Today is Day 18 of the Legislature’s current 105-day session. Washington Retail is reviewing a growing list of retail-related bills being introduced during the largely remote session.

Various committees are approaching two important deadlines next month. The deadline for committee action regarding a policy matter is February 15 in the house of origin. A similar deadline for fiscal matters is February 22.

Here are highlights of bills on WR’s radar:

• SB 5061, concerning unemployment insurance. WR supports this one-time fix and a thorough review of the state system in 2022.
• HB 1095, business and occupation tax forgiveness during the pandemic. WR supports the bill that the House has passed by a 98-0 vote. It now is under consideration in the Senate.
• SB 5115, health emergency labor standards. WR opposes the statewide bill that would require employers to issue emergency pay during the pandemic. It also would require employers to notify Labor & Industries when a certain percentage of their workforce becomes infected during the pandemic emergency.
• HB 1202, off-duty police. WR has raised concerns about this bill that would make retailers liable in civil lawsuits filed for alleged misconduct by an off-duty police officer hired for security purposes.
• SB 5102, independent medical exams. WR has concerns with this bill. It would limit independent medical examinations in workers’ compensation cases that frequently enable claims adjusters to identify fraudulent and wasteful claims to protect employers from financial hardships.

Washington retail is following developments on numerous retail-related bills. Look for updates each week in this newsletter and a full report for members after the session adjourns in April.