advisory committee comprising representatives from farming, utilities, toxicologists, and other stakeholders to provide input on the sampling and testing requirements.
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Health Care
A hearing on SB 5351 has been scheduled:
Senate Bill 5351 aims to reform Washington State’s dental insurance system by increasing patient protections and transparency. The bill seeks to improve access to care, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and prevent insurers from prioritizing profits over patient needs. Key provisions include mandating minimum medical loss ratios, allowing patients to choose their dentists, and ensuring fair reimbursement rates for providers. The bill also addresses regulatory requirements for insurers, including reporting and rate review processes. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to create a more equitable and fair dental insurance market in Washington.
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Freedom
A hearing on SB 5649 has been scheduled:
By developing a program through the Supply Chain Competitiveness Infrastructure Program Account, SB 5649 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, SB 5649 ensures 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 SB 5649 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.