Senate Bill 5800 authorizes the state of Washington to issue $7 billion in general obligation bonds to fund highway projects, including their design, land acquisition, and construction. The proceeds from these bonds will be deposited into the "move ahead WA account" within the motor vehicle fund, designated solely for these transportation purposes. The state pledges its full faith and credit for these bonds, with repayment primarily drawn from state excise taxes on fuel and vehicle-related fees. Additionally, the bill increases the authorized bond amount for the State Route 520 corridor projects by $500 million, bringing that specific project's total funding authorization to $2.45 billion.
House Bill 1857 updates regulations concerning asbestos-containing building materials in Washington state, primarily impacting manufacturers, distributors, and owners of certain facilities. The bill lowers the definition of an "asbestos-containing building material" from over one percent to over 0.1 percent asbestos by weight or area, effective January 1, 2025, which expands the scope of materials subject to labeling requirements. It mandates that owners of manufacturing facilities (NAICS codes 31-33) conduct regular inspections for asbestos and maintain an asbestos management plan. The bill also amends existing prohibitions on the use of these materials in new construction and renovations, adding an exemption for commercial aggregates.
Senate Bill 5085 proposes merging the assets, liabilities, and membership of three of Washington state's closed retirement plans: the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF Plan 1), the Teachers' Retirement System Plan 1 (TRS Plan 1), and the Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS Plan 1). The legislature finds LEOFF Plan 1 to be overfunded, while TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1 have unfunded liabilities. The bill aims to improve the funded status of the underfunded plans by utilizing LEOFF Plan 1's excess funds. It also seeks to establish an ongoing funding source for LEOFF Plan 1 if future liabilities emerge and to provide new, ongoing cost-of-living adjustments for TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1 members. The merger intends to protect all members' current benefits, with the resulting plan maintaining distinct benefit tiers for each original system.
Senate Bill 5368 directs the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a comprehensive study of the state's alcohol taxation and fee system. This study will analyze taxes and fees on spirits, beer, and wine, including their rates, sales, and revenues over the past five years. It will also compare Washington's system with those in other states and countries. The institute must submit a final report detailing these findings to the legislature by December 31, 2025.
HB 1616 expands the definition of "unlawful transit conduct" to explicitly include Washington State Ferries. This means that behaviors previously prohibited on other public transit, such as smoking, littering, playing loud music without headphones, or consuming open alcoholic beverages, will now also apply to state ferries. The bill amends existing law by adding "ferry boat" to the definition of a transit vehicle and "the Washington state ferries" to the definition of a transit authority. Individuals found in violation of these rules on state ferries could be guilty of a misdemeanor.
HB 1285 establishes financial education instruction as a graduation requirement for public high school students in Washington state. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, all high schools must provide instruction in the state financial education learning standards. Starting with the graduating class of 2031, students will be required to meet these standards to graduate. The bill also tasks the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with making instructional materials available and outlines monitoring responsibilities for the State Board of Education.
SB 5300 modifies the leasing authority of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, specifically for St. Edward State Park. The bill removes a previous 62-year maximum lease term and the requirement for a Department of Commerce study to identify viable public use before a lease could be granted at the park. Instead, it allows the commission to lease specific buildings and associated property within St. Edward State Park, such as the seminary building, pool, and gymnasium, for up to 80 years, aligning with the general maximum lease term for other state park properties.
Senate Bill 5181 amends an existing parents' rights initiative in Washington state, affecting parents and legal guardians of public school students. The bill modifies parental access to student education records, aligning response times with federal law, and removes requirements for schools to notify parents about medical services or medications provided to their child. It also adjusts the timeline and scope for notifying parents about criminal actions involving their child on school property or questioning by law enforcement. Additionally, the bill narrows the types of surveys and activities from which parents can opt their children out, aligning with federal protection of pupil rights.
HB 1080 requires hotels and short-term rentals to disclose all mandatory fees, except for government taxes and special district assessments, within their advertised room rates. Before a consumer reserves a stay, the total price presented must include all government taxes and assessment fees. These rules apply to advertising displayed in or from Washington state. Businesses found in violation may face civil penalties up to $10,000 per infraction, with enforcement handled by city, county, or state attorneys.
Senate Bill 5694 establishes a statewide certification program for boiler operators in Washington state. This program aims to unify existing certification and training standards across the state to ensure operators possess necessary skills for safe boiler operation, maintenance, and repair. The Board of Boiler Rules is tasked with developing rules for this certification, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028. The Department of Labor & Industries will be responsible for enforcing these new certification requirements, while recognizing certifications from approved existing programs.
SB 5738 extends a temporary provision allowing certain retired public employees in Washington state to work more hours while continuing to receive their pension benefits. The bill permits individuals retired from the public employees', teachers', school employees', and public safety employees' retirement systems to work up to 1,040 hours per year in specific public service roles, such as nonadministrative positions in school districts. This provision, which would have expired on July 1, 2025, is extended until January 1, 2030. This allows these retirees to re-enter the workforce for additional hours without their pension payments being suspended.
House Bill 1230 requires experience-rated group disability income insurers in Washington state to include all applicable rating factors and credibility formulas when they file their rate manuals with the Insurance Commissioner. These filings must be detailed enough to allow the Commissioner to confirm if a group is credible and to replicate the premium rates for that group based on its experience and demographics. This bill aims to provide greater transparency and oversight for how these specific disability insurance rates are calculated.
