In 2025, Washington State lawmakers are working to address several aspects of education. From Childcare to K12, post-secondary education. Legislators are working hard to improve this system. 

In 2025, several laws were introduced to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE helps students learn skills for specific jobs such as healthcare, technology, or construction. These new laws aim to better prepare students for the workforce and address challenges they might face when starting their careers.

1. House Bill 1722: This bill aims to find out what rules might be stopping students from joining CTE programs or other job-related pathways. By understanding these barriers, the goal is to make changes that will allow more students to get the training they need for various careers.  

2. House Bill 1273: This proposal plans to continue and expand a program that helps students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously through CTE courses. This means students can get a head start on their college education while still in high school, saving time and money. 

3. House Bill 1414: This bill aims to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-old students who are in or have completed CTE programs to find jobs. It looks at changing certain laws and practices that might make it difficult for these students to obtain work experience or jobs in their chosen fields. 

4. Senate Bill 5358: This bill suggests that sixth grade students should be allowed to take exploratory CTE courses. The idea is to introduce younger students to different career options early on, helping them discover what interests them, and plan their future education paths accordingly. 

These proposed laws can help students by:
• Providing Early Exposure: Starting career education in middle school allows students to explore different fields and make informed decisions about their futures.
• Expanding Opportunities: Focusing on specific industries, like maritime careers, opens up new job possibilities for students. 
• Removing Barriers: Changing rules that limit participation in CTE programs can make it easier for students to get the training they need.

However, high school students often face challenges when entering the workforce, such as:
• Lack of Experience: Many employers prefer workers with experience, which students might not have yet.
• Limited Access to Training: Not all schools offer a wide range of CTE programs, limiting students' options.
• Balancing Responsibilities: Managing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging for students.

By addressing these challenges through supportive laws and programs, Washington State aims to help students successfully transition from school to the workplace.

Congratulations to NextDoor Wellness and Northwest Stem Cell on their combined ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 20. You can visit both facilities at their home at 5908 Bedford St., Ste. A in Pasco.

Running for a locally elected office in Washington State is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and adherence to specific procedures. The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) provides comprehensive guidance on this process, detailing the necessary steps and considerations for prospective candidates. 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for local office, candidates must meet certain criteria:
• Citizenship and Age: Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. 
• Voter Registration: Must be a registered voter in the jurisdiction of the intended office. 
• Residency: Some positions may have specific residency requirements.
It's essential to verify any additional qualifications for the desired position

Filing for Candidacy

The filing process involves several key steps: 
• Filing Period: Candidates must file their declarations during the official filing period, typically held annually. 
• Declaration of Candidacy: This form must be submitted to the appropriate elections office, either in person, electronically, or by mail. 
• Filing Fees: Some positions require a filing fee, which varies depending on the office sought.

Timely submission of all required documents is crucial to ensure candidacy.

Campaign Conduct and Regulations

Candidates must adhere to specific regulations during their campaigns:
• Use of Public Facilities: State law prohibits the use of public facilities to support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure. 
• Financial Disclosures: Candidates are required to file financial disclosures with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), detailing contributions and expenditures. 
• Political Advertising: All political advertisements must comply with state regulations, including proper sponsorship identification.
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Understanding and following these rules is essential for a lawful and ethical campaign.

Additional Resources
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Prospective candidates are encouraged to consult the MRSC's comprehensive guide on running for a locally elected office for detailed information on each aspect of the process. This resource provides in-depth coverage of eligibility requirements, filing procedures, campaign regulations, and more. 

For complete details and further guidance, please refer to the full article on the MRSC website.
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The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that assists local governments throughout Washington State by offering legal and policy guidance on various topics.

Filing week in Washington State begins on May 5, 2025 and runs until May 7th.



​Photo by Nkululeko Mabena on Unsplash

​Washington State House Bill 1210 (HB 1210), Sponsored by Representative Barnard (R), Pasco proposes changes to the existing Targeted Urban Area (TUA) tax exemption program to better support clean energy transformation businesses. The TUA program currently offers a 10-year local property tax exemption for new industrial or manufacturing facilities in designated urban areas, provided they meet specific criteria, such as creating at least 25 family-wage jobs within one year of occupancy.  
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Key Provisions of HB 1210:
• Extension of Construction Timeline: The bill seeks to extend the allowable construction period beyond the current three-year limit for complex and heavily regulated projects, such as those in the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors. This extension aims to accommodate the longer development timelines these projects often require.  

