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.
-
Health Care
Providing consistency in the rate approval process for individual and small group market health plans.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1957 aims to enhance the consistency of the rate approval process for individual and small group market health plans in Washington State. It amends existing laws to clarify the conditions under which the insurance commissioner can disapprove rate filings. Notably, the bill stipulates that rates for individual and small group market health benefit plans cannot be utilized until 60 days after they are filed with the commissioner. If the commissioner does not disapprove a rate filing within this timeframe, the filing will be deemed approved for both individual and small group market plans.
Additionally, the bill reinforces the grounds for disapproval of policy forms and contracts, ensuring they do not contain misleading clauses or unreasonable restrictions. It emphasizes that the benefits provided must be reasonable in relation to the premiums charged. The amendments also maintain the right of health care service contractors and health maintenance organizations to demand hearings if their contracts are disapproved, thereby ensuring a fair process in the rate approval and disapproval mechanisms.
-
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
Washington State House Bill 1968 modifies the definition of endangerment with a controlled substance, escalating it to a Class B felony. The bill specifically targets fentanyl and synthetic opioids, as well as methamphetamine and its precursors. Exemptions from criminal liability are granted to specified Department of Children, Youth, and Families personnel. The amendment clarifies what constitutes criminal exposure of children and dependent adults to these dangerous substances. The bill ultimately aims to strengthen penalties for endangering children and adults via controlled substances.
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.
-
Transportation
Concerning state highway construction projects alternative contracting procedures.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1970 modifies existing laws related to state highway construction project contracting procedures, specifically focusing on the design-build and general contractor/construction manager methods. It allows public bodies to apply for certification to use these alternative contracting procedures without needing committee approval for three years once certified. The bill outlines the requirements for certification, including demonstrating successful management of relevant projects and resolving any previous audit findings. Additionally, it introduces a provision that exempts the Department of Transportation from certification requirements for individual projects using these contracting methods.
Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for awarding competitively bid highway construction contracts, removing the previous monetary threshold of two million dollars and allowing the use of alternative public works contracting procedures. It also encourages the Department of Transportation to utilize design-build, progressive design-build, and general contractor/construction manager methods for public works projects, with specific stipulations regarding project approvals. The act is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to ensure the preservation of public safety and support for state government functions.