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The legislative session ended on April 4 and that tallied the official count of 89 days that the Idaho Legislature was in session. Leadership had aimed for March 21 as the going-home date but had several loose ends to tie up before adjourning Sine Die.

 

Legislative Environment: The Senate had 29 Republicans and 6 Democrats; and in the House there were 61 Republicans and 9 Democrats. There were new leadership teams in both bodies. Senator Kelly Arthur Anthon was elected to President Pro Tempore and was joined by Senator Lori Den Hartog as Majority Leader, Senator Mark Harris as Assistant Majority Leader, and Senator Ben Toews as Majority Caucus Chair. In the House, Representative Mike Moyle retained his position as Speaker of the House and was joined by Majority Leader Jason Monks, Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, and Majority Caucus Chair Jaron Crane. The Legislature passed a FY 2026 General Fund budget of $5.62 billion, which is an increase of 6.8% over the current year. This budget begins July 1, 2025, and has a projected ending balance of $439.9 million.

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For the fourth year in a row, the Legislature made a significant investment from the General Fund for roads and bridges; the amount for next fiscal year is $275 million. Other major infrastructure investments included $30 million for surface and ground water management and $10 million for water infrastructure grants. Additionally, the Legislature ensured that the primary rainy-day fund for general government is at its statutory maximum. Approximately 2,969 pieces of draft legislation were written. 1,036 of those drafts became rses with an additional 342 changes, amendments, and engrossments, of which over 75% were introduced as bills, resolutions, memorials, or proclamations.

 

Brand Bill Fee Update: One of the biggest changes a producer will notice when they go to sell cattle, likely after the beginning of 2026 will be a change in the Idaho Brand Board fees. Due to the passage of S1016, the board can raise the fees up to a maximum of $1.50 from $1.25. However, it cannot be raised more than $.10 in one year. The raise must be based on feedback and input from stakeholders that include the Idaho Cattle Association, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Livestock Marketing Association, and Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. The Idaho Brand Board has been in the red for the last two years and stakeholders sat  around the table for quite a few months discussing how to resuscitate the board from the current financial  shortfall but after many questions and long meetings it was decided that the need for the board was larger than  removing the board and that it was time to move up the fee to keep the board in the black. I have been able to learn about the leadership of the brand board and truly feel that they are making some of the most conservative decisions of any Idaho agency out there. They purchase two-wheel drive pickups and drive them until the used car store doesn’t want to buy them. Additionally, they have been hamstrung by trying to be competitive with wages and the fuel that is needed to run through the pickups. Overall, this was a needed move to keep a relevant and solvent brand board operating in Idaho.  

 

Depredations: S1012 introduced by Senator Van Burtenshaw from Eastern Idaho provides an appeal option for individuals experiencing depredation from wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions. Currently, when an individual suffers loss, they must call APHIS-Wildlife Services, a division within a federal department, and have an investigator come to inspect the injured or dead animal. Wildlife Services follows a grading system of confirmed, probable, possible, or unknown and generally only observe the body. An individual can only receive compensation from federal government grants if the depredation is confirmed and state funding from wolf and grizzly bear loss when the depredation is confirmed or probable. Confirmed depredation is also a statistic to determine control of wildlife areas throughout the state. In its current form, once this single federal investigator makes a determination, that is the end of it. This bill would create an appeals board where three experts look at all the evidence and reconsider the determination of the initial federal investigator. This reconsideration would also assist the state in determining where control efforts should be prioritized. This board will not spend money. They review all evidence and make a determination. Having a closed-door meeting will help protect the identities and locations of those who are appealing and all involved in the appeals process. Money an individual receives is still public information and will continue to be. H82 simply clarifies that possible claims from livestock producers can receive compensation for animals that have been lost to wolves and grizzly bears.

 

There is another rung on the ladder below possible and that is unknown.  Unknown results could be deaths from pneumonia or bloat. However, if it falls in the possible category there is a likelihood that the animal was taken by a predator based on the investigation. During this past year, there was a high volume of investigations that resulted in possible determinations. This legislation would allow those producers to have an opportunity to receive funding for their losses after payments are made for confirmed and probable. 

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Buildings: H104 provides a singular and uniform definition for “agricultural buildings” across all local jurisdictions. The definition of agricultural buildings includes livestock shelters or buildings, barns, storage & maintenance structures for equipment & machinery, horticulture structures, grain silos & more. Essentially it includes any structure designed, constructed, & intended to house, accommodate, or store farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products. The legislation outlines what the definition of "agricultural buildings" does not include such as places of habitation, processing facilities, and a place used by the public. H104 also restricts counties from changing or restricting exemption by imposing size limits on agricultural buildings, setting maximum exit distances and requiring automatic sprinkler systems. H104 passed both bodies and was signed by the Governor. 

