Washington Bills

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5339: Linking increases in the minimum wage to the federal minimum wage.

SB 5339 would change Washington State's minimum wage calculation method, linking future increases directly to any annual raises in the federal minimum wage instead of using inflation adjustments. Starting December 30, 2025, the state minimum wage would only increase if the federal wage rises in the previous year, with no increase allowed if the federal rate stays the same. Local jurisdictions with higher minimum wages (above $16.66/hour as of the bill's effective date) cannot raise their rates further, though the state rate would override local rates if it increases. This affects all Washington employers and workers covered by state minimum wage laws, particularly small businesses operating on thin margins.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1594: Addressing increased school transportation and operating costs due to the climate commitment act.

HB 1594 amends Washington's climate commitment account to provide dedicated funding that offsets increased school transportation and utility costs directly caused by the Climate Commitment Act. The bill adds a specific provision (section (n)) to the account's eligible uses, directing that funds from the climate commitment account may be allocated to cover these school expenses. This measure directly affects public school districts across Washington facing higher operational costs due to the state's climate law requirements. The bill does not alter the Climate Commitment Act itself but creates a targeted financial mechanism to support schools. It ensures schools are not financially burdened by the climate law's operational impacts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5345: Concerning access to personnel records.

SB 5345 requires Washington employers to provide current and former employees with access to their personnel files within 21 days of a request, including records like performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and payroll information. Employees can request corrections to inaccurate information in their files, and employers must remove verified errors or include the employee's rebuttal. The bill creates a private right to sue employers for violations, with statutory damages ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation depending on delays (e.g., $250 for missing the 21-day deadline), and mandates a 5-day notice period before filing a lawsuit. It applies to all employers covered by Washington's personnel record laws and does not override existing privacy statutes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5817: Creating the state elections confidence using rigorous examination act.

SB 5817, the "State Elections Confidence Using Rigorous Examination Act," proposes changes to Washington's election processes affecting voters and state agencies. It mandates a study by the University of Washington on voter registration system security, focusing on preventing duplicate registrations and identifying ineligible voters. The bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, rather than an affirmation. Furthermore, it adds a requirement for voters to enclose a copy of their valid photo identification when returning their ballot.

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1245: Concerning business development.

HB 1245 requires large electric utilities (with over 25,000 customers) to develop comprehensive 10-year integrated resource plans. These plans must include detailed forecasts of customer demand, assessments of conservation and renewable energy options, transmission capacity needs, and strategies for meeting clean energy goals. The bill specifically mandates evaluating impacts of zero-emission vehicles, incorporating data from transportation electrification plans, and ensuring plans prioritize "lowest reasonable cost" while maintaining grid reliability. It directly affects utilities serving over 25,000 customers, requiring them to update these plans every four years with annual progress reports. The bill amends existing energy planning laws (RCW 19.280.030) but does not create new funding or direct cost obligations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1567: Concerning licensure of health care administrators.

HB 1567 requires health care administrators at Washington hospitals to obtain a state license starting January 1, 2027. It defines these roles as nonclinical managers or directors who oversee hiring, compliance, operations, or patient care policies for clinical staff, but excludes federal employees like those in the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill mandates passing a state-administered exam on health care laws and ethics, paying fees, and completing annual continuing education to maintain licensure. The Washington Department of Health will manage licensing, set fees, and enforce rules, including disciplinary actions for unprofessional conduct like unsafe fiscal decisions. This applies only to hospital employees in Washington, not to all health care workers.

Monica Stonier (D) · 23 co-sponsors

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5231: Concerning reducing fees and expenses for services for people confined in state facilities.

SB 5231 requires Washington state correctional facilities to provide free voice communication services (like phone calls) and tablets to people confined in those facilities, with no fees for users. It mandates that facilities maintain existing wall phone access, prohibit departments from earning revenue from these services, and require transparent public reporting of all fees and contracts related to communication services. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals by eliminating costs for essential communication with family and reducing financial barriers to staying connected. Key provisions include free services, tablet provision at no cost, and detailed annual reporting on fees and service usage to ensure accountability. The law takes effect December 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1100: Creating a local sales and use tax.

HB 1100 authorizes Washington cities and counties to impose a new 0.5% local sales and use tax, designed to supplement existing state collections without increasing overall tax burdens on consumers. The tax, collected alongside state sales taxes, must be credited against the state rate, ensuring the combined local and state tax does not exceed 0.5% total. Local governments (cities or counties) can use this revenue for essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and social programs, while the state Department of Revenue collects the tax at no cost to local jurisdictions. This bill directly affects local governments seeking additional funding and consumers, as it prevents net tax increases through the credit mechanism. The tax would take effect January 1, 2026, if passed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5048: Notifying legislators of initiative signature challenges.

SB 5048 requires Washington's secretary of state to notify the chair and ranking member of relevant legislative committees within five days whenever a challenge is raised about the number of valid signatures on an initiative petition. This procedural bill directly affects legislative committees by ensuring they are promptly informed of signature disputes. The key mechanism is the mandatory 5-day notification to committees after any challenge to an initiative's signature count is filed. The bill does not change initiative rules but standardizes communication between the secretary of state and lawmakers. (1 sentence, as it is procedural)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2032: Concerning language access providers.

This bill requires Washington state departments to pay language access providers (like interpreters) within 30 days for services, ensuring timely compensation. It prohibits departments from recouping payments if clients become ineligible for benefits (e.g., public assistance or workers' compensation), limits daily payment time, and bans requiring providers to register in online databases with personal contact information. Departments must also establish rules for reimbursing mileage at the IRS business rate and covering costs if appointments are canceled. The law directly affects language access providers working with state agencies, including Labor & Industries, Social & Health Services, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1301: Concerning reducing fees and expenses for services for people confined in state facilities.

HB 1301 requires Washington state facilities to provide free communication services (including voice calls, video, and messaging) to people confined in state custody, eliminating fees for these services. It mandates that facilities maintain existing access to communication devices (like wall phones) and provide free tablets to incarcerated individuals. The bill prohibits facilities from charging fees or generating revenue from these services and explicitly states communication services cannot replace in-person visitation. It also requires transparency by making provider contracts and fee structures publicly available on facility websites and tablets. This law applies to both the Department of Corrections and Department of Children, Youth, and Families facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1989: Concerning assaults committed against transit employees or contractors.

HB 1989 amends Washington State law to make assaults against transit employees a class C felony. The bill specifically targets assaults occurring while transit workers - such as operators, drivers, supervisors, mechanics, or security personnel - perform their official duties for public or private transit companies. This expands existing assault penalties to include these workers, increasing the offense level from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. The law applies directly to anyone committing such assaults, with no mention of exceptions or additional requirements beyond the worker's duty status.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Bill results