We have finished the fourth week of the legislative session, with five weeks remaining. On Jan. 31, we reached the deadline for bills to pass out of their policy committees to remain alive. The next key date, House of Origin Fiscal Committee cutoff, is on Feb. 5 after which both chambers will head to the floor to pass bills out of their respective chambers until House of Origin cutoff on Feb. 13.  

Key Issues 

  • Portability Fix for WA Cares – (HB 2467) This bill would expand the state’s long-term care program to allow people who leave Washington state to elect to continue participation in the program. It was passed out of its policy committee on Jan. 30 and is now in House Rules.
  • Ending the Small Business Exemption for Paid Family and Medical Leave – HB 1959 extends parts of the program to employers with fewer than 50 employees. The bill passed out of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Jan. 26 on a party-line vote. The bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing. 
  • Unemployment Benefits for Striking Employees – SB 5777/HB 1893 would provide unemployment benefits for employees on strike. SB 5777 remains in Senate Rules where it can be pulled to the floor for a vote.  HB 1893 was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 2 and is scheduled for executive session on Feb 5.
  • Gift Cards – Legislation related to the cash-out provision for gift cards (SB 5987/HB 2094) did not advance out of the policy committees before the cutoff and is unlikely to move forward this session. The other two bills that classify gift cards as unclaimed property (SB 5988/HB 2095) have not been scheduled for executive action, but because of the fiscal impacts, they will be in play until the end of a session. 
  • Executive Order on AI – Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order for the development of guidelines on the ethical and transparent adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Washington state’s operations. This initiative aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential of generative AI projects in state functions, establishing procurement, usage, and monitoring guidelines. The order emphasizes the importance of assessing the technology’s impact on vulnerable communities and the state workforce, promoting equitable and responsible use of AI. 
  • Converting Commercial Offices into Housing – HB 2308 and SB 6175 seek to offer financial incentives for developers to convert commercial buildings into residential units, aiming to address the urgent need for housing. These proposals, supported by local officials, include property tax exemptions and potential exemptions from mandatory housing affordability (MHA) requirements, with the goal of spurring the creation of affordable housing and revitalizing downtown areas. Both vehicles of this legislation are still alive following the House of Origin Policy cutoff.
  • Bottle Deposit Bill – HB 2144, a bill that intends to create a bottle deposit system similar to Oregon and California models, had a public hearing in House Finance on Feb. 1. Proponents of the legislation say this will create a better circular economy of recycling and opponents say there is already a circular economy for these products and the bill is a tax on the poor. The bill is scheduled for executive session on Feb. 5. 

We’re Also Keeping an Eye on…

Initiatives Update: All six initiatives were certified by the Secretary of State’s office. Initiatives are exempt from cutoff dates. 

  • I-2117 would repeal the two-year-old Climate Commitment Act, which imposes annual limits on greenhouse gas emissions for major emitters and requires them to buy allowances at state auctions for each metric ton of pollution. Last year, these auctions generated $1.8 billion, earmarked for renewable energy initiatives. Critics argue that the act leads to increased prices for fuel, food, and energy, saying businesses are transferring these additional costs to the consumers.

  • I-2109 would repeal the capital gains excise tax imposed on sales and exchanges of long-term capital assets by individuals with capital gains over $250,000. 

  • I-2113 would restore vehicular pursuit laws.

  • I-2081 would establish a parents’ bill of rights.

  • I-2111 would codify Washington State’s longstanding tradition of prohibiting state and local personal income taxes.

  • I-2124 enables working individuals to choose not to participate in the WA Cares program.

Important Dates

Feb. 5 – House of Origin Fiscal Cutoff

Feb. 13 – House of Origin Floor Cutoff

Feb. 21 – Opposite House Policy Cutoff

Feb. 26 – Opposite House Fiscal Cutoff

March 1 – Opposite House Floor Cutoff

March 7 – Sine Die

Helpful Links for Session: The Washington State Legislative Website, Find My Legislator, Legislative Committees, Bill Searcher, Washington State Legislative Roster, Sign up for Legislative Email Updates, Agendas, Schedules, and Calendars, Participating in the Process (Email or Testimony)


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