Fifteen WA bills enacted in the new year

OLYMPIA – At the beginning of 2025, a suite of fifteen Washington bills became law, transforming key areas from health care to workers’ rights, to cosmetics.  

These include stricter legislative guidelines for the publication and distribution of voter pamphlets.  Access to HIV medications and treatments is now increased, alongside regulatory reforms for physician assistants and restrictions on mandatory overtime for health care workers.  

The Columbia Basin Herald will be releasing stories on each of these bills and their local impacts in the coming weeks.  

Voters pamphlet  

House Bill 1272, concerning the publishing and distribution of state and local voters' pamphlets, was created with the goal of enhancing transparency in state elections. The law introduces content restrictions for candidate statements and arguments related to ballot measures. Additionally, the maximum fine for distributing deceptive campaign materials has increased, reaching $5 per copy or $10,000, whichever is greater. Candidate statements will be limited to personal plans and goals, without solicitation for contributions. Visual aids like graphs and photographs will be prohibited in arguments for or against measures. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill1272 

Health care 

Senate Bill 6127 increases access to human immunodeficiency virus drugs and therapies. The law mandates that hospitals provide a 5-day supply of PEP medication to patients who demonstrate potential exposure to HIV. To be effective, PEP must be initiated within 72 hours after exposure. The law prohibits health plans and Medicaid from imposing out-of-pocket costs or prior authorization requirements for at least one prescribed PEP medication. Additionally, it allows for the pre-packaging and distribution of PEP by hospital staff when patients are discharged from the emergency department, ensuring immediate access. By aligning with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the law aims to enhance responses to potential HIV exposure, lower barriers to treatment and reduce new HIV infections. Read the bill here: bit.ly/SenateBill6127 

HB 2041 updates regulations surrounding physician assistants by establishing new guidelines for collaboration agreements with doctors. Current regulations require PAs to operate under practice agreements, but this bill permits more flexible collaborative relationships, according to the legislature. Under the new law, collaboration agreements must outline the roles and responsibilities of both parties and maintain protocols for communication and decision-making, particularly in emergencies. Notably, PAs with more than 4,000 hours of clinical experience may practice with greater autonomy. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2041 

HB 2061 seeks to clarify the definition of "employee" within mandatory overtime provisions at health care facilities in Washington. This law is intended by authors to protect health care workers directly involved in patient care from being forced to work overtime hours. Under the law, an “employee” is defined as anyone working at a health care facility who provides direct patient care or clinical services, earns an hourly wage or is part of a collective bargaining agreement. This encompasses positions such as nurses, surgical technologists, respiratory practitioners and nursing assistants. Health care facilities, including hospitals, hospices and correctional health services, are prohibited from mandating overtime, except in emergencies. Violations of this provision may result in the Department of Labor and Industries imposing fines from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2061 

Worker protections 

HB1542 requires automated external defibrillators be readily accessible when employees operate, maintain or construct high-voltage infrastructure, or when tree trimming is performed near these lines. Under the existing Washington Industrial Health and Safety Act, employers must ensure workers are adequately trained in first aid and CPR when working around energized equipment. However, this new law requires employers not only to provide AEDs but also to maintain and regularly inspect them to ensure functionality. Specifically, if two or more employees are working near high voltage lines—defined as having a voltage of 601 volts or greater—an AED must be available and at least two workers at each site must be trained to use it. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill1542 

HB 2127 provides Workers' Compensation incentives for injured staff to return to work. At the request of the Department of Labor & Industries, the law modifies several programs. Key changes include increased reimbursements for employers participating in the Stay at Work Program and the Preferred Worker Program, elevating subsidies from $10,000 to $25,000 for employee wages over 120 workdays. The law allows L&I to fund basic skills training for injured workers before establishing a vocational retraining plan. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2127 

SB 5793 updates Washington's Paid Sick Leave Law, enacted in 2016. The bill allows employees and transportation network company drivers to utilize paid sick leave when their child's school or place of care is closed for declared public emergencies. The bill expands the definition of "family member," permitting employees to take leave to care for individuals who regularly reside in their home and have an expectation of care, as well as a child's spouse. The goal is to ensure Washingtonians can care for loved ones without the fear of losing income. Read the bill here: bit.ly/SenateBill5793 

