This bill allows students enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs to access the same state financial aid (Washington College Grant) as community college students, covering tuition and fees at the two-year public college rate starting in 2022-23. It requires colleges to establish policies for awarding college credits toward degrees for classroom-based "related supplemental instruction" in apprenticeships, with credits needing approval within one year of program registration. By July 2026, colleges must implement statewide systems to transfer these credits across institutions, ensuring apprenticeship coursework counts toward degrees. The policy directly affects apprenticeship program students and public/private colleges in Washington.
HB 1870 allows Washington counties to levy an additional property tax of up to five cents per $1,000 of assessed value specifically for public health clinics. This tax can only fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of clinics providing services like primary care, dental care, disease prevention, reproductive health, and behavioral health. The bill amends existing tax laws to exempt this new levy from standard county tax limits (like the $1.80 cap), ensuring it doesn’t count toward other spending restrictions. It directly affects counties and public health clinics, which would use the funds for low-barrier health services to underserved communities.
Washington's SB 5741 allows superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners - trained attorneys - to handle eviction cases, addressing a record surge in filings (23,000 as of November 2024) that strains court capacity. The bill directly affects tenants (especially low-income renters, seniors, and communities of color disproportionately impacted by high rents) and landlords by creating a new role to reduce case backlogs. Key provisions require county legislative approval for commissioner positions, mandate specific training on landlord-tenant law, and allow commissioners to process eviction filings, hold hearings, and make recommendations while their decisions remain reviewable by judges. The goal is to improve efficiency in eviction proceedings without replacing the existing right-to-counsel program for eligible tenants.
HB 1807 modifies Washington state law to create a new "caterer's license" allowing caterers to serve alcohol at events held on premises they own, lease, or operate, or at events sponsored by organizations, businesses, or individuals (with some exceptions for public events). It establishes annual fees ($200-$1,000) and waives these fees for certain licenses during a specific 12-month period (2021-2022), excluding licensees with health/safety violations. The bill requires caterers to notify the liquor board about event details and prohibits catering at locations already licensed to sell alcohol. The bill is pending in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee after a public hearing.
SB 5115 creates the Washington Dream Act Service Incentive Program, providing financial aid grants to eligible students who complete community service. It directly affects Washington state residents who cannot access federal financial aid due to immigration status, require demonstrated financial need, and enroll in or plan to attend an institution of higher education. Students earn grants by completing up to 19 hours weekly of non-political, non-religious community service with approved organizations (like nonprofits, government agencies, or approved businesses), with grant amounts calculated based on service hours and the adjusted minimum wage. The program requires institutions to verify service hours and administer grants at the start of each term, while prioritizing students not eligible for state work-study programs. The program requires specific legislative funding by June 30, 2025, to take effect.
HB 1320 increases business and occupation tax rates for multiple sectors to fund state programs. It raises rates for extractors and manufacturers to 0.5324%, semiconductor manufacturers to 0.3025% (with employment requirements), and real estate brokers to 1.65%. The bill also creates a temporary 0.31944% rate for aviation repair stations until 2040. Businesses claiming semiconductor tax preferences must maintain 90% of their three-year average employment or reimburse 50% of the tax benefit. All rate changes are intended to generate revenue for state programs benefiting Washington residents, as specified in the bill's title.
This bill would allow Washington residents with valid concealed pistol licenses to legally import assault rifles into the state. Currently, state law prohibits importing assault rifles, but this bill adds an exemption specifically for license holders under RCW 9.41.390(2)(e). The key change modifies the existing prohibition to exclude license holders from the import restriction. It does not affect general firearm sales or other existing exemptions.
HB 1658 redirects $1 of a $5 surcharge on recorded documents in Washington counties to fund history and heritage museums and historic preservation programs. It requires counties to establish a historic preservation fund using this revenue, which supports nonprofit museums (501(c)(3) organizations) and county preservation activities under state law. Fifty percent of the remaining surcharge revenue goes to a state-level "centennial document preservation" account for county historical document preservation, while the other half stays with counties for similar purposes. The bill directly affects county governments, local museums, and historic preservation programs by creating dedicated funding streams from existing document recording fees.
HB 1961 directs revenue from fees, charges, or taxes based on miles driven on Washington highways to be deposited into a dedicated state highway fund. This applies to vehicle owners paying mileage-based fees and ensures the funds are used exclusively for highway purposes permitted under Washington's Constitution (Article II, section 40). The bill creates a special fund in the state treasury, requiring all such mileage-based revenue to be spent only on highway maintenance, construction, or related projects. It amends two sections of state law (RCW 46.08 and 46.17) to establish this funding mechanism. The bill is currently in the Transportation Committee after its first reading.
HB 1181 clarifies who is covered by Washington's minimum wage law by updating definitions in the Washington Minimum Wage Act. It adds specific exclusions, such as farm interns with special certificates and minor league baseball players under collective bargaining agreements, while refining definitions for terms like "family member" and "retail establishment." These changes directly affect employers and workers in defined categories, ensuring the law applies only to eligible employees. The bill does not change the current minimum wage rate but refines coverage to align with evolving workplace structures.
SB 5089 provides six years of state funding (2025-2030) to cover new or increased coroner and medical examiner costs for Washington counties with populations under 40,000. This directly supports rural counties facing budget challenges in meeting legal requirements for these services. The bill amends state law to require the legislature to appropriate funds during this period, allowing counties to prepare for fully covering these costs themselves starting in 2031. It does not change existing county election requirements for coroners or medical examiners but ensures state financial assistance during the transition.
HB 1136 establishes a program placing financial aid specialists in Washington high schools to help students complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and Washington state financial aid forms. The specialists will target schools in educational service districts with the lowest FAFSA completion rates, especially those serving high percentages of low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch). Using data from the Student Achievement Council, they will provide direct support to students and families, including outreach at school events and through peer networks. The program requires annual reports tracking application completion rates and enrollment impacts, aiming to reduce barriers like perceived costs that prevent students from pursuing postsecondary education.
