HB 1517: The wrong approach to digital equity
The Washington Legislature recently held a public hearing on HB 1517, which proposes a $2 tax on smart wireless devices over $250 to fund digital equity programs. While the WR…
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Rulemaking notice: Retail alcohol product placement
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) will be seeking input from businesses, especially retailers, on upcoming rulemaking regarding Retail Alcohol Product Placement. This is critical for retailers to…
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Retail sales slow in January, but economic growth continues
Retail sales dipped in January following a strong holiday season but still showed year-over-year growth, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack…
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Fiscal note inconsistencies in the 2025 session must be addressed
The fiscal note process in the Washington Legislature is intended to estimate a bill’s financial impact on the state budget before a vote. However, in the 2025 session, this process…
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Urgent: Bill threatening retail industry scheduled for executive action – Act Now!
Despite mounting concerns from businesses across the state, HB 1671, focused on consumer data privacy regulation, is scheduled for executive action this Friday, February 14 in the House Technology Committee.…
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Governor Ferguson’s bold start: Prioritizing housing, public safety, and affordability
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is sworn into office by Washington Supreme Court chief justice Debra L. Stephens, right, during a joint legislative session in House chambers at the Washington State…
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ORC Best Practices Report strengthens public-private partnerships
Organized retail crime (ORC) remains a serious challenge, impacting businesses, employees, and communities across Washington. To combat this growing issue, Washington Retail Association (WR), in partnership with Challenge Seattle and…
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