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.

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

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. 

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.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Washington Policy Center, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with local lawmakers to talk about important bills moving through the state legislature. This event gave business leaders and community members a chance to hear directly from their elected representatives and ask questions about policies that may impact them.

Attending the discussion were Rep. April Connors (R-Kennewick), Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla), and Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla). They provided some updates on key legislative issues, including property taxes, road usage charges, and executive powers.

These topics affect everyone in the Tri-Cities, from homeowners and business owners to daily commuters. Understanding how these laws might change can help residents stay informed and engaged in the political process. Our legislators want to hear from us and we should be letting our positions be known. 
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The Chamber and the Washington Policy Center will continue to host events like this to keep the community updated. If you want to be part of the conversation, stay tuned for future meetings and opportunities to connect with lawmakers!

BudgetBreakdown.org is a website dedicated to explaining how Washington state's budget decisions affect residents' daily lives. It covers topics like gas prices, road maintenance, schools, housing costs, and homelessness, all linked to the state's financial choices. The site aims to help people understand the state's multibillion-dollar budget gap, exploring its causes and consequences. It also discusses how the state's spending habits can impact individual finances.

When a government spends more than it earns, it often faces a budget shortfall. To cover this gap, the state might raise taxes. For businesses in Washington, higher taxes can lead to increased operating costs. This can make it harder for companies to invest in growth, hire new employees, or even maintain current staffing levels. Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to absorb these extra expenses, potentially leading to closures or relocations.

Additionally, when taxes rise, consumers have less disposable income. This can result in reduced spending on goods and services, directly affecting businesses' revenues. Lower consumer spending means companies might sell less, leading to decreased profits. In turn, businesses may need to cut costs, which could include reducing their workforce or scaling back services.

Moreover, a history of overspending can create uncertainty in the business environment. Companies value stability when planning for the future. If businesses anticipate frequent tax increases or budget cuts due to the state's financial mismanagement, they might hesitate to invest or expand in Washington. This uncertainty can deter new businesses from setting up in the state, limiting economic growth and innovation.

In summary, the state's budgeting decisions have a significant impact on businesses. Overspending and the resulting overtaxing can increase operational costs, reduce consumer spending, and create an unstable economic environment. For Washington to maintain a thriving business community, it's crucial to balance spending with revenue and ensure financial decisions support both the public and the private sectors.
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Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track Washington's budget decisions and their impact on businesses and residents alike.

On February 5, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) hosted its annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb in Olympia, bringing together hundreds of employers to engage directly with state lawmakers. For the second time in two weeks representatives for Tri-City businesses gathered to make our voices heard in Olympia.

The day commenced with a welcome session at the AWB office, setting the stage for a series of face-to-face meetings between business leaders and legislators at the Washington State Capitol Campus. These discussions covered critical topics such as transportation, housing, healthcare, workforce development, tax and fiscal policies, energy, environmental concerns, employment law, manufacturing, and data privacy. 

A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Governor Bob Ferguson during the luncheon at Saint Martin's University's Norman Worthington Conference Center. Governor Ferguson emphasized the importance of responsible budgeting and avoiding revenue assumptions that could lead to future shortfalls. He stated, "I'm determined as governor to make sure we learn from mistakes that we made as a state in making decisions on how we budgeted." 

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to meet with key legislators, including State Representative Greg Nance, D-Bainbridge Island, who engaged with AWB members on transportation issues. 

The event concluded with a legislative reception at Anthony's Homeport Olympia, providing a platform for further networking and discussions between business leaders and policymakers. 

Despite a snowy start, the 2025 AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb was marked by productive dialogues and a shared commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Washington's business community. 

Last week, the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, Leadership Tri-Cities, and local businesses brought a group of over 80 citizens to Olympia to meet with our legislative representatives. Our goal was to discuss the 2025 legislative priorities and explore ways to successfully advocate for them.

You can review the 2025 Legislative Priorities in our previous blog post.

While in Olympia, the Tri-Cities delegation heard from Senators Boehnke, King, and Dozier. They provided valuable insights into the current political climate, emphasizing that despite Governor Ferguson’s positive outlook, the state budget remains tight, making it challenging to secure funding from the legislature.

We also had the opportunity to hear from two freshman representatives from the 14th Legislative District: Gloria Mendoza and Deb Manjarrez. They shared their experiences as first-year legislators and expressed enthusiasm for representing the Tri-Cities region.

In addition, Representative Connors, the Minority Floor Leader, visited our group. Now, in her second term, she is establishing herself as a strong voice in the legislature, and we are all proud of her accomplishments.

Our agenda included a visit from David Puente, Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, whose presentation on the Veterans’ Cemetery generated significant interest and discussion. We also had a surprise visit from Joe Nguyen, the new Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. His presentation was engaging, and we look forward to collaborating with him in the future.
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The day concluded with a Legislative Reception where we welcomed lawmakers from across the state. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council organizes this trip to Olympia every January. 

Washington House Bill 1184, introduced in the 2025 legislative session, proposes a specific exemption from overtime pay requirements for certain small businesses and nonprofit organizations. The bill aims to adjust the overtime-exempt salary threshold to 1.5 times the state minimum wage for these entities, which is approximately 25% lower than the current threshold. 

Impact on Small Businesses

For small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, this adjustment would provide greater financial flexibility. By lowering the salary threshold required for employees to be exempt from overtime pay, these businesses may find it more manageable to classify certain employees as exempt, thereby reducing overtime expenses. This change is intended to help small businesses maintain operations without the added financial strain of higher overtime costs. 

Implications for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations, particularly those with fewer than 50 employees, would similarly benefit from the reduced overtime-exempt salary threshold. The adjustment acknowledges the unique financial constraints of nonprofits, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively toward their missions. By easing the overtime requirements, nonprofits can better manage staffing costs while continuing to serve their communities. 

Legislative Status

As of January 16, 2025, HB 1184 has been prefiled and referred to the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards. A public hearing was held on January 15, 2025, to discuss the bill's provisions and gather input from stakeholders. 

In summary, HB 1184 seeks to create a narrow exemption from existing overtime provisions by lowering the salary threshold for overtime-exempt employees in small businesses and nonprofits. This legislative change aims to provide these organizations with increased financial flexibility, enabling them to manage labor costs more effectively while continuing to contribute to Washington State's economy and communities.