Senate Bill 5576 allows counties, cities, and towns in Washington State to impose a new special excise tax of up to four percent on short-term rental lodging booked through online platforms. The revenue collected from this tax must be used exclusively for essential affordable housing programs. These funds can support activities such as acquiring, rehabilitating, or constructing affordable housing, covering operations and maintenance costs for such housing, or providing rental assistance to tenants. Local governments are required to publish an annual report detailing how these tax revenues were spent.
House Bill 1647 amends Washington state law by adjusting fees associated with surface mine reclamation permits, affecting both public and private surface mine operators and applicants. The bill consolidates and sets the nonrefundable application fee for new, expanded, or revised reclamation permits or plans at $4,500. It also increases the general annual permit fee for most permit holders from $2,000 to $3,500. For public permit holders operating mines exclusively for public works projects, the annual fee is set at $2,500, replacing previous tiered or waived fee structures. All collected fees are deposited into the surface mining reclamation account.
HB 1430 requires health carriers in Washington state to reimburse advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants at the same rate as physicians for providing identical health care services. This mandate applies to health plans issued or renewed starting January 1, 2026, excluding those offered to public employees. Health carriers are prohibited from decreasing physician reimbursement rates to meet this requirement. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner will collect data on the implementation, including rate changes and costs, and report to the legislature by July 1, 2027. This section does not apply to advanced practice registered nurses or physician assistants who are employees of a health maintenance organization.
HB 2044 revises how unexcused student absences are addressed by school districts, affecting students and their parents. The bill eliminates the requirement for school districts to file truancy petitions before a child's fifth unexcused absence. Instead, after a fifth unexcused absence, districts are directed to enter into an attendance agreement with the parent or child (if age eight or above), either directly or through a community engagement board. Truancy petitions to juvenile court are now generally required only if an attendance agreement is not reached or not complied with, and typically not before the child's 15th unexcused absence in a school year.
HB 1423 authorizes cities in Washington State with populations of at least 2,000 to participate in a pilot program using automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras. These cameras would be deployed in designated "vehicle-racing camera enforcement zones" to detect vehicles exceeding maximum permissible sound levels. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is tasked with overseeing this program and reporting on its implementation and findings to the legislature by January 2028. The section establishing this pilot program is set to expire in July 2028.
House Bill 1394 modifies the requirements for how long hospitals in Washington State must retain medical records. It mandates that hospitals preserve all medical records for a minimum of 26 years from the date the record was created, replacing the prior 10-year retention period. This new rule applies to both existing records currently held by hospitals and all future medical records, allowing for retention in paper, electronic, or other formats. It also clarifies that all information from each unique patient visit is considered a medical record under this section.
SCR 8404 is a procedural resolution that formally adjourns the 2025 Regular Session of the Sixty-ninth Washington State Legislature. This action, known as "sine die" adjournment, officially concludes the legislative session.
House Concurrent Resolution 4404 establishes procedural rules for managing legislative bills at the conclusion of the 2025 Regular Session of the Washington State Legislature. It directs both the House and Senate to return all unpassed bills and resolutions originating from the other chamber to their respective Rules Committees for third reading. The resolution also ensures that all legislative measures and records are retained in their current status upon adjournment and that any bills introduced in a special session continue the numbering sequence from the regular session.
Senate Resolution 8659 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos following his unexpected passing. It expresses gratitude for his service and acknowledges his contributions to the state, particularly in transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.
HR 4662 establishes the procedures and authorities for the House of Representatives to continue its work during interim periods between legislative sessions. It allows the Executive Rules Committee to assign study topics to House committees and approve their meeting schedules and formats. The bill also grants the Speaker authority to create special committees for interim studies and empowers the Chief Clerk to manage administrative tasks, approve member expenses, and oversee House operations and staffing during these periods.
Senate Resolution 8658 establishes procedures for the Senate to continue its operations during the interim period after the 2025 Regular Session. It grants the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee authority over contracts and delegates various administrative powers to the Secretary of the Senate, such as authorizing travel for members and staff, retaining employees, and managing legislative expenses. The resolution also permits the Secretary of the Senate to approve interim committee meetings and allows the Majority Leader to create special committees as needed.
House Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.
