Today is day 11 of the Legislature’s current 60-day session. WR is reviewing a growing list of retail-related bills being introduced during the largely remote session.

HB 1614 and SB 5533, addressing online marketplace consumer product theft and safety. WR supports this high-priority legislation. Mark Johnson provided testimony on HB 1614 and WR launched a campaign calling on advocates to contact their legislators and encourage them to support this legislation.

HB 1732 and HB 1733, concerning the Long-Term Care Act. WR supports both bills which would delay the implementation of the long-term services and supports trust program by 18 months, and establish voluntary exemptions to the long-term services and supports trust program for certain populations.

SB 5697, The RENEW Act, concerning plastic packaging and purposed to renew Washington’s recycling system and reduce waste. WR has concerns about this bill and its timeline for implementation. A stakeholder meeting was held on Monday, January 17.

SB 5062 and HB 1850, Concerning the management, oversight, and use of consumer data. WR supports 5062 but has concerns with 1850 which contains a private right of action.

HB 1656 would modify the definition of theft by adding the term concealment. This bill has been around for several years now and WR has been supporting this very vigorously. This bill will be heard tomorrow, Friday, January 21, and WR is asking members to help testify or invite their loss prevention agents to this hearing to make a good showing.