The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes House Bill 1862.

We Oppose Washington House Bill 1862, which seeks to regulate train lengths, is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and
environmental benefits of freight rail transport in our state. Longer trains have been shown to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the Association of American Railroads notes that railroads have safely increased train length while improving their overall safety record, enhancing fuel efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By transporting more cargo per trip, longer trains decrease the number of trips required, thereby lowering fuel consumption and emissions. Imposing restrictions on train length would necessitate more frequent trips to move the same volume of goods, leading to increased fuel usage and a higher carbon footprint.

Moreover, trains are among the most efficient modes of commercial transportation, offering a sustainable alternative to road
freight. Limiting train lengths could result in a modal shift from rail to truck transport, which is less fuel-efficient and produces higher emissions. This shift would not only undermine environmental goals but also increase transit times and costs for essential goods, adversely affecting businesses and consumers across Washington State. Preserving the operational flexibility of our freight rail system is essential to maintaining its economic and environmental advantages.

Thank you for your consideration in opposing HB 1862

On behalf of Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, I would like express support for Senate Bill 5091.

Senate Bill 5091 addresses the critical challenges faced by Washington's transportation sector in meeting current emission standards. The existing mandates necessitate a transition to zero-emission vehicles; however, the availability of suitable electric vehicles (EVs), especially for commercial use, remains limited.

Moreover, the infrastructure required to support a widespread EV fleet is still under development. The Washington State Department of Transportation has outlined plans for EV infrastructure deployment, but as of now, the charging network is not sufficiently robust to support large-scale commercial operations. This combination of limited vehicle availability and inadequate charging infrastructure makes it exceedingly difficult for businesses to comply with current emission requirements. Therefore, SB 5091 proposes a necessary reevaluation of these standards, allowing time for the market and infrastructure to evolve to meet the state's environmental goals effectively.

Supporting SB 5091 assists in the continued viability of commercial transportation in Washington State.

. My name is Matt Murphy, the Government and regional affairs Director, for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of commerce. We have nearly 1000 members and we support HB 1414.

Washington State House Bill 1414 aims to help 16- and 17-year-old students get better jobs by improving access to career opportunities. Many high school students take part in career and technical education programs to gain hands-on experience in various industries. However, some state rules prevent these students from starting training, obtaining licenses or certifications, or working in certain professions because of their age. These restrictions can stop students from beginning their careers, even after they've completed the necessary education and training.

o address this, HB 1414 proposes creating a work group led by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This group will review current laws and policies to find and remove barriers that limit young students' access to career opportunities. By making these changes, the bill will help students start their careers earlier, giving them valuable experience and a head start in the workforce.

​Supporting HB 1414 means supporting young people's futures by allowing them to use their skills and education without unnecessary delays. This will lead to a more skilled workforce and better opportunities for our youth.I urge you to support HB 1414.

My name is Matt Murphy, and I serve as the Government and Regional Affairs Director of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. We represent nearly 1,000 businesses and strongly oppose HB 1213.

House Bill 1213 proposes significant expansions to Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, including reducing the minimum claim period from eight to four consecutive hours and extending employment protection to all employees who have been with their employer for at least 90 days, regardless of the employer's size.

​While these changes aim to enhance worker protection, they can also impose substantial financial and operational challenges on small businesses. Mandating job protection and continued health insurance coverage during PFML leave, even for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, may lead to increased costs and administrative burden. Small businesses often operate with limited staff and resources, and accommodating extended absences could necessitate hiring temporary replacements or redistributing workloads, both of which can be costly and disruptive. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed concerns that such requirements could disproportionately impact small employers, potentially hindering their ability to sustain operations and retain employees.

It is crucial to consider the delicate balance between enhancing employee benefits and maintaining the viability of small businesses integral to Washington's economy.

We oppose Washington State Senate Bill 5222 for the following reasons:

​•Reduced Housing Supply: Capping annual rent increases will discourage property owners and developers from investing in rental properties, worsening the housing shortage. It will also force many investors to divest their rental holdings, again, worsening the housing shortage.

•Decline in Property Maintenance: Landlords will struggle to afford necessary upkeep, leading to poorer quality housing for tenants.

•Impact on Small Landlords: The administrative burden and financial constraints of compliance could drive small landlords out of the market, limiting rental options further.

•Rental Ownership Costs: Often tax and insurance burdens increase more than the cap would cover forcing investors into negative cash flow situation. Thank you for your consideration.

​I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 1210. This legislation is critical for revitalizing communities, fostering job creation, and advancing Washington’s commitment to sustainability.

HB 1210 expands the opportunity to offer economic incentives that attract new businesses and encourage existing enterprises to expand. Heavily regulated industries provide some of the most important solutions for the nation’s energy needs. In addition, the jobs created as a result of these industries play a vital role in the overall development of the communities involved.

​Therefore, I urge the committee to support HB 1210 and advance it through the legislative process. Thank you for your time and consideration.

This bill significantly expands labor standards and protections for workers in Washington state, focusing on multiple key areas. It progressively increases the minimum wage for employees aged 18 and over, starting at $17.50 per hour in 2026 and rising to $25.00 per hour by 2031, with annual adjustments tied to inflation.

The bill introduces mandatory paid vacation leave for employees, requiring employers to provide 2.3 hours of paid vacation time for every 40 hours worked, with employees becoming eligible after 90 days of employment.
Additionally, it mandates five days of paid bereavement leave per calendar year for employees who experience a family member's death. The legislation also includes provisions specifically targeting transportation network companies (like ride-sharing platforms), establishing detailed requirements for driver compensation, earned sick time, and vacation time.
The bill includes enforcement mechanisms such as stop work orders and potential civil penalties for employers who violate these new labor standards. Transportation network companies will be required to provide drivers with specific compensation structures, reporting requirements, and a driver resource center for dispute resolution.
​The new labor standards are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving employers time to prepare for these significant changes in worker protections and compensation.