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
Promoting economic development by increasing support for local communities to access federal funds.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1057 (the MATCHED Act) aims to stimulate economic growth by helping local communities access federal funding more effectively. This proposed bipartisan legislation, crafted by Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, tackles the difficulties many communities face in securing federal funds, particularly in rural and distressed areas. A lack of state matching dollars, often required to access federal resources, is a common obstacle. The bill seeks to eliminate these barriers by providing state matching funds, enabling communities to leverage federal and private investments more effectively.
“With the statewide budget shortfall, many legislators are considering tax increases,” Barnard said. “But more taxes aren’t the solution. Instead, Washington should take full advantage of federal funding opportunities to tackle the budget crisis and grow our economy. The MATCHED Act helps pave the way for Washingtonians to succeed.”
In addition to offering state matching funds, the MATCHED Act focuses on expanding grant-writing support to improve access to federal assistance. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a grant program by July 1, 2025. This program would help local governments, economic development organizations, and rural counties to hire grant writers. “Washington is leaving significant federal dollars on the table,” Barnard added. “By prioritizing support for distressed areas, we can secure funding for critical projects like broadband expansion, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. These investments will directly benefit our communities.”
Bill Summary
House Bill 1061 provides additional parking flexibility in residential neighborhoods. Key changes include the allowance for cities or counties to permit residential property owners to park in front of their driveways, provided that the driveway is no longer than 50 feet and that such parking does not obstruct sidewalks, other driveways, or the roadway. Additionally, the bill updates various distance restrictions related to parking near fire hydrants, crosswalks, and traffic signals, changing the previously stated distances to more precise measurements. It would also eliminate parking requirements for certain types of residences under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 5,000 square feet, affordable housing, senior housing and child care facilities.
The bill also clarifies that parking or standing is permitted in areas not explicitly restricted by law, with the stipulation that any limitations must be established by city ordinance or county resolution. Furthermore, it reinforces that no person may reserve a portion of a highway for exclusive parking, ensuring that public access remains available to all. The bill applies everywhere in Washington, towns large and small. Overall, the amendments aim to address parking shortages without costly new infrastructure while maintaining safety and accessibility in residential areas.
Bill Summary
Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has prefiled House Bill 1065, legislation that clarifies existing law to allow families to bury loved ones on privately owned land under certain conditions. The legislation addresses ambiguity in state law, protects property rights, and honors cultural traditions. Walsh explained that this updated proposal builds on a previous version introduced in the last biennium, which received broad, bipartisan support in the Washington State House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate. The 19th District lawmaker also noted that the current bill includes bipartisan amendments added along the way.
Walsh’s proposal clarifies that families wishing to continue traditional burial practices must follow local land-use guidelines, including wetlands and title filings. It specifies that the option only applies to direct family members and disallows any commercial use—thereby protecting landowners while preserving cultural and historical customs. In addition to its past bipartisan legislative support, HB 1065 has garnered backing from several groups, including Native American tribes, property rights organizations, and those invested in preserving Washington’s rich cultural heritage.
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Environment
Implementing strategies to achieve higher recycling rates within Washington’s existing solid waste management system.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1071 is a bipartisan bill that aims to increase Washington state’s recycling rate to 65 percent for packaging and paper products. The bill mandates a statewide needs assessment to identify necessary investments and improvements to the recycling system. It also establishes a producer responsibility program, requiring producers to register and report data on the volume of products sold and to increase the use of postconsumer recycled content. An advisory committee will guide the process, and penalties are outlined for noncompliance. The bill also addresses low-income discounts for solid waste services and clarifies the Pollution Control Hearings Board’s jurisdiction over appeals.
Bill Summary
During the 2024 Legislative Session, SB 5241 would have allowed Washington’s attorney general to block health system mergers under the guise of protecting the availability of abortion, assisted suicide and gender transition procedures. Fortunately, the bill died in committee.
Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirland, has now introduced HB 1072. This bill would require the Department of Health to assess whether a proposed merger could limit access to these same procedures and would then approve or deny the health business transaction. In turn, the attorney general could then block the merger based upon the agency’s recommendations.
While technically different than SB 5241, the proposed legislation still gives the AG and Department of Health the authority to block health care mergers. And make no mistake, this law is primarily interested in blocking religious-affiliated hospitals and clinics from merging unless they agree to provide ‘protected healthcare services’.
While less sweeping than the original medical mergers bill, the proposed legislation still gives the AG and DOH authority to block some health care business dealings. We expect HB 1072 to receive strict scrutiny from lawmakers, hospital and health care lobbyists, and reproductive rights stakeholders. We’ll be tracking this one closely.