Technology

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5188: Concerning broadband infrastructure repair loans.

SB 5188 expands an existing grant and loan program to include funding for the repair and replacement of middle mile and last mile broadband infrastructure. This program, administered by the board in collaboration with the office, aims to promote access to broadband service in unserved areas of Washington. Eligible applicants, such as local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations, can apply for grants and loans. The bill outlines detailed application procedures and allows existing broadband service providers to submit objections to proposed projects under specific conditions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands broadband infrastructure funding to improve internet access in unserved areas, directly advancing internet access as a core technology policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

signed · Washington · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2303: Prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.

HB 2303 prohibits employers in Washington state from requiring, requesting, or coercing employees to have microchips implanted. It directly affects all employers (including state agencies) and employees, excluding medical devices used for health monitoring. The bill creates a legal remedy allowing affected employees to sue for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions if violated. It defines "microchip" as subcutaneous devices storing personal data, but clarifies medical implants for health treatment are exempt.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits forced employee microchipping, protecting workers' bodily autonomy and privacy rights in the workplace, aligning with labor rights protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits employer microchipping, protecting employee data privacy by restricting unauthorized data storage in subcutaneous devices.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 2606: Concerning performance measures, duties, and reporting requirements for the office of privacy and data protection.

HB 2606 creates an Office of Privacy and Data Protection within Washington State's government to centralize data privacy oversight. It requires the office to conduct annual privacy reviews and training for state agencies, develop privacy best practices, coordinate data protection efforts (including for AI projects), and serve as a resource for local governments and the public on data privacy. The bill mandates that the office submit detailed performance reports to the legislature every four years, tracking metrics like training participation, public contacts, privacy assessments completed, and coordination with privacy experts. These reports must demonstrate progress on improving privacy policies and practices across state agencies and local governments.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates Office of Privacy and Data Protection with mandates for oversight, best practices, and AI coordination, strengthening data privacy protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5663: Establishing a virtual campus for all Washingtonians.

SB 5663 allows Washington community and technical colleges to advertise their entirely online course offerings to potential students statewide, beyond their traditional district boundaries. Colleges can use various methods, including digital advertising and direct mail, to distribute information about these online courses. The bill also permits colleges to inform their local citizens about online programs offered exclusively by neighboring districts. However, it explicitly states that community and technical colleges are not allowed to compete with each other or other higher education institutions for student enrollment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by enabling community colleges to advertise online courses statewide, increasing opportunity for all Washingtonians to access higher education programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables digital advertising of online courses, expanding access to virtual education and supporting digital equity through technology adoption.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5469: Prohibiting algorithmic rent fixing and noncompete agreements in the rental housing market.

Senate Bill 5469 aims to prevent certain data-sharing practices in the rental housing market that could lead to coordinated rent pricing. The bill makes it unlawful for "service providers" to collect and analyze rental data from multiple landlords and then recommend rental prices or terms to more than one landlord. It also prohibits landlords from subscribing to or contracting with these coordinating service providers. Violations would be considered unfair trade practices under the state's consumer protection act, allowing for enforcement by the attorney general or civil lawsuits by injured individuals.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits algorithmic rent fixing and noncompete agreements, preventing coordinated rent increases that harm tenants and protect tenant rights in housing.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits algorithmic rent fixing and data-sharing practices, restricting a specific technology application to prevent anti-competitive rent pricing.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5034: Eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.

Senate Bill 5034 eliminates the expiration date for the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team, informally known as SYNC. This team, composed of representatives from state infrastructure programs and local government associations, coordinates state investments in projects such as drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and broadband. Its purpose is to identify system improvements to maximize value, minimize costs, and ensure the long-term durability and resilience of infrastructure for communities across Washington. By removing the June 30, 2025 sunset date, the bill makes this coordination team permanent and requires it to submit biennial progress reports to the legislature.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill maintains team coordinating state investments in broadband infrastructure, advancing internet access as part of infrastructure projects.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

Track

signed · Washington · House May 19, 2025

HB 1483: Supporting the servicing and right to repair of certain products with digital electronics in a secure and reliable manner.

HB 1483, also known as the "right to repair" bill, requires manufacturers of certain digital electronic products to make parts, tools, and repair documentation available to independent repair providers and product owners. This applies to consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, and appliances, aiming to increase access to affordable repair options for Washington residents. Manufacturers must offer these resources on fair and reasonable terms, with documentation and digital tools generally provided free of charge. The bill supports a competitive repair market and seeks to extend the useful life of products for consumers across the state. This legislation will become effective on July 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to provide repair resources for digital electronics, enabling consumer access and reducing manufacturer control over repairs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · Senate May 19, 2025

SB 5004: Updating emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons.

SB 5004 mandates that Washington public school districts update their emergency response systems in collaboration with local law enforcement and public safety agencies. These systems must utilize evolving technology to expedite emergency responses, offering options like panic or alert buttons, live video or audio feeds, remote door access, or live interactive two-way communication. School districts are required to submit progress reports on their systems to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 1, 2025, which will then compile and report this information to the legislature by December 1, 2025. This act, also known as Alyssa's law, applies to charter and state-tribal education compact schools.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates use of evolving technology (panic buttons, live feeds) in school safety systems, advancing technology application for emergency response.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · Senate May 17, 2025

SB 5014: Concerning election security.

Senate Bill 5014 enhances election security for Washington state's county election offices and their vendors. It requires county election offices to use the ".gov" domain for official communications and to partition their election-related IT networks from other county systems. The bill also mandates that counties implement 24/7 intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious activity. Additionally, it expands the types of election equipment requiring state approval and strengthens requirements for counties and their vendors to immediately report security breaches or malicious activity to the Secretary of State and Attorney General. These new security measures are intended to be adopted by county election offices by July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity measures including intrusion detection, network partitioning, and state approval for election equipment to enhance election security.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Washington · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 1439: Modifying motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to align with federal definitions, making technical corrections, and streamlining requirements.

HB 1439 updates Washington's motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to match federal definitions, primarily by standardizing terms like "revoke" (one-year invalidation) and "suspend" (less than one year). It adds significant privacy protections for vehicle owners by restricting how businesses can access owner information, requiring written disclosure agreements, and prohibiting unsolicited contact. The bill also repeals outdated sections and requires agencies to retain disclosure requests for three years. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, businesses seeking owner data, and state agencies managing licensing records, with the law taking effect October 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAdds explicit privacy protections: restricts business access to vehicle owner data, requires written disclosure agreements, and prohibits unsolicited contact, directly advancing data privacy within technology policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology