The risks of privatizing labor law enforcement through private rights of action
Washington State’s Legislature is increasingly relying on Private Rights of Action (PRAs) to shift the enforcement of labor laws from state agencies […]
Public safety remains a legislative priority
Public safety continues to be a top priority for both the Legislature and the Governor, as demonstrated by the progress of key […]
WR joins call to Congress to permanently extend pro-growth tax reforms
WR has joined nearly 500 state and local chambers and national trade associations in urging Congress to make key provisions of the […]
WA pay transparency law faces legal challenges and proposed amendments
Washington’s pay transparency law, designed to close the gender wage gap by requiring salary ranges in job postings, is at the center […]
Washington Retail meets with Senate Majority Leader
Left to right: WR Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, Mark Johnson, Senator Jamie Pedersen (D-43, Seattle), Senate Majority Leader, […]
Clothing & textile bills unlikely to advance this session
During the 2025 session, the legislature considered two bills focused on clothing and textiles. HB 1107, known as the “Fast Fashion” supply chain […]
New battery stewardship rule: Public meeting & comment opportunity
The Washington State Department of Ecology is developing the Battery Stewardship Program Rule (Chapter 173-905 WAC) to implement Chapter 70A.555 RCW, which […]
Washington lawmakers push for tougher penalties on organized retail theft
Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28, Pierce County) testifies on HB 1276 Washington state is taking a tougher stance against organized retail theft with […]
Retail roots, community impact: The Panowicz family’s legacy of giving
The Panowicz family is one of three recipients of the Thurston Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Leader Award. Anton and Madge Panowicz, founders […]
Addressing ORC and public safety with Senate Law & Justice Chair
WR Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, Mark Johnson and Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45, Redmond), Chair of the Law & […]
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addresses past arrest, cites racial profiling
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently spoke about a 1996 arrest in Iowa, which he says was the result of racial profiling. At […]
Washington Retail Association Board of Directors convenes in Olympia – February 13, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson with WR staff and board members. The Washington Retail Association (WR) held its Winter Legislative Board of Directors meeting […]