Concerning state employee access to peer-reviewed journals.

HB 1606 directs the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a study on providing state employees with electronic access to peer-reviewed journals. The study will investigate potential funding, organizational structures, and policy mechanisms to facilitate this access. Its purpose is to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for state agencies that currently face challenges in accessing these academic, scholarly, or scientific publications. The institute must complete and submit the study to relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2026. This section of the act is set to expire on June 30, 2027.