WR is closely monitoring the bills that have advanced through the legislative process. Each week, we’ll spotlight our weekly “hot list” key legislation that could have the most significant impact on WR members.

Creating an artificial intelligence grant program (HB 1833)
HB 1833 supports small businesses with AI grants for public good. Backed by WR, it’s the only AI-related bill advancing this session. Rep. Keaton (R, 25th LD) successfully moved it through the House, and it received a public hearing in the Senate Energy & Environment Committee and is now awaiting executive action. The outlook on this bill advancing is positive, and updates will follow.
Position: WR supports this bill.
Status: April 1, 2025: Scheduled for executive session at 1:30 PM in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology.

Extended producer responsibility – EPR for packaging (SB 5284)
The proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program faces significant opposition from waste and recycling haulers, who advocate for a needs assessment before full implementation. Recently, costs associated with the program from California have been discussed, with conflicting reports, though proponents plan to move forward with adjustments. The environmental community and several large companies are supporting the measure, viewing it as a more manageable option compared to potentially stricter future legislation. The bill, modeled after Minnesota’s legislation, passed the House Committee on Environment & Energy and will likely receive a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. Its passage remains uncertain.
Position: WR has concerns with this bill.
Status: March 31, 2025: Executive action taken at 1:30 PM in the House Committee on Environment & Energy.

Supporting the servicing and right to repair of certain products with digital electronics in a secure and reliable manner (HB 1483)
The Right to Repair legislation for digital electronics prompted WR to examine what qualifies as a “digital product.” The bill primarily targets devices such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and any electronics containing a microprocessor. Other types of electronic products are unlikely to be covered under this legislation.
Position: WR has concerns with this bill.
Status: April 1, 2025: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM.

Concerning environmental crimes (SB 5360)
This bill raises serious concerns as it would allow lawsuits, both civil and criminal, to be filed against businesses and individuals for minor infractions—such as excessive smoke from a backyard barbecue or painting the bottom of a boat. The broad language of this bill could lead to legal action across numerous industries, including automotive, boating, and home improvement. WR has strongly opposed this bill, voicing concerns to leadership in both the House and Senate. We are actively working to amend or halt the bill entirely. The bill will have far-reaching negative consequences.
Position: WR strongly opposes this bill.
Status: March 31, 2025: Voted out of the House Committee on Environment & Energy.

B&O Surcharge on Large Corporations and Financial Institutions – B&O Tax (HB 2045)
WR opposes HB 2045 unless retail and wholesale sectors are exempt. These sectors are currently subject to the same rate as manufacturing, which is already exempt from the bill. Retailing and wholesaling B&O tax rates have historically been kept low to support these industries, which operate on narrow profit margins but are vital for providing consumers with access to goods. With each new cost, the pressure to cut staff, reduce hours, automate, or close stores grows.

WR opposes any tax increase to the B&O retailing rates of .00471 and the wholesaling rate of .00484.
WR supportsan exemption of retailing and wholesaling from HB 2045.

Position: WR opposes this bill.
Status: April 3, 2025: Scheduled for public hearing at 8:00 AM in the House Committee on Finance.

Repeating Tax Preferences (SB 5794)
WR opposes SB 5794 because it will increase business costs and negatively impact consumers. Retailers depend on a reliable and affordable supply chain that relies on the competitiveness of Washington ports. Taxing cargo movement on ships, trucks, and trains within the state will increase costs for all Washingtonians.

WR is opposed to sections 101 and 701, which would impose a new Public Utility Tax (PUT) of 1.926% on the shipment of interstate goods.
WR is also opposed to sections 102 and 103, which would eliminate the preferential business and occupation (B&O) tax rate on stevedoring services, resulting in an over fivefold tax increase.

Position: WR opposes this bill.
Status: March 31, 2025: Public hearing at 4:00 PM in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

Right to appraisal for auto insurance (SB 5721)
WR’s collision shops are often small business owners who build, close relationships with their customers. Differences in repair appraisal costs are common, and when these differences are within a reasonable range, shop owners and their customers often cover the gap themselves. When the cost discrepancy becomes excessive however, it places an unfair burden on consumers, who may face financial strain. This bill ensures a fairer system for both shop owners and their customers by addressing unreasonable repair cost differences.
Position: WR supports this bill.
Status: April 2, 2025: Scheduled for executive session at 1:30 PM in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business.