Washington Recycling and Packaging WRAP Act HB 2049
- Focus: Defines ‘producer’ to place manufacturers at the top of the responsibility chart and retailers at a lower position, preventing retailers from paying for packaging and recycling for every item in their inventory.
- Status: In committee waiting for a vote. Facing opposition from many stakeholders; WR expressed concerns that the proposed program is too broad and uncertain to adopt in a short 60-day Session.
Beverage Container Recycling HB 2144
- Features: Similar to Oregon’s long-time program; optional retailer take-back, mandatory redemption kiosks in larger stores.
- Concerns: WR is concerned about kiosk requirement, Department of Ecology potentially biased oversight, and rural infrastructure challenges.
- Status: In committee waiting for a vote.
Artificial Intelligence Bills SB 5838 / HB 1934
- Progress: Senate version heard waiting for a vote; House hearing imminent.
- WR’s Stance: More information is needed before the state begins regulating. Supports retail inclusion in a task force, seeks timeline extension; high-priority concerns. Believe a national solution would be preferrable.
Fast Fashion Bills SB 5965 / HB 2068
- Objective: Regulate fashion industry for supply chain transparency.
- Opposition: WR strongly against, citing overreach and problematic global supplier obligations. Better served to debate at the federal level.
- Status: Both bills heard, awaiting votes.
Personnel Records Bill SB 5924
- Issue: Broad personnel records’ definition, inclusion of Private Right of Action (PRA).
- WR’s Action: Testified against, collaborating to address concerns.
- Status: Waiting for a vote.
Retail Career Grant Program SB 5958
- Objective: Promote micro-credentialing opportunities in retail through college grants.
- WR’s Position: Strong support, aligns with workforce initiative.
- Status: Hearing held, awaiting a vote.
Gift Certificates as Unclaimed Property HB 2095 / SB 5988
- Objective: Unused gift card balances remitted to State after three years.
- Concerns: Privacy issues, operational challenges; WR actively opposing.
- Status: Hearings held – awaiting votes.
Consumer Protection on Gift Certificates HB 2094 / SB 5987
- Proposed: Increase ‘cash-back’ limit, assign cash value to loyalty rewards, payment flexibility.
- WR’s Action: Actively engaged, sharing concerns in coalition.
- Status: Hearings held – awaiting votes.