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Commission Funding: S1054 and H173 were bills that pursued this session to increase commission assessments in Idaho. Two commissions approached the legislature this year requesting increases in assessments. The reasoning for both was a reduction in production acres and length of time since the assessment had been adjusted. The Idaho Bean Commission requested an increase to $.08 for the grower and $.08 from the dealer with a ceiling of $.24. The increase required a majority vote from bean producers in the state. The Idaho Alfalfa and Clover Seed Commission requested an increase with a ceiling set at $.01/per pound of cleaned seed. The commission will determine the new assessment rate within this range for the 2025 growing season. The IACSC legislation also added a faculty representative to the commission from U of I CALS. The legislation also removed the word substantial as it related to the income a producer may receive in their operation from raising alfalfa or clover seed. 

Administrative Rules: There continues to be an interplay between the executive branch and legislative branch regarding administrative rules. We saw at least four pieces of legislation introduced that would have changed how the legislature can reject rules; the timeline on rule expirations; or the substance behind different types of rules. Most of the bills were opposed and none of the bills found the finish line. S1076 sought to redefine how temporary rules are treated under Idaho Code. H223 would have allowed both bodies to reject a final rule and then H217 and H218 would have dealt with the mandatory expiration or sunset of rules. 

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Foreign Land Ownership: There was an array of foreign land ownership bills that were introduced during the past legislative session. The final version of the bill that passed both bodies expands on current code where foreign governments and adversaries are prohibited from purchasing any Idaho forest land, in addition to the prohibition in purchasing agricultural land, water rights, mining claims or mineral rights. Any foreign adversary is also under the same prohibitions, but under h356a, the foreign adversary that owns any of these agricultural lands, mining claims or mineral rights must sell within 180 days of notice. Foreign adversary is defined under the Code of Federal Regulations.

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If they do not sell, the land or mining claims or mineral rights will be sold by judicial foreclosure. Also, no foreign adversary may purchase or lease any property within certain geographic boundaries to establish secure military operations areas. 

 

Immigration: Several bills were introduced this past session dealing with immigration enforcement. The main bill that passed that agriculture had a hand in working on was h83a. This legislation prohibits illegal entry into, or illegal presence in this state, by a person who is an alien. Law Enforcement Officers may enforce this section only when a person is detained or investigated for suspected commission of an independent crime and authorizes under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions. H83a will help protect Idaho citizens and their property by empowering local law enforcement to investigate and detain persons who are committing significant crimes in Idaho while also lacking authorization to be in the United States.

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Upon receiving a signature from the Governor, the ACLU of Idaho sued to prevent the bill’s enforcement. It is still in the court system now. Additionally, during the session there was a mandatory E-Verify bill that was printed that would have required a business to verify each new hire’s legal employment status. The bill sat in the drawer and never received a hearing in House State Affairs.  

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Right To Farm: Idaho’s Right to Farm Act has long recognized agriculture as a cornerstone of our state’s economy and way of life, providing protections for lawfully conducted farming and ranching operations.  However, it previously lacked practical tools to discourage frivolous lawsuits and repeated meritless complaints. S1033 strengthens the statute by allowing agricultural operators to recover attorney’s fees if they prevail in nuisance lawsuits filed against their lawfully conducted operations. In addition, it establishes a fine and penalty structure for individuals who repeatedly file meritless complaints with state or local agencies:

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• Second meritless complaint within two years: $150 infraction 

• Third meritless complaint within two years: $300 infraction 

• Fourth or subsequent meritless complaint within two years: Classified as a misdemeanor 

 

Water Funding: H445 allocates $30 million in ongoing funding for water infrastructure projects through the Idaho Department of Water Resources, along with additional staff and operational support. To ensure fair distribution, no more than 50% of the funding can be used in a single district. The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) will manage these funds to help sustain the state's water resources, which are increasingly strained due to growth across Idaho. The funding will also support the success of the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan and provide Idaho farmers with greater certainty about their future water needs. 

IWRRI Funding: S1209, the Higher Education Budget, allocates $1 million to the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI), an independent research institution that supports informed water policy and decision-making. Due to a lack of funding, the institute has seen limited activity over the past decade, and this renewed investment will help revitalize its critical role in addressing Idaho’s water challenges. 

