Essential information on each bill is below. For more details, click on the bill number – e.g., “SB 5000.” 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.
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Safety
Expanding the circumstances that may constitute a major violation of the uniform controlled substances act.
Bill Summary
Rep. Jim Walsh, R- Aberdeen, has filed HB 1000, which would allow courts to impose tougher sentences for the knowing delivery or distribution of fentanyl or precursor chemicals used to illegally manufacture fentanyl. The bill also would allow longer sentences for those who distribute counterfeit substances containing fentanyl that causes substantial bodily harm, permanent impairment to cognitive functions, or death of a person.
Under current law, fentanyl possession is a misdemeanor. This particular bill was introduced last year; however, it did not receive a hearing. A huge surge in fentanyl-related deaths in Washington is forcing legislators to respond with bills that will give law enforcement officers and prosecutors the tools they need to clean up our communities as well as provide assistance to addicts.
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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.
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Housing
Addressing service of notice by mail in cases involving forcible entry and forcible and unlawful detainer.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1003 introduces a fair and balanced approach to the eviction process, ensuring that tenants receive adequate notice while providing landlords with a clear and efficient means of communication. This bill modifies the rules around serving eviction-related notices by mail, requiring certified mail from within Washington state and extending the waiting period before legal action can begin from one to five days. This change gives tenants more time to respond, seek assistance, or resolve disputes before facing eviction proceedings. By clarifying the service process and adding a safeguard against premature legal action, HB 1003 helps prevent unjust removals and ensures that tenants are fully informed of their rights and obligations. At the same time, it maintains a clear path for landlords to lawfully regain possession of their property when necessary.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1008 establishes a new county local road trust account within the state’s motor vehicle fund. The bill outlines the criteria for allocating funds to county road projects, prioritizing projects in overburdened communities and those addressing environmental health disparities. Specific project types are defined, and rules for project planning, funding, and eligibility are established. The bill also includes provisions for joint planning with cities and the state Department of Transportation, along with stipulations regarding matching funds and county levy diversions. Finally, it declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2025.
Bill Summary
The legislature has found that Washingtonians are in a housing crisis and the state needs to produce another 1.1 million homes by 2044 to meet its housing needs. The legislature determined that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a potential solution to this housing crisis because they provide affordable housing, can be built quickly, and can provide supplemental income for property owners. ADUs are especially needed in rural communities that do not yet have the infrastructure for larger-scale development.
House Bill 1010, a Washington State legislative proposal, aims to address the state’s housing crisis by promoting the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), particularly in rural areas. The bill outlines specific regulations for detached ADUs, including size limits, water and sewage requirements, and design guidelines to ensure compatibility with existing properties. It also mandates updates to county comprehensive plans to accommodate these new ADU regulations and clarifies the review and revision processes for existing land-use plans. Finally, the bill emphasizes the need for collaboration between counties and cities in planning and addresses potential impacts on rural growth targets.
Bill Sponsor Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, stated “We must take bold action during the upcoming session to increase housing supply and remove barriers to building affordable housing. While we can’t fix this crisis overnight, we can work to ensure Washington no longer holds the distinction of being the fifth most unaffordable state for housing.”