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.
Bill Summary
Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions related to the manufacturing and blending of alternative jet fuel, including tax exemptions for facilities engaged in these activities. Specifically, it exempts leasehold interests in buildings, machinery, and equipment used primarily for manufacturing or blending alternative jet fuel from state property and leasehold taxes, provided that the fuel produced meets certain carbon reduction criteria. The bill also establishes a performance statement for the tax preferences granted, with criteria for extending these preferences based on increased production, minimal pollution impact, and measurable economic growth. A preliminary report is due by December 1, 2032.
Bill Summary
Washington House Bill 1854, also known as the ‘Family Housing Act’, aims to facilitate the subdivision of land in rural areas for families, recognizing the importance of housing and care for elderly family members in these regions. It introduces new provisions that allow counties to permit the division of land outside urban growth areas specifically for the transfer or sale to family members, including parents, children, grandchildren, spouses, and siblings. The bill stipulates that the original parcel must have been owned for over five years, and the subdivision application must identify the family member for whom each new lot is intended, with restrictions on the number of lots a family member can receive.
Additionally, the bill outlines that while lot sizes must be sufficient to accommodate a residence and necessary infrastructure, they do not need to conform to the same size requirements as those for non-family-owned properties. It also states that any development on these newly created lots must comply with existing local regulations, except for lot size and setbacks. The bill replaces any conflicting court decisions or growth management board rulings regarding specific lot sizes with its provisions, thereby promoting family housing in rural areas.
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.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1876 exempts a qualified patient from the seven-day waiting period between the first and second request for life ending medication in certain circumstances. The legislation also specifies that the prohibition against an attending or consulting qualifying medical provider having a direct supervisory relationship with the other provider only applies if one of the providers is a physician assistant. Hence, PA’s would now be able to prescribe these legal drugs.
The initial safeguards put into place when this bill was initially passed are slowly be eroded, year after year – just as we predicted. Please oppose this dangerous legislation.
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Freedom
Adopting the Department of Social and Health Services report recommendations addressing a regulatory oversight plan for continuing care retirement communities.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1889 modifies Washington State regulations for life plan communities or continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). CCRC’s are a long-term care option for older people who want to stay in the same place through different phases of the aging process. Many people who retire into these facilities, have sold their homes and plan to live there for the rest of their lives. While communities like this offer many benefits to residents, there is a lack of regulatory oversight and transparency.
This bill will provide the following benefits:
• Enhanced Oversight: By requiring CCRCs to register with DSHS and submit important documents, the legislation ensures better regulatory oversight and accountability.
• Financial Security: The mandated actuarial analysis will help ensure that CCRCs can fulfill their long-term contractual obligations, providing residents with greater financial security.
• Consumer Protection: The ability to enforce violations under the Consumer Protection Act will protect residents’ rights and hold CCRCs accountable.
• Resident Advocacy: The creation of the Senior Independent Living Ombuds office will provide residents with an advocate to address their concerns and protect their interests.
• Transparency: Requiring CCRCs to provide disclosure statements and audited financial statements will increase transparency, allowing residents to make more informed decisions.