Washington State Legislative Update – Week of  January 20-24, 2025

This week we saw movement on several major legislative issues, including waste management, rental housing, and gun violence prevention.

Waste Management

Recycling reform is poised to dominate the 2025 Washington State Legislature, with several bills at the forefront. HB 1150, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry (D-36) and known as the “Recycling Reform Act,” proposes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to shift recycling costs from consumers to producers. The program would impose fees on producers based on the type and recyclability of their packaging and paper products. The bill garnered strong support during a House Environment & Energy Committee hearing, with 925 individuals and organizations—including Zero Waste Washington, the Washington Education Association, and Climate Solutions—signing in favor. Labor groups like Teamsters JC 28 also backed the bill, citing job creation opportunities. However, opposition was vocal. The Washington Waste & Refuse Association and the Washington Hospitality Association raised concerns, including potential household cost increases of $36–$57 per month, as indicated by studies from New York. Critics also called for a comprehensive needs assessment. HB 1071, sponsored by Rep. Jake Fey (D-27), takes a slower approach, advocating for a needs assessment before advancing recycling reforms. While supported by industry groups, HB 1071 has drawn criticism from environmental organizations that argue immediate action is necessary. These debates follow similar proposals, like the Wrap Act of 2023 and the Re-Wrap Act of 2024.

Next week, the companion bill to HB 1150, SB 5284 sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett, will be heard in the Senate along with the Senate companion bill to Rep. Fey’s competing bill. The following day, another recycling bill that will complement HB 1150/SB 5284 will debut the following day. Considered a comprehensive EPR program and referred to as a bottle bill/recycling refunds/deposit return system, SB 5502 sponsored by Sen. June Robinson will create a deposit return system for aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers similar to the recycling refund system in Oregon. A similar line up of supporters and opposition will be present as seen with the Recycling Reform Act (HB 1150).

Rental Housing

HB 1217, introduced by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34), focuses on rent stabilization and tenant protections. Passed by the House Housing Committee on January 20, the bill:

  • Caps rent and fee increases at 7% annually, prohibiting increases during the first 12 months of tenancy.
  • Requires advanced notice for rent increases and regulates fees, deposits, and lease terminations.
  • Establishes enforcement mechanisms, including lawsuits and actions under the Consumer Protection Act.
  • Directs the Department of Commerce to create a landlord resource center and conduct a social vulnerability assessment on rent stabilization.

The bill passed the committee along party lines, with nine Democrats voting in favor and eight Republicans opposed. Newly elected Rep. Adison Richards (D-26) voted “without recommendation.” A Senate companion bill, SB 5222 (Trudeau, D-27), is also under consideration. Given the 2025 Senate’s potentially less conservative makeup, rent stabilization measures may have better chances of passage compared to 2024.

Gun Violence Prevention

Tackling gun violence remains a priority for majority Democrats, Attorney General Nick Brown, and Governor Bob Ferguson. On January 21, multiple committees reviewed key proposals, including:

  • HB 1163 (Berry, D-36): Enhanced rules for firearm purchasing, transferring, and possession (House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee).
  • HB 1132 (Farivar, D-46): Limits on bulk firearm and ammunition purchases (House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee)
  • HB 1152 (Doglio, D-22): Secure firearm storage requirements (House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee).
  • HB 1386 (Thai, D-41): A tax on firearms, parts, and ammunition (House Finance Committee).
  • SB 5099 (Lovick, D-44): New operational safety requirements for licensed firearms dealers (Senate Law & Justice Committee).

These bills sparked significant opposition, with up to 2,800 Second Amendment advocates signing in to oppose each measure.

Final Legislative Appointments

Final appointments also took place this week. Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34) transitioned to the Senate, with Brianna Thomas (D), a senior advisor to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, filling her House seat. Thomas previously ran unsuccessfully for Seattle City Council twice. Meanwhile, Janice Zahn (D), a Bellevue City Councilmember and Port of Seattle employee, succeeded Rep. Tana Senn (D-41), who now serves as the Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Results Washington

Governor Bob Ferguson announced this week the appointment of former journalist Jesse Jones as the new director of Results Washington, the agency tasked with improving government performance for the people of Washington. Results Washington was established by Governor Jay Inslee in 2013 through Executive Order 13-04 and works with state agencies to set measurable goals, gather performance data, and conduct regular public reviews to enhance efficiency. Jones, a nationally recognized, award-winning investigative reporter, has spent over three decades driving change through results-oriented journalism. His impactful work includes exposing ticket scalping practices, advocating for free credit freezes, and investigating real estate contracts that locked homeowners into decades-long commitments—efforts that contributed to changes in Washington state law.

Important Dates:

  • Monday, January 13 – First Day of Session
  • Friday, February 21 – Policy Committee Cutoff, House of Origin
  • Friday, February 28 – Fiscal Committee Cutoff, House of Origin
  • Wednesday, March 12 – House of Origin Floor Cutoff
  • Wednesday, April 2 – Policy Committee Cutoff, Opposite House
  • Tuesday, April 8 – Fiscal Committee Cutoff, Opposite House
  • Wednesday, April 16 – Opposite House Floor Cutoff
  • Sunday, April 27 – Sine Die

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Brynn Brady

Ceiba Consulting, Inc. | ceibaconsulting.com

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