Washington Bills

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2009: Clarifying the calculation of the real estate excise tax for the transfer of a controlling interest in an entity holding real property.

HB 2009 clarifies how Washington's real estate excise tax is calculated when selling a controlling interest (like majority ownership) in a company that owns real estate in the state. It specifies that the tax is based on the true value of the real property multiplied by the percentage of the controlling interest being sold, rather than the total sale price of the company. If the property's value can't be determined, the tax uses the county's property tax assessment value at the time of sale. This applies directly to businesses and individuals transferring ownership stakes in real estate-holding entities, ensuring consistent tax calculation for these transactions. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025.

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SJR 8203: Amending the Constitution to allow for a property tax exemption for a principal place of residence.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Washington's legislature to create a property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved by voters, it would enable future legislation to establish this exemption, with the legislature determining eligibility and specific conditions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not create the exemption itself, only authorizes its potential future implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

June Robinson (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5160: Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium.

SB 5160 provides supplemental transportation funding for Washington State's 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, totaling approximately $26.16 million for the Washington State Patrol and other agencies. It directly affects state agencies, counties, and tribal governments through specific project allocations, such as $7.3 million for the University of Washington to map sidewalks and improve accessibility, $2.5 million for county bridge load rating grants, and $3.7 million for traffic safety initiatives including telematics data collection and tribal traffic safety programs. Key mechanisms include strict "provided solely" conditions requiring funds to be used only for designated purposes, with amounts lapsing if related legislation (e.g., SB 5374 for tribal programs) isn't enacted by June 2025. The bill does not create new policies but allocates existing funds to targeted transportation projects and administrative needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1084: Establishing tax exemptions for unleaded aircraft fuel.

This bill removes excise taxes on unleaded aircraft fuel (defined as 100 octane fuel without lead) for both businesses and consumers who use it. It directly affects aircraft fuel dealers, distributors, and aviation operators (including air carriers and local service commuters) who purchase or use this specific fuel. Key provisions amend tax codes to exempt unleaded aircraft fuel from excise taxes under RCW 82.42.030 and create new exemptions in chapters 82.08 and 82.12. The tax exemptions expire on January 1, 2032, and apply only to commercially available unleaded fuel meeting the defined standard.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1736: Concerning procedures and requirements for reporting and investigating missing persons.

HB 1736 establishes new procedures for reporting and investigating missing persons in Washington State. It requires law enforcement to file reports with the state patrol's missing persons unit after 30 days or if criminal activity is suspected, collect DNA samples with consent, and access dental records through written authorization. The bill mandates a statewide public website displaying missing persons' names, photos, and descriptions for at least 30 days, with regular updates to national systems. It repeals outdated laws about missing persons reporting (RCW 36.28A.110, 112, and 120) to streamline the process. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies, families of missing persons, and the public through improved information sharing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1739: Regulating the use of self-service checkout stations.

HB 1739 regulates self-service checkout stations in Washington state grocery stores over 15,000 square feet. It requires stores to offer at least one manual checkout station for every customer when self-service is available, limit self-service transactions to 15 items (with visible signage), and ensure one employee monitors no more than two self-service stations at a time while relieved from other duties. Stores must also include self-service checkout in workplace hazard analysis for safety programs. The law exempts discount warehouses selling primarily bulk items and imposes daily civil penalties of $100 (capped at $10,000) for violations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1711: Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of the department of children, youth, and families.

This bill requires Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to improve financial stability for youth in its care (under 18, in foster care or juvenile justice placements) by changing how Social Security benefits are managed. Starting January 2026, DCYF cannot use Social Security benefits (like SSI or disability payments) to reimburse itself for care costs. Instead, it must screen youth for eligibility, apply for benefits on their behalf, maintain those benefits, and place excess funds in special accounts (like ABLE accounts) to avoid affecting eligibility. DCYF must also provide financial literacy training to youth aged 14+ who may receive benefits, ensuring they understand managing their funds before transitioning out of care.

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1435: Creating a law enforcement hiring grant program.

HB 1435 creates a state grant program to help local and tribal law enforcement agencies hire more officers. It provides up to 75% of entry-level salaries and benefits (capped at $125,000 per officer position) for 36 months, requiring a 25% local cash match. Grants cannot cover non-salary costs or fund officers recently hired by the same agency. The program requires agencies to apply through a formal process, report on hiring impacts, and includes a $100 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Hunter Abell (R) · 22 co-sponsors

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5617: Providing for a child in need of services petition process for juveniles in and exiting detention.

SB 5617 creates a new court process for juveniles in detention or exiting detention who are deemed "in need of services." It requires courts to consider alternatives to detention and mandates family reconciliation services (like counseling, crisis support, and referrals) to help stabilize families before release. The bill directly affects juveniles aged 18 or younger in detention or transitioning from custody, ensuring they have access to necessary services and a safe placement upon release. Key provisions include defining "child in need of services" to include those lacking stable housing after detention and requiring courts to prioritize family reunification or community-based support over continued detention.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5226: Establishing funding for physician residency positions dedicated to international medical graduates.

SB 5226 establishes a state grant program to fund physician residency positions specifically for international medical graduates (IMGs) in Washington. It requires at least 75% of funded slots in approved specialties (like family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry) to be filled by IMGs, with programs needing a national residency matching program waiver and accreditation. Residency programs receiving funds must report demographic data and usage details annually, and the program expires on July 1, 2032. This directly affects Washington state residency programs and IMGs seeking U.S. medical training opportunities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5519: Reducing environmental impacts associated with the operation of certain ocean-going vessels.

SB 5519 requires ocean-going vessels to use low-sulfur fuels (with a maximum sulfur content of 0.1% by weight) in auxiliary engines, main engines, and auxiliary boilers when operating within three nautical miles of Washington's shoreline, starting January 1, 2028. This applies to commercial, government, and military vessels meeting specific size or engine criteria (e.g., over 400 feet long or with certain propulsion systems), but excludes tugboats and similar small vessels. The bill mandates that vessel operators maintain detailed records of fuel types, fuel-switching procedures, and vessel positions to verify compliance. These measures aim to reduce harmful air pollution from vessel operations, protecting public health and coastal environments in Washington.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5019: Concerning prepacked medication distribution.

SB 5019 allows hospitals in Washington to distribute prepackaged emergency medications directly to patients being discharged from emergency departments when community or outpatient pharmacy services are unavailable within 15 miles or within a reasonable time. It specifically permits limited supplies (up to 48 hours) of medications like opioid overdose reversal drugs, HIV postexposure prophylaxis, antibiotics, and other prepackaged drugs, with exceptions for longer durations when medically necessary. Hospitals must establish strict protocols including pharmacist oversight, staff training, secure storage, and patient counseling before distribution. The bill does not apply to routine medication dispensing but ensures continuity of care for urgent needs during pharmacy access gaps.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results