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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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.
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Safety
Concerning restrictions on the placement of inmates of different biological sexes in correctional facilities.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1629, sponsored by Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, specifically reads, “An inmate being housed in a correctional facility shall not be assigned to share a room or cell with any other person of a different biological sex than that of the inmate if the inmate has a history of sexual or physical violence against a victim whose biological sex is the same as the other person assigned to the room or cell. For purposes of this section, “a history of sexual or physical violence” means one or more current charges or prior convictions for a sex offense, violent offense, or an offense that constitutes domestic violence as those terms are defined.
It is unbelievable that males are even allowed to be placed in a female prison. FPIW fought against that wicked law several years ago. Given the Democrats majority in the House and Senate, Rep. Caldier did not feel that a bill restricting the assignment of a delusional male to the room or cell of a female would ‘pass’. Only by restricting a delusional male with a history of sexual or physical violence against a woman does this bill have a chance to make it out of committee. This is an indication of just how much KoolAid the Democrats have drank.
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.
Bill Summary
HB 1651 formalizes new teacher residency and apprenticeship models, requiring long hours of mentored classroom work and extensive partnerships between school districts and preparation programs. This places a significant logistical and financial burden on school districts already stretched thin. The teacher residency model outlined in this bill mandates 900 hours of preservice clinical practice—double the requirement of traditional student teaching. This expanded commitment may deter potential candidates, especially those already working as paraeducators or juggling other responsibilities. Similarly, the teacher apprenticeship model requires a staggering 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, which could prolong the certification process and create a bureaucratic maze of approvals through both the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC).
Finally, the bill eliminates language explicitly prohibiting public funds from being used for campaign, advocacy, or union activities and replaces it with a vague reference to state campaign law. This shift could open the door to misuse of taxpayer money under the guise of program operations. Given that many of these programs are run in partnership with labor organizations, the lack of firm boundaries is concerning.
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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.