There have been nearly 1,000 new pieces of legislation introduced in the 2024 60-day legislative session that kicked off on Jan. 8. Any bill introduced last session that did not pass is automatically reintroduced this session. The first major cutoff is Jan. 31 when all bills without a fiscal impact must be out of their policy committee to remain alive. 

Key Issues

Gift Cards

A Gift Card Accountability legislation package (SB 5988/HB 2095 and SB 5987/HB 2094) would allow customers to cash out gift card balances under $50 and intends for consumers to have the option to collect balances on abandoned gift certificates either directly through the retailer or through Washington’s unclaimed property program. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) and Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle). The Seattle Metro Chamber has been working with a coalition of other business organizations including Washington Hospitality Association, Washington Retail Association, Association of Washington Business, and Washington Food Industry Association to raise concerns with the proposals. All four pieces of legislation are scheduled to be heard this week.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Current law exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees from paying the employer portion for the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program and provides an assistance program for small employers who elect to pay the premiums. House Bill 1959 would strike this small business exemption and require compliance starting July 1, 2025 .

Housing

Legislation supporting accessory dwelling units (HB 1717) was brought to the House floor on Jan. 11 and passed, 93-4. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish an annual competitive grant program to support and catalyze initiatives to foster innovation, sustainability, partnerships, and equity at associate development organizations. HB 1717 will now move to the Senate.

Transit-oriented Housing Development (HB 2160) is reintroduced from last year and seeks to prohibit cities from enacting or enforcing any development regulation within a transit station that prohibits the siting of multifamily residential housing and would require 35% of units to be affordable. This bill had a public hearing on Jan. 9 and executive action was taken on Jan. 15.

We’re Also Keeping an Eye On…

  • Unemployment Insurance and Strikes (SB 5777): This bill seeks to amend current unemployment laws regarding paying employees involved in strikes or lockouts. It was heard last week in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.
  • Artificial Intelligence Task Force (SB 5838/HB 1934): The task force would be composed of industry experts, civil liberty groups, consumer advocates, businesses, tribes, state agencies and other stakeholders. SB 5838 had a public hearing on Jan. 10, and HB 1934 is scheduled for a public hearing on Jan. 19. It is anticipated that Gov. Jay Inslee may issue an Artificial Intelligence Executive Order and it is expected to be similar to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Artificial Intelligence Executive Order addressing the use, procurement, and development of generative AI.
  • Recycling (HB 1900, HB 2049, and HB 2144): Hundreds came to show opposition or support during the committee hearings on these three bills. HB 1900 and 2049 are similar bills that seek to improve the recycling program in Washington state. House Bill 204 includes an “Extended Producer Responsibility” while the others do not. HB 2144 seeks to implement a bottle deposit tax and return system that mirrors what Oregon and California have.
  • Real Estate Excise Tax Bill (HB 2276): This bill aims to increase funding for affordable housing by imposing a transfer tax on real estate sales over $3 million and reducing the tax rate for sales under $750,000Opponents argue that it could lead to higher costs for multi-family housing, increased living expenses for renters and would bring in far less revenue than the 2023 version. Supporters say it is seen as a critical measure to address the state’s housing challenge. The bill is up for a public hearing on Jan. 18 in front of House Finance. 

Resources

  1. Initiatives Update: The initiatives are not certified yet, so there is no update. 
  1. Legislative Focus for the 2024 Legislative Session: 2024 Legislative Preview, Axios, Seattle Times
  2. Leadership Interviews: 
  1. Opening Ceremonies:  House / Senate

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)

Important Dates:

Jan. 31 – House of Origin Policy Cutoff

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

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