The 2023 session of the Legislature convenes on January 9; however, legislators began pre-filing bills for consideration on December 5, thirty days in advance of the session. Bills are often pre-filed in hopes they are scheduled for a hearing early on, while others are simply “statement” bills indicating a legislator’s priorities.
As of December 20, there were 121 bills pre-filed. Notably, Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-20) has filed HB 1011 to repeal the long-term care trust program and payroll tax scheduled to take effect in July 2023.
On December 16, SB 5062, concerning online marketplace consumer protection caused by organized retail crime (commonly referred to as the INFORM act), was introduced by Senator John Lovick (D-44). An impressive group of bi-partisan co-sponsors has signed on as co-sponsors. They include Senator Patty Kuderer (D-48), Senator Curtis King (R-14), Senator Jesse Salomon (D-32), and Senator Shelly Short (R-7).
Finally, we cannot ignore HB 1020, filed on December 8, which would designate the Suciasaurus rex as the official dinosaur of Washington.
WR will continue monitoring pre-file bill introductions. The first week hearing schedule will be released on January 5.