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WQPA Funding: S1150 provides $1 million in funding to the Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission for the Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA). This program supports a wide range of conservation efforts, including improving irrigation efficiency, implementing best management practices for livestock, and stabilizing streambanks. Applications for funding are open through May 15. 

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Domestic Use/Well Exemption: S1083a amends several code sections related to Idaho’s domestic use exemption and water use in subdivisions. The bill allows multiple domestic exempt uses to divert from a single well for in-home purposes, helping to reduce the number of wells. It also limits the domestic exemption to in home and livestock use in areas where the aquifer has been designated as a groundwater management area, critical groundwater area, or moratorium area. Additionally, the bill creates a more efficient method to ensure compliance with the domestic use exemption and updates local government planning provisions regarding water users in subdivisions. These changes aim to better manage water resources while addressing the growing concerns over domestic exempt wells. Idaho has seen a dramatic increase in domestic exempt wells with over 55,000 since 2004—equating to more than 27,500 acres of unregulated irrigation. 

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APA Changes: In 2024, the Idaho Legislature passed the Agricultural Protection Area (APA) Act, allowing landowners with at least five acres of actively farmed or forested land to apply for a 20-year APA designation. 

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This designation was created to help preserve working lands and protect them from conflicting land uses.  S1133aa builds on that foundation by clarifying that eligible landowners may apply for APA status regardless of whether their property lies inside or outside a city area of impact—resolving a key issue that had prevented some from applying under early county ordinances. The bill also ensures that application and amendment fees cannot exceed administrative costs, confirms that APA designations do not require a rezone or comprehensive plan amendment, and states that an APA remains in place unless voluntarily changed or expired. Other updates clarify that APA designations won’t trigger land use map changes and restrict non-agricultural uses unless they contribute directly to the agricultural operation. 

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This review is provided by Association Management Group (Waitley Associates, Batt Associates, LP Associates & Agriculture, and Rooks Associates).  https://www.amgidaho.com/

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OREGON

 

The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session adjourned sine die at 11:15pm on Friday, June 27th and will be remembered as one of the most chaotic and directionless sessions in recent memory. Nearly 4,000 bills were introduced—creating legislative gridlock, policy whiplash, and confusion for stakeholders navigating an increasingly unpredictable policymaking environment.
 

Despite holding supermajorities, Democratic leaders failed to advance key priorities or maintain internal alignment. The breakdown was most apparent in the collapse of a proposed statewide transportation funding package in the final hours. Leadership, with help from the Governor, tried to revive transportation investments but could not overcome a significant political divide during final hours of the session. Governor Tina Kotek is expected to call a special session to try again— meaning this session is “over,” but the work is not.

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Oregon’s Core Systems Under Strain

Beyond the session’s procedural dysfunction, a more troubling narrative emerged: Oregon’s core systems are no longer functioning as intended. The state’s foundational institutions—education, healthcare, transportation, behavioral health, and more—are showing signs of systemic failure. These failures are not abstract—they are having real consequences for businesses, workers, and vulnerable populations and the Legislature has struggled to provide more than piecemeal fixes.

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Revenue Forecast and State Budget: A Tightrope Walk

Oregon’s fiscal outlook for 2025–27 has become increasingly uncertain. The May 2025 Revenue Forecast showed a potential decline in future personal income tax revenues and a smaller-than-expected ending balance from the previous biennium. Oregon’s population is aging and high-income earners are leaving the state, adding to the revenue and economic uncertainty.  Beyond revenue fluctuations, the core challenge is rising government costs as inflation has pushed up costs for providing services. Nevertheless, Oregon’s budget has more than doubled in the past decade growing from approximately $16 billion in the 2013-2015 biennium to now over $37 billion. And yet, the legislature spent countless hours looking for new sources of revenue to cover basic government services like wildfire suppression, behavioral health, and road maintenance. 

Additionally, major structural risks cloud Oregon’s long-term outlook including wealth migration, manufacturing slowdown, and federal budget risk and uncertainty.  

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Labor and Employment: SB 916

In a headline-grabbing move, the Legislature passed SB 916 allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits—making Oregon one of the few states to do so. While labor unions cheered, business groups, school districts and other public employers warned of skyrocketing costs and other unintended consequences.

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Transportation and Infrastructure: Talk, But No Roadmap

Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems are visibly deteriorating, and local governments are grappling with growing maintenance backlogs and limited resources. Despite broad recognition of the problem, the Legislature once again failed to produce a comprehensive, forward-looking infrastructure plan. Moving forward, Oregon urgently needs a transportation funding strategy that creatively bridges the interests of diverse—and often competing—stakeholders, while delivering sustainable and long-term solutions for the state’s infrastructure challenges. In order to be successful, as was demonstrated throughout session, delivering on a successful transportation plan will require better stakeholder collaboration and bipartisan leadership.