HB 2022 seeks to enhance safety measures surrounding the operation and assembly of tower cranes at construction sites. The legislation mandates that prime contractors obtain a special permit before engaging in any crane-related activities, including assembly and disassembly. Key requirements of the law include a safety permit conference, where safety representatives, crane operators and project managers assess potential risks. Contractors must also adhere to a strict inspection protocol, ensuring that cranes are certified before use. Any violations can lead to criminal penalties for employers who fail to comply with the outlined safety standards. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2022  

Hope Cards 

HB 1766 the Administrative Office of the Courts will roll out a system to issue "Hope Cards," which are compact, durable cards displaying information about protection orders — such as the protected person's and the restrained person's details, the issuance and expiration dates, and specific restrictions. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of protection orders for individuals facing domestic violence and other threats. The initiative follows the lead of several states, including Oregon and Illinois, which have implemented similar programs. Individuals with protection orders can request Hope Cards from the court for free. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill1766 

Road safety 

HB 1112 is aimed at protecting vulnerable road users. The bill established "Negligent Driving with a Vulnerable User Victim" in the first degree. This measure defines a new offense for drivers whose negligent behavior results in the death of individuals such as pedestrians, cyclists or those riding an animal. Under the new law, drivers face serious consequences for operating a vehicle recklessly. If found guilty, offenders face a gross misdemeanor charge, which could result in up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and a 90-day suspension of their driver's license. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill1112

Diversion Cash Assistance 

HB 2415 increases the amount of Diversion Cash Assistance from $1,500 to $2,000. DAC provides brief emergency assistance for families in crisis. DCA is an alternative to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It can be used for childcare, housing, transportation, food, medical costs or employment-related expenses to keep or obtain paid unsubsidized employment. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2415 

Inmate IDs 

HB 2099 requires that individuals in the custody of state hospitals or the Department of Corrections possess valid state identification cards prior to release. The legislation mandates DOC and state hospitals create a process to ensure consenting individuals receive an identification card issued by the Department of Licensing. Under the bill, the DOC must cover application fees, provide photographs and collect signatures from individuals preparing for discharge. Individuals can request that their photo not be a mugshot, so it does not reflect their incarceration status. Additionally, both Eastern and Western State Hospitals must ensure patients have ID prior to release, following similar procedures. County and multijurisdictional jails are also required to establish support processes for individuals seeking to obtain ID. Read the bill here: bit.ly/HouseBill2099 

Licensing for minors 

SB 5800 streamlines the application process for minors to obtain IDs. This initiative introduces the term "responsible adult" to the list of individuals who can sign applications for intermediate driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements for minors. An intermediate driver's license allows teens to drive with specific restrictions, provided they meet certain conditions, including age and experience requirements. Minors can also have applications signed by responsible adults, broadening the support structure beyond parents or guardians. Additionally, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for "at-cost" IDs, which are discounted identification cards available for those receiving public assistance. Those in the Women, Infants, and Children program will now also qualify for these IDs. Read the bill here: bit.ly/SenateBill5800 

Hate crimes 

SB 5427 aims to support individuals affected by hate crimes by establishing a dedicated reporting hotline and creating a compensation program. The bill mandates the Washington Attorney General's Office to oversee a statewide hotline that operates during business hours. It will begin in Clark, King and Spokane counties, expanding statewide by 2027. The hotline will offer culturally competent and trauma-informed assistance, ensuring access for residents regardless of language proficiency. When a hate crime or bias incident is reported, the hotline will inquire whether the individual has contacted law enforcement. If the victim consents, information will be shared with local authorities while maintaining anonymity. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to assist with the hotline's design and operational objectives. Read the bill here: bit.ly/SenateBill5427 

Cosmetic & animals 

House Bill 1097 makes it unlawful for manufacturers to sell cosmetics that are manufactured using cosmetic animal testing. This makes Washington the 12th state to pass a ban on selling cosmetics tested on animals. This law imposes fines of up to $5,000 per violation to increase consumer protection and address ethical concerns surrounding animal testing. Under the new legislation, "cosmetic" refers to products applied to the human body for cleanliness or aesthetic enhancement, while "cosmetic animal testing" involves applying or exposing these products to vertebrates. Read the bill here:  bit.ly/HouseBill1097