HB 2158 allows Washington State notaries to perform remote notarizations using video technology for individuals not physically present. It requires notaries to verify the identity of remote users through at least two methods (like identity documents or witness verification), create audiovisual recordings of the process, and retain these recordings for at least 10 years. The bill specifically permits remote notarization for individuals outside the U.S. only if the document relates to U.S. matters (like property or court filings) and isn’t prohibited by the foreign location. This update modernizes Washington’s notary laws to accommodate digital transactions while maintaining security and record-keeping standards.
HB 2152, titled "Ryan's law," allows terminally ill patients with a qualifying medical condition to use cannabis in hospitals, nursing homes (excluding some residential facilities), and hospice care centers starting January 1, 2027. Facilities must establish written policies prohibiting smoking/vaping, requiring secure storage, documenting use in medical records, and having patients or their designated providers manage cannabis. Patients must provide valid authorization, and staff cannot administer or retrieve cannabis. The law excludes emergency departments and does not require facilities to comply if federal agencies block it, though it clarifies federal scheduling alone cannot override the policy.
HB 2107 requires Washington construction site inspectors to provide employers or owners with written notice within 10 working days when they identify an immediate safety hazard during inspections that could cause worker injury. This applies specifically to residential building and general construction projects under the North American Industry Classification System. The law, effective until June 30, 2026, mandates this notice but does not change inspectors' existing authority or the employer's obligation to correct hazards. It also requires the Department of Labor to report by December 1, 2026, on instances where timely notice wasn't given and the reasons for non-compliance.
HB 1604 requires Washington state local jails to create policies for searching transgender and intersex individuals confined there, ensuring compliance with federal law. It prohibits searches solely to determine genital status, mandates staff training for respectful searches, and gives individuals options for who conducts searches (e.g., a medical professional, staff of their preferred gender, or staff matching their gender identity). Jails must implement these policies by September 1, 2025, and cross-gender searches are only allowed in true emergencies threatening facility security. The bill directly affects transgender and intersex people in local jails and modifies existing search procedures under state law.
SB 6176 updates Washington State's vehicle registration enforcement by setting specific fines for expired registrations. Operating a vehicle without current registration incurs a $529 traffic fine (non-negotiable), while parking an unoccupied vehicle with expired registration (for up to 2 months) results in a $150 parking-like ticket, and over 2 months incurs a $242 fine - neither affecting driving records. The bill creates a "vehicle licensing fraud account" to hold all collected fines, including the $529 penalty. It also increases penalties for residents who register vehicles in another state to evade taxes, adding jail time and higher fines for repeat offenses.
SB 6234 prevents cities, counties, water-sewer districts, and public utility districts from banning sewage grinder pumps in new single-family homes that meet specific criteria: located below public sewer lines, connected to low-pressure systems, requiring vertical wastewater movement, and having required safety valves. The bill clarifies that property owners own and maintain these pumps, though local entities may take over maintenance at their discretion. If owners fail to maintain pumps, sewer providers can make repairs and bill them. This applies uniformly across all local jurisdictions in Washington State to address drainage challenges where gravity systems aren't feasible.
SB 6047 updates Washington state rules for managing public construction projects, primarily expanding when state agencies can use "design-build" contracting (where one contractor handles both design and construction). It allows design-build for most projects over $2 million if specialized work or innovation is needed, removes cost limits for parking garages and pre-engineered buildings, and requires Washington State University to report on small business participation in projects under $2 million. The bill affects state agencies, universities, and contractors by clarifying project delivery rules, limiting design-build for operations/maintenance to three years (unless approved), and adding reporting requirements for university demonstration projects.
SB 6335 revises the duties of Washington State's Transportation Commission to clarify its role in developing transportation policy and planning. It updates the commission's responsibilities to require annual public input summaries submitted to lawmakers by December 1st and aligns its work with six state policy goals: preservation, safety, stewardship, mobility, economic vitality, and environmental protection. The bill removes outdated requirements (like a fixed 2010 plan deadline) and strengthens coordination between state, regional, and local transportation planning. These changes directly affect how the commission develops statewide transportation strategies and how state agencies measure progress toward transportation goals. The policy framework now mandates that all transportation planning must prioritize preservation and safety while tracking measurable outcomes.
HB 2347 repeals the luxury aircraft tax by eliminating four specific statutes (RCW 82.48A.010 to 82.48A.040) that imposed a tax on aircraft valued over $500,000, including a use tax exception and administrative requirements. This repeal would remove the tax obligation for owners of high-value aircraft who would have been subject to the tax under the 2025 law. The bill also amends RCW 82.32.145 to adjust rules for holding responsible individuals liable for unpaid trust fund taxes, but this change is unrelated to the luxury aircraft tax. The bill has been prefaced and referred to the House Transportation Committee for further review.
This bill (SCR 8406) reestablishes Washington's Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, which was originally created in 2024. The committee, composed of 17 legislators (including leadership roles), will continue work started in 2024 to strengthen civic health through collaboration, civility training, and partnerships with groups like the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. It will report to the legislature before the 2027, 2028, and 2029 sessions and will expire at the start of the 2029 session. The bill does not create new laws but authorizes the committee's ongoing operations.
SB 5949 clarifies a tax exemption for insurers to close a loophole allowing non-insurance businesses (like pharmacy benefit managers) to avoid state business taxes. It amends RCW 82.04.320 to require that only insurers who pay premium taxes to the state can claim the exemption, reversing a 2024 court decision that broadly interpreted the exemption. The bill applies retroactively to tax periods starting October 2, 2019, ensuring businesses that previously avoided taxes under the broad interpretation now comply. It repeals an outdated exemption section (RCW 82.04.322) to streamline tax administration. This change directly affects insurers and businesses previously using the loophole to avoid paying business and occupation taxes.
SB 5808 requires nonprofit health insurance carriers in Washington to report their financial surplus annually starting July 1, 2026. If a carrier’s surplus exceeds 600% of its required risk-based capital (RBC), it must pay 3% of the excess amount into a state health care affordability fund by October 1, 2026. This fund will directly support premium assistance programs for Washington residents under existing law. Carriers can request a hearing to challenge the payment if they demonstrate financial hardship, but the law takes effect January 1, 2026.