Implications for Businesses and Local Communities:
• For Businesses: The proposed extension would provide clean energy companies with more flexibility and time to complete their projects without losing tax incentives. This could encourage more investments in the clean energy sector within Washington State. 

• For Local Communities: By attracting clean energy projects, communities could benefit from job creation, economic growth, and advancements in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Potential Positive Effects:
• Economic Growth: Increased investments in clean energy projects can stimulate local economies through job creation and related business opportunities. 

• Environmental Benefits: Supporting clean energy initiatives aligns with Washington's sustainability goals, potentially reducing the state's carbon footprint and promoting environmental health.

Overall, HB 1210 aims to enhance the state's support for clean energy projects by making the TUA tax exemption program more accommodating to the unique needs of this sector. While this could lead to significant economic and environmental benefits, careful consideration of the potential fiscal and regulatory impacts is essential to ensure balanced outcomes for both businesses and local communities. 

Photo by Crystal Kwok on Unsplash

Thanks to everyone who came to Business After Hours at Jacobs and Rhodes on Thursday, March 13. We hope you had a great time and made some valuable new connections!

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as "mother-in-law apartments" or "backyard cottages," are smaller homes built on the same property as the main house. In Washington State's 2025-2026 legislative session, lawmakers are considering several bills to use ADUs to help address housing issues. Here are four key proposals:

House Bill 1010 aims to allow for ADUs in rural areas. This bill proposes permitting detached ADUs outside urban growth areas, which are regions designated for development. If passed, it would enable property owners in rural communities to add ADUs to their land, potentially increasing housing options in less populated areas. 

House Bill 1345 seeks to establish limitations on detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. This bill aims to regulate the development of ADUs in rural regions to ensure that they align with local planning and zoning regulations. The goal is to balance the need for additional housing with the preservation of rural community characteristics. 

Senate Bill 5413 is a companion to HB 1345, introduced in the Senate. It also focuses on setting limitations for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas, aiming to provide more housing flexibility in rural parts of the state while maintaining appropriate land-use planning. 

House Bill 1353 proposes establishing a self-certification program for ADU project permit applications. This means that qualified professionals, such as licensed architects, could certify that ADU plans meet local requirements, potentially speeding up the approval process and reducing costs for homeowners interested in building ADUs.  

If these bills pass, they could lead to more ADUs being built across Washington State. This increase in housing options might help address housing shortages by providing more affordable and flexible living spaces. 

Congratulations to Grumpy Monkey Cookie Co. on the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their new location! Grab some delicious cookies and check out their new space at 910 S. Columbia Center Blvd., Unit C in Kennewick.

Washington State lawmakers are considering multiple bills to address challenges in the childcare industry, including workforce conditions, accessibility, affordability, and regulatory barriers. Here are a few examples.

•  HB 1212: Requires cities and towns to allow childcare centers in all zones except industrial areas without special approval. Cities must update zoning regulations by 2027 or within two years to remove barriers and expand childcare access.

•  HB 1564: Creates a tax credit for businesses that provide childcare assistance, covering costs under B&O and public utility taxes, starting in 2026. The program will run until 2038, with evaluation measures to determine its impact on increasing employer-supported childcare.

•  HB 1582: Makes it easier to establish childcare centers in existing buildings such as churches by calculating occupancy limits based only on childcare areas. This change reduces costs and regulatory barriers, and encourages more childcare services in community spaces.

•  HB 1648: Extends the deadline for childcare provider training requirements to 2032 and allows experienced workers to meet qualifications through work experience instead of formal education. The bill also mandates accessible, multilingual training and a stakeholder review to improve workforce requirements.

•  SB 5062: Creates a Child Care Workforce Standards Board to set minimum wages and working conditions for childcare workers, with initial standards effective by 2027. Employers must comply with these standards, protect workers from retaliation, and compensate them for training.

•  SB 5310: Increases state subsidy rates for childcare providers starting in 2025, ensuring payments align with the market rates. The bill also mandates a cost estimate model, supports healthcare options for providers, and preserves collective bargaining rights.
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While the final outcome of these bills remains uncertain, the breadth of the proposals demonstrates a strong legislative effort to address Washington’s childcare crisis and improve support for both providers and families.

Congratulations to Pro Made Homes on the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting for their new Riesling Estates development in West Richland. The future site of 38 beautiful townhomes is located at 7400 W. Van Giesen St.