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
HB 1074
Excluding any person who is convicted of a hit and run resulting in death from being eligible for a first-time offender waiver.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1074 is a Republican-sponsored bill that amends state law regarding first-time offender waivers. The bill specifies that individuals convicted of a felony hit and run resulting in death are ineligible for such waivers. The legislation details the types of felonies excluded from this waiver program, including drug-related offenses and certain driving under the influence charges. The proposed changes modify sentencing guidelines for eligible first-time offenders, allowing for alternative sentences including community custody and restitution.
Bill Summary
House Bill 1081 ensures that property owners are protected from unfair real estate solicitations by guaranteeing them the right to an appraisal and a cancellation window before finalizing a sale. This bill empowers homeowners by: (1) Ensuring Fairness – If someone solicits to buy your property, you have the right to an independent appraisal—paid for by the buyer—so you know its true market value before committing to a deal. (2) Providing a Safety Net – Homeowners can cancel the contract within 10 business days if they decide the sale is not in their best interest. If an appraisal was conducted, they can cancel up to four business days after receiving it—without penalty. (3) Holding Buyers Accountable – Buyers must clearly inform sellers of their rights in bold print in the purchase contract, preventing deceptive or high-pressure tactics. (4) Protecting Consumers – Violations of these rules fall under the Consumer Protection Act, ensuring enforcement against bad actors. This bill does not interfere with traditional real estate transactions where licensed agents are involved, but it shields homeowners from being taken advantage of in unsolicited deals. HB 1081 is a protection for property owners, making sure they have full knowledge, fair valuation, and the freedom to walk away if needed.
Bill Summary
This bipartisan legislation, submitted by Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, and Carolyn Eslick,R-Sultan, Chair and Ranking member of the House Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning Committee would delay and revise education requirements for child care providers. House Bill 1082 would allow child care providers to meet competency requirements in various manners and would also postpone state licensure requirements for child care workers until 2028. This legislation would update the training and evaluation of child care providers but does not completely eliminate qualifications. Given the extreme shortage of child care facilities in Washington state, this bill is a move in the right direction.
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Safety
Improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties.
Bill Summary
Washington State House Bill 1085 is a bipartisan bill that aims to improve school safety by increasing penalties for violence and intimidation at schools and extracurricular activities. The bill strengthens penalties for interfering with school activities through force or violence, specifically targeting threats against school officials and volunteers at athletic events. Increased fines and jail time are proposed, along with mandatory exclusion from school or events for those convicted. The bill also mandates public signage notifying people of these enhanced penalties. Finally, the bill expands the definition of those protected under the law to include more school personnel and volunteers.
Bill Summary
As Washington grapples with persistently high motor vehicle theft rates and the growing threat of illegal chop shops, Rep. Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, has pre-filed House Bill 1086, a bipartisan measure aimed at dismantling these criminal enterprises, delivering justice for victims, and restoring community safety.
In 2023, more than 54,000 motor vehicles were stolen in Washington, resulting in the state having the third-highest motor vehicle theft rate in the nation. In 2024, the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) reported another 28,000 automobiles were stolen statewide.
Chop shops—illegal operations that dismantle stolen vehicles and sell their parts—are causing significant financial losses for victims and contributing to rising insurance rates and safety concerns in communities. In collaboration with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Rep. Low’s proposed legislation includes the following provisions:
- Operating or aiding a chop shop will be classified as a Class B felony (seriousness level II), with repeat offenses elevated to a Class A felony (seriousness level IV).
- Convicted offenders will be required to compensate victims for theft-related costs, including financial losses and environmental cleanup.
- Law enforcement will have the authority to seize and forfeit tools, vehicles, and properties involved in chop shop operations.
“Washington’s surge in motor vehicle thefts has disrupted lives, driven up insurance premiums, and placed significant strain on law enforcement. Illegal chop shops are making the problem worse by turning stolen vehicles into profit, thereby encouraging more theft and organized crime,” said Low. “With this bill, we’re looking to fight back against criminals and send a clear message that they will no longer be able to run wild in Washington.”