Last week, WR’s Senior VP of Policy and Government Affairs, Mark Johnson, delivered a presentation at the Renton Chamber of Commerce. Johnson provided insights into the 2024 Legislature’s outcomes and their implications for retailers and employers.
The meeting, held at Merrill Gardens Senior Living, drew a substantial turnout, with participation from both small business owners and major corporations. It marked the group’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic. Additionally, representatives from the Boeing Company, which maintains a significant presence in Renton through its 737 Aircraft Assembly Plant, addressed the attendees.
Johnson outlined WR’s priorities entering the legislative session, discussed unexpected developments, highlighted key outcomes, and offered projections for the upcoming 2025 Session.
Notably, issues concerning worker and public safety, retail theft, and organized retail crime remained prominent for retailers. The passage of Initiative-2113, which enables law enforcement to pursue property criminals with appropriate training and authority, garnered strong bipartisan support, albeit surprisingly.
A novel focus on artificial intelligence (AI) development, usage, and regulation emerged this year. The Legislature ultimately sanctioned a comprehensive review of AI-related matters under the purview of the Attorney General’s office.
Among the potentially detrimental proposals were a series of gift card regulations aimed at restricting or abolishing gift card sales in Washington state. These ill-conceived measures would have compelled retailers to remit unused gift cards to the state and gather and furnish personal information on gift card purchasers. Fortunately, a broad coalition, spearheaded by WR, successfully thwarted these detrimental initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2025, WR anticipates revisiting the gift card legislation and intends to introduce comprehensive safety measures, combat retail theft and organized retail crime through potentially consolidating legislation. Additionally, the agenda may encompass packaging recycling, supply chain transparency (“Fast Fashion”), a cell phone tax, unemployment insurance for striking workers, a property tax hike, and further AI regulations.
WR expresses gratitude to Diane Dobson, CEO of the Renton Chamber, for extending the invitation to engage with the chamber. Learn more at https://www.gorenton.com/.
