The 2025 Washington state legislative session begins January 13 for 105 days, ending April 27. This is the first year of a two-year legislative cycle; the 2025-2027 biennium. Significant focus of this session will be the budget as the Washington State Office of Financial Management estimates a revenue shortfall of $10-12 billion.
As of February 4, lawmakers have filed 1,799 bills. Key bills of public health relevance are:
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HB 5030: This bill aims to increase access to education by providing waived fee for obtaining birth certificates to those meeting income requirements. This bill passed through committee last week and heading to Rules.
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HB 1203 & SB 5183: These companion bills are talked about as the ‘Flavor Ban’ bills. It looks like the house bill may be the one to track. If passed this bill protects public health and will reduce funds into the vapor tax account. These bills are also the preferred bills to mov on this topic. I say that as a second flavor bill has been introduced (HB 1534 and SB 5526; not companions). These bills are being talked about a ‘lighter’ more user-friendly option as it does not ban flavors, but rather increases penalties and develops a directory of manufactures and the like. That bill has key behind the scenes voices from industry.
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HB 1531: This bill seeks to proactively re-enforces the role of public health as we confront communicable diseases.
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HB 1459 & SB 5163: These companion bills seek to modernize the child fatality rules. This is the second year for this bill being seen in the legislature.
Mark your calendars, the Washington State Public Health Association is hosting its annual Legislative Education Day on March 6 in Olympia. This is an opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss and advocate for Snohomish County public health priorities.