SB 5797 enacts a new tax on certain financial intangible assets, such as stocks and bonds, in Washington State. The bill levies a tax of $0.34 for every $1,000 of true and fair value of these assets. It primarily affects individuals and artificial persons with over $50,000,000 in taxable financial intangible assets, while exempting retirement savings, college savings, and ownership interests in private companies. Revenues generated from this tax are dedicated to the education legacy trust account to support public schools, early learning, child care, and higher education.
Senate Bill 5697 expands an existing property tax exemption for qualifying nonprofit organizations in Washington state. It allows these nonprofits to maintain their tax-exempt status even when their property is loaned, leased, or rented to government entities or other nonprofit organizations. This applies specifically when the property is used to provide character-building, benevolent, protective, or rehabilitative social services. The bill also clarifies that selling donated merchandise on such property is considered an exempt use if the proceeds further the organization's purposes, with these changes taking effect for taxes collected in 2026 and later.
SB 5570 aims to enhance public school instruction on tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes across Washington state. It strengthens the Office of Native Education within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to assist school districts in developing and implementing this curriculum, including providing professional development. School districts must incorporate the "Since Time Immemorial" curriculum, consulting with local and neighboring tribes, by September 1, 2026. The bill also establishes annual monitoring by the State Board of Education to ensure school district compliance, with reports to the legislature until 2029.
HB 1126 standardizes and clarifies notification procedures for local governments and public facilities districts regarding changes to local sales and use tax rates. The bill requires these entities to provide written notice to the Department of Revenue within specific timelines, generally 75 days for most changes and 30 days for certain tax credits, with designated effective dates. It also specifies the documentation needed for these notifications, such as ordinances or, in the case of annexation, maps and parcel numbers. Additionally, the bill updates notification requirements for public facilities districts concerning the retirement of bonds funded by these taxes.
Senate Bill 5023 aims to establish labor market protections for domestic workers in Washington state, including nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers. It guarantees these workers minimum wage and overtime pay for hours exceeding 40 per week. The bill mandates uninterrupted meal and rest breaks and requires a written employment agreement outlining terms like pay rate, schedule, and deductions, provided in a language understood by both parties. It also ensures domestic workers can retain personal effects and, if living in the home, cook their own food, while also providing freedom from discrimination and sexual harassment.
SB 5773 aims to update how Washington state procures and delivers transportation projects, specifically by revising and expanding the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other alternative delivery models. The bill repeals existing PPP laws and establishes a new framework, requiring the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to develop policies and rules for their use. These policies will focus on demonstrating public value, incorporating private sector expertise, and managing project risks. The legislation also seeks to provide WSDOT with more flexibility to use alternative delivery models like progressive design-build, aiming to expedite project delivery and address increasing costs.
SB 5055 promotes agritourism in Washington by adjusting building code requirements for agricultural structures. It specifies that agricultural buildings used for agritourism activities are not subject to standard commercial building permit requirements. This exemption applies if the building is used for agritourism for six months or less per year, provided it still meets all life and fire safety standards. This change directly affects farmers and landowners who host agritourism events on their property, potentially easing regulatory burdens for these activities.
SB 5103 amends state law concerning the clemency and pardons board, primarily affecting individuals seeking sentence review or pardons. The bill requires the board to consider expedited review for petitions when there is an urgent need, such as a pending deportation order or proceeding. It also clarifies that an applicant's immigration status does not affect their eligibility for a pardon, commutation, or restoration of civil rights. This aims to streamline the review process for specific urgent cases before the board.
House Bill 1349 concerns how members of certain public pension systems, such as law enforcement and firefighters, can earn or purchase service credit for authorized leaves of absence. It clarifies that members on paid leave continue to receive credit and allows members on unpaid leave, including part-time leave for law enforcement, to purchase up to two years of service credit by making required contributions within specific timeframes. The bill also details provisions for members who take leave for uniformed military service, enabling them to receive up to five years of service credit, with specific conditions for contributions or proof of wartime service, and extends these provisions to surviving spouses or children of members who die in service.
House Bill 1546 changes the supervision rules for diagnostic, therapeutic, and magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Washington State. It allows these technologists to perform intravenous contrast procedures under "general supervision" by a licensed physician, rather than requiring "direct supervision." Under general supervision, the physician does not need to be physically present, but a qualified healthcare provider trained to manage adverse events must be on-site at the facility. The bill also permits remote general supervision using real-time audio and visual telecommunications, provided all relevant laws and policies are followed and the physician remains available.
House Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.
House Bill 1822 establishes a new requirement for certain driver's license applicants in Washington state. It mandates that individuals under the age of 26 applying for their first driver's license must successfully complete an online course focused on driver safety in work zones and around first responders. The Department of Licensing is tasked with contracting for and providing this online course at no cost for Washington residents between 15 and 25 years old. This safety course also becomes a necessary step for obtaining an intermediate driver's license.