 

Utilities and Energy: Ratepayer Revolt

Widespread public backlash over investor-owned utility rate hikes pushed lawmakers to adopt transparency and accountability measures. While some modest reforms were enacted, more significant structural changes—such as those related to mandated “clean energy” procurement and other cost drivers—were deferred, highlighting the Legislature’s reluctance to confront complex challenges directly.

 

Climate Policy: Cap-and-Trade Revived—From the Right

As part of transportation package talks, Republican lawmakers proposed a simpler cap-and-trade system to replace Oregon’s complex Climate Protection Program (CPP) and fund infrastructure. The plan would allocate revenue generated from the sale of emissions allowances to roads and bridges. Supporters praised its regulatory clarity and funding potential, while opponents worried about weaker climate targets and regulatory disruption.

The proposal quickly stalled amid political divisions but indicated growing bipartisan interest in joining a regional cap-and-trade market. The debate will continue, with its future tied to how lawmakers address the CPP and transportation funding challenges.

 

Conclusion: Systems Under Strain

The 2025 legislative session revealed deep structural challenges within Oregon’s government. While lawmakers struggled to find a clear strategy, the session highlighted the urgent need for focused leadership to address the state’s pressing problems.

Beneath the surface chaos, Oregon’s key public systems are under strain. This internal fragility is compounded by external pressures: an exodus of high-income earners and employers, a slowing manufacturing sector, and uncertainty over federal funding.  At the same time, the cost of running state government continues to rise faster than inflation, underscoring the importance of pursuing sustainable fiscal policies. With looming federal funding cuts and transportation funding needs, there’s a high probability that the Governor will be calling the legislature back into a Special Session this summer or early this fall. More to come. 

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Bill highlights from the session:

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Ag Labor - HB 2548 (Passed): In the final hours, the legislature passed a bill to fund an ag labor study.  As you may recall, the original bill would have established an ag labor relations board that could establish workplace standards and compensation for ag labor.  In its place, the amendment requires the Center for Public Service at Portland State University (PSU), in coordination with Oregon State University (OSU), to conduct a study that examines the labor standards and working experiences of farmworkers in Oregon and evaluate the adequacy and availability of existing workplace protections. While this is a much better outcome than passing the underlying bill, it will likely generate future issues around ag labor standards after the study is finalized December 1, 2026.  

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Groundwater Quality - SB 1154 (Passed): The Governor’s groundwater management bill passed in the last days of the session. Food Northwest helped negotiate the final bill that stripped out many problematic provisions and focused the bill on processes for future groundwater management designations without impacting the LUBGWMA.

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Wildfire Funding - HB 3940 (Passed): The measure raises new revenue from a nicotine tax and moves interest from the “Rainy Day” fund to pay for wildfire costs. In addition, the bill increases the forest harvest tax and applies the new funds to offset and relieve rural landowners from increasing wildfire assessments. 

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Food and Beverage Competitiveness - HB 2689 (Failed): The bill was designed to study barriers to growing food and beverage businesses in Oregon and also provide critical funding to support a domestic trade program for our food and beverage products. Unfortunately, due to the constrained budget climate, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means did not allocate the necessary funding for this work.

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FISH and CHIPS - HB 2322 (Failed): The Oregon Fostering Innovation and Strength at Home (FISH) would have redirected $15 million of state CHIPS (FISH and CHIPS) and broadened eligibility for grant funding to include all of Oregon’s targeted industries, not just semiconductors. These include, but are not limited to: metals and machinery, business services, food and beverage, forestry and wood products, high technology, outdoor gear and apparel, and bioscience. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass through the Senate, but we are working on what’s next for this economic development incentive since there may be $15 million set aside for this work.

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Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers – SB 916 (Passed): Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, SB 916 passed which will require paying striking workers unemployment insurance for up to 10-weeks. The bill had bipartisan opposition but ultimately passed.

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Industrial Land - HB 2411(Passed): The legislature passed HB 2411 which authorizes Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) to provide financial assistance from the Industrial Site Loan Fund (ISLF) for needed industrial land development. The 2025 lottery bond bill (SB 5531) included $10 million in lottery bond proceeds for deposit in the fund.

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Bad Bills That Died

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CAFOs - SB 80 (Failed): New restrictions on CAFOs in Groundwater Management Areas.

Water Transfers - SB 1153 (Failed