More Than 200 New Washington Laws Take Effect

More than 200 new Washington state laws took effect June 11, 90 days after the close of the legislative session, bringing changes to taxes, elections, housing, schools, sports betting, and more. Some measures passed by lawmakers this year already took effect, while others are set to begin later. New laws now on the books include a new assessment on health insurers to support abortion services, guidance for retailers preparing for a pen- ny shortage, expanded voting protections, and new rules for supportive housing. Senate Bill 6182 creates an assessment on health insurers that offer plans through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The assessment starts at 82 cents per enrollee per month in the first year, then drops to 16.5 cents in following years. Lawmakers said at least 85% of the money collected will go toward Department of Health grants for organizations that provide abortion services. According to the bill, the assessment is expected to raise about $10 million in its first year and approximately $2 million annually after that. Insurers are required to absorb the cost rather than pass it on to customers, unless doing so would risk insolvency or harm consumers. Most Republicans opposed the bill. Another new law addresses the federal government’s decision to stop producing pennies. House Bill 2334 allows, but does not require, retailers to round cash purchases to the nearest nickel. According to the bill, purchases ending in 1, 2, 6 or 7 cents may be rounded down, while those ending in 3, 4, 8 or 9 cents may be rounded up. The law does not apply to credit or debit card transactions. It passed with bipartisan support. Washington lawmakers also approved changes to the state’s Voting Rights Act. House Bill 1710 requires certain jurisdictions with histories of voting discrimination to receive approval from the attorney general before changing voting systems. House Bill 1750 expands protections against election policies that create a “material disparate burden” for protected classes of voters. Both bills passed along party lines, with Democrats in support. House Bill 1916 tightens rules for challenging voter registrations. Challenges must now be filed by someone registered in the same county as the voter being challenged, and challengers must complete additional verification steps. The law also requires county auditors to dismiss improperly filed challenges or those that do not meet legal standards. Knowingly filing false or baseless challenges can result in misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges, according to the bill. Other new laws include House Bill 2165, which makes impersonating a law enforcement officer a gross misdemeanor, and House Bill 2303, which prohibits employers from requiring workers to receive microchip implants. Sports betting rules are also changing. Senate Bill 6137 allows wagers on college sporting events involving in-state universities at tribal casinos. Prop bets on individual athletes from schools such as the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Gonzaga remain prohibited under the bill. The law also makes it a gross misdemeanor to threaten a referee, coach or player because of a wager. Housing was another focus of the session. House Bill 2266 requires local governments to allow tran- sitional housing and permanent supportive housing in residential and hotel development zones with- in urban growth areas. Supporters say the law is in- tended to reduce delays for housing projects serving people experiencing homelessness. Most Republicans opposed the measure. Drivers with autism and other neurodivergent conditions will also have access to a new voluntary blue envelope program through the Department of Licensing. House Bill 2323 allows drivers to use the envelopes to hold documents and provide guidance to law enforcement during traffic stops. The envelopes will include tips for officers and drivers, according to the bill, such as avoiding loud noises, bright lights, or physical contact when possible. In schools, House Bill 1795 restricts the use of student restraint and isolation. Staff may no longer use restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow to the brain, mechanical restraints, or chemical restraints. The law also removes property damage as a justification for restraint and bars schools from building or reconfiguring rooms for student isolation. Another new law, House Bill 2496, requires the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to offer government-to-government consultation with affected tribes within 90 days of receiving applications for certain energy projects. The goal is to address concerns when projects could affect tribal resources, rights or sacred lands, according to the bill.