Washington Bills

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1850: Facilitating the prompt replacement of defective continuous glucose monitoring equipment.

HB 1850 requires pharmacies - both physical locations and mail-order services - to maintain sufficient supplies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors. This ensures patients with diabetes can quickly get a replacement sensor when their equipment malfunctions or in an emergency requiring immediate use. Physical pharmacies must provide same-day replacements, while mail-order pharmacies must mail replacements by the next business day (or as soon as possible if not feasible). The bill directly affects diabetes patients who rely on CGM devices and the pharmacies that dispense them, creating a clear requirement for timely sensor access without altering insurance coverage or funding.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1746: Providing local effort assistance for public schools.

HB 1746 adjusts how Washington state provides supplemental funding to public schools based on local property tax levies. It calculates state assistance by comparing a school district's actual levy rate (per $1,000 assessed value) to a $1.50 threshold, with full funding for districts meeting or exceeding that rate. The bill extends this formula to tribal schools (starting 2022) and charter schools (starting 2025), capping per-student assistance at $2,000 (adjusted for inflation) based on prior-year levy data. This funding is separate from the state's basic education program and directly affects school districts, tribal education compact schools, and charter schools that rely on local levies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5815: Modifying business and occupation tax surcharges, rates, and the advanced computing surcharge cap, clarifying the business and occupation tax deduction for certain investments, and creating a temporary business and occupation tax surcharge on large companies.

SB 5815 proposes modifications to Washington's Business and Occupation (B&O) tax system. The bill would increase certain B&O tax rates for businesses engaged in activities such as extracting, manufacturing, and retail sales to 0.5 percent. It also introduces a temporary B&O tax surcharge specifically for large companies with annual revenues exceeding $250 million. Additionally, the bill clarifies B&O tax deductions for certain investments and adjusts the advanced computing surcharge cap. The stated intent is to generate revenue to support public schools, higher education, health care, and social services across the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5476: Modifying the responsible bidder criteria for public works projects.

SB 5476 modifies Washington State's criteria for contractors to qualify as "responsible bidders" on public works projects. It requires bidders to either have completed at least one public project in the last three years without violations or have at least one trained employee (certified by the Department of Labor and Industries on public works rules), with exemptions for contractors with three+ projects and three+ years of business. The bill also mandates new apprentice utilization plans for projects subject to apprenticeship rules, including specific details like projected hours and program contacts, which must be submitted within 60 days of winning a contract. Contractors must verify compliance with all criteria through a sworn statement and the Department's public website, while state/municipalities may add supplemental requirements with clear appeal processes. These changes directly affect construction contractors bidding on state or local government projects requiring licensing or apprenticeship compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1425: Requiring coverage of pharmacogenomic testing for psychotropic medications.

HB 1425 requires Washington health insurance plans (including Medicaid) to cover genetic testing that helps match patients with effective mental health medications, starting January 1, 2026. Insurers cannot require prior authorization or force patients to try ineffective medications first. Coverage must include tests approved by the FDA or supported by clinical guidelines and research evidence. This applies specifically to psychotropic medications prescribed for conditions like depression, aiming to reduce the trial-and-error process that leaves many patients without relief.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1730: Directing the deposit of the proceeds from taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account.

HB 1730 directs all tax revenue generated from aircraft fuel (as defined in state law) to be deposited into the state's aeronautics account, rather than other designated funds. This bill specifically amends existing tax code sections to mandate this funding stream for aviation-related programs and infrastructure. The change affects how Washington State allocates existing tax proceeds from aircraft fuel sales, ensuring these funds exclusively support aeronautics activities. It does not alter the tax rate or impose new taxes on aircraft fuel. The bill focuses solely on redirecting existing revenue to the aeronautics account, as specified in RCW 82.42.090.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5126: Establishing a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

SB 5126 creates a statewide network to coordinate school-based mental and behavioral health services for Washington K-12 students. It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to lead strategic planning, streamline access to resources, and establish regional programs through Educational Service Districts. The bill requires schools to implement evidence-based screening, prevention, and intervention services - including substance use education - and coordinate with community partners. This directly affects all public schools, students, and local education agencies by standardizing support systems currently fragmented across multiple state agencies.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5464: Promoting the better understanding of certain federal standards related to commercial driver's licenses.

This bill requires Washington's Department of Licensing to clarify how federal rules about immigration status and country of domicile affect commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and renewals. It mandates updates to state regulations, staff training on required documentation and applicant options, and public materials for CDL schools and applicants explaining available licensing paths based on immigration status. The policy directly impacts CDL applicants and holders navigating federal requirements, particularly those with non-citizen status or non-domiciled residency. Key mechanisms include rule updates, standardized staff training, and accessible resources to align state processes with federal standards. The goal is to improve clarity and accessibility in CDL licensing without changing federal requirements.

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1400: Concerning officer certification definitions, processes, and commissioning.

HB 1400 clarifies definitions and updates certification requirements for law enforcement and corrections officers in Washington State. It defines key terms like "Certified" (meeting background checks, academy training, and commission approval), "Commissioned" (authorized to serve as an officer), and "Convicted" to standardize processes. The bill requires background checks for applicants moving between agencies or positions, including criminal history and disciplinary record reviews, and mandates ongoing certification maintenance for all peace officers and corrections officers. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, and individuals seeking or maintaining officer roles.

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1630: Concerning livestock methane emissions.

HB 1630 requires dairy farms and certified feed lots in Washington State to annually report their methane emissions starting January 1st following rule adoption. It directly affects licensed dairies (under chapter 15.36 RCW) and certified feed lots by mandating they submit annual reports detailing total methane emissions from the previous year. The bill allows initial reports to use a three-month average for estimation and directs the department to establish reporting rules and schedules. This legislation aims to fill a data gap in understanding livestock methane contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, without setting emission limits or requiring reductions.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5551: Concerning school library information and technology programs.

SB 5551 requires all Washington school districts to adopt policies by September 1, 2026, ensuring every K-12 student has access to school library information and technology programs staffed by certified teacher-librarians. The bill mandates districts to define how students access library resources and instruction, while allowing small districts (second-class) to use non-certified staff only after making "reasonable efforts" to hire certified librarians and partnering with libraries or schools. It directly affects all 245 Washington public school districts, particularly those serving low-income communities and communities of color where nearly 60% currently lack certified teacher-librarians. The law defines "teacher-librarian" as a certified educator with library media training and specifies that these programs must support state learning standards and digital literacy skills for all students.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5008: Supporting the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools in public schools.

SB 5008 creates a temporary grant program (expiring December 31, 2028) to help Washington public schools, school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools purchase or maintain digital assessment tools for math and English language arts in grades K-12. Schools applying for grants must outline plans for tool use and staff training, and funds prioritize districts based on need and geographic diversity. The program requires annual reports on fund usage, student demographics, and impacts on math and English test scores. This bill directly supports schools seeking tools to identify individual student needs and track progress.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Bill results