SB 6330 prohibits the use, sale, distribution, application, or handling of paraquat (a herbicide) for all agricultural or commercial purposes in Washington State, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects agricultural workers, pesticide handlers, and rural communities who would no longer be exposed to paraquat in standard farming operations. The bill allows limited exceptions only for research conducted under strict safety protocols and reporting requirements approved by the state director. This law aims to reduce preventable exposure to paraquat while supporting the transition to alternative weed management practices.
HB 2415 requires Washington's Department of Social and Health Services to investigate unexpected deaths of residents in state-run facilities (including hospitals, residential habilitation centers, and state-operated living alternatives). It mandates a review team with relevant expertise to examine each case, develop safety recommendations, and issue a public report within 120 days, including details on prior abuse/neglect reports if applicable. The department must also create and post a corrective action plan addressing review findings online within 120 days. This applies to all facilities operated by the department providing residential or inpatient care, with strict confidentiality protections for the review process itself.
HB 2688 adjusts Washington's funding mechanism for the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program, which provides early intervention services to children with disabilities from birth to age three. The bill changes how state funds are calculated, using the annual average count of eligible children multiplied by a statewide allocation formula based on school enrollment (with a 1.20 multiplier). It clarifies that federal Part C funds must follow "payor of last resort" rules and specifies these services are not part of the state's basic education program. The bill directly affects eligible children, early intervention providers, and county agencies administering these services.
HB 2549 requires Washington school districts to create cardiac emergency response plans for all schools and athletic facilities starting in the 2026-27 school year. These plans must include designated response teams (staff, coaches, nurses), AED placement within three minutes of cardiac arrest, annual staff training per American Heart Association guidelines, and coordination with local emergency services. Schools must update plans yearly and ensure AEDs are accessible, unlocked, and maintained. The law directly affects all public school districts and athletic facilities in Washington State.
HB 2279 requires Washington's Department of Agriculture to evaluate the use of PFAS chemicals (known as "forever chemicals") in agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. By December 2026, the department must establish criteria to assess these chemicals, and starting in December 2027, it will review new fertilizer and pesticide registrations against these standards. Products containing PFAS that fail to meet the criteria may be refused or canceled for registration. This directly affects fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers, as well as farmers who rely on these agricultural products. The bill does not ban PFAS outright but creates a new review process for future product registrations.
HB 2667 requires businesses deploying "high-risk" AI systems (those making consequential decisions like hiring, loans, housing, or healthcare access) to protect consumers from algorithmic discrimination starting July 1, 2027. It mandates annual reviews of these systems to prevent unfair outcomes and establishes a rebuttable presumption of reasonable care if deployers comply with the law. The bill defines key terms like "algorithmic discrimination" and "consequential decision" to clarify which AI uses are regulated. This directly affects companies operating in Washington that use AI for high-stakes consumer decisions, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection.
This bill requires Washington's Department of Social and Health Services to include estimated costs for the individual and family services waiver program in the state's maintenance level budgets starting with the 2026 budget proposal. It directly affects people with developmental disabilities who are waiting for waiver-funded services by mandating annual budget requests for these costs. The key mechanism shifts how these services are funded, requiring the department to submit annual budget requests for waiver expenditures within existing appropriations, rather than seeking separate funding. This change aims to eliminate waitlists by ensuring consistent budgeting for the program. The bill amends existing law to implement this budgeting process.
HB 2359 modifies Washington state law to change how a 0.1% sales tax revenue can be used for affordable housing and related services. It requires at least 60% of the funds to be spent on building or maintaining housing for low-income residents (at or below 60% of county median income), including veterans, the homeless, and people with disabilities, or on behavioral health facilities. The bill also mandates that 15% of new housing units must be reserved for people living near the facility, and allows local governments to use bonds and interlocal agreements to finance these projects. This law affects counties and cities that impose the tax, directing funds toward specific housing and services while ensuring community-focused allocation.
SB 6060 amends Washington State's social worker licensure rules to modify supervised experience requirements for three license types: Licensed Advanced Social Worker, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. It specifies detailed hour requirements for direct client contact (e.g., 1,000+ hours for clinical licenses), direct supervision (e.g., 100+ hours one-on-one), and supervising professional qualifications. The bill also adds an option for clinical license applicants to use enhanced supervision instead of passing an exam, subject to supervisor attestation. These changes directly affect social workers completing training in Washington seeking state licensure. The bill is currently in committee referral after being prefaced in January 2026.
SB 6059 creates a new Washington State Board of Governors for Licensed Social Workers, directly affecting licensed social workers and the public they serve. The bill establishes a seven-member board appointed by the governor - four licensed independent clinical social workers, two advanced social workers, and one public member - to oversee professional regulation, set standards, and handle disciplinary matters. Key provisions include requiring members to have active practice experience, ensuring public accountability through specific membership restrictions, and mandating a three-year transition period for implementation. The board will develop rules, manage licensing, and strengthen oversight of social work practice, separate from other behavioral health professions.
