Rep. Tom Dent outlines his legislative priorities for upcoming session

“It all comes down to relationships. You can’t get everything you want, but if everyone walks away feeling they contributed, then you’ve done a good job.” 

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake

OLYMPIA — As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, has articulated a clear agenda centered on addressing critical aviation taxation issues, supporting wildfire management efforts and improving agricultural labor conditions – issues he believes are vital for the economy of Washington State.  

Aviation  

Foremost among Dent's priorities is the reconsideration of a luxury tax imposed on aircraft, initially passed in 2023 and enacted as RCW 82.48A.010. The legislation levies a 10% tax on the value of noncommercial aircraft exceeding $500,000, which has raised concerns in the aviation community. RCW 82.32.550 defines a commercial aircraft as one used to transport people or property, which means craft used for crop dusting or aerial photography could potentially be subject to the tax.  

The bill is set to go into effect April 1, 2026. 

"If we don't amend this tax, we will see a major loss of companies and commerce in Washington," Dent said, emphasizing the potential adverse effects on businesses that rely on aircraft for commercial operations. 

Dent said he has been working with a company based in Pullman that was planning to invest in a new hangar and several airplanes. 

“The luxury tax alone would amount to $6 million,” Dent said. “As a result, that company moved its aircraft to Idaho, and Washington lost out on revenue and jobs.”  

Dent emphasized that most aircraft are essential for business purposes, not recreational use.  

"The people of this state are tired of excessive taxation; we need to find a solution that keeps businesses here," he said. 

Wildfire management 

In addition to addressing aviation taxation, Dent aims to strengthen support for rural fire departments battling wildfires.  

Previously, he helped pass RCW 76.04.192, which allows small fire departments to request state assistance for air support during significant wildfire events. This program currently has a sunset clause that could eliminate it by July 2027.  

“The fire departments have found great value in this program,” he said. “I am pushing to make this provision permanent, as it enhances our ability to respond quickly to wildfires, benefiting not only the environment but also the safety and well-being of our citizens." 

Overtime for agriculture workers

Another key initiative involves reforming overtime regulations for agricultural workers. Dent seeks to introduce a bill allowing for increased hours before overtime pay kicks in during peak agricultural seasons.  

“I have received strong indications from both farm workers and farm producers that this is needed during high-demand periods like harvest time,” he said. “We must find common ground to support our agriculture sector while respecting the rights of workers.” 

While Dent remains optimistic about bipartisan cooperation, he recognizes challenges ahead.  

"This is one of those heavy-lift bills, but I am encouraged by the willingness some members of the legislature have shown to engage in dialogue,” Dent said.  

Addressing the budget deficit  

The impending budget deficit looms large over the upcoming legislative session, complicating Dent's proposed initiatives.  

“We need to sharpen our pencils and prioritize our spending,” he said. “How can we reconcile having the largest tax increase in history with still facing a deficit?”  

He said there needs to be a realistic approach to budgeting, advocating prioritization and reconsideration of extensive regulatory burdens across various industries. 

Reflecting on the consequences of failed budgeting strategies, he said, “We cannot continue to increase taxes while expecting to keep people from leaving the state. Wealthy individuals and businesses are not going to stay if they feel overtaxed or overregulated,” he said.  

Dent doesn’t serve on the budget committee but would vote on the final proposed budget. He said there will need to be cuts this year to balance the budget.  

Foster care 

In addition to economic initiatives, Dent is also focused on improving the welfare of foster children, a cause that resonates personally with him, as he fostered children for several years.  

He said state data has indicated a rise in fatalities among children in state care since legislative changes concerning parental rights were enacted several years ago.  

"We need to look carefully at the policies that were put in place, as they might not have provided the intended protections," Dent said.  

He said he is working on legislation aimed at refining these regulations to better protect vulnerable children. 

Collaboration  

Looking ahead to a legislative session, Dent emphasized the necessity of collaboration between lawmakers.  

“It all comes down to relationships,” he said. “You can’t get everything you want, but if everyone walks away feeling they contributed, then you’ve done a good job.”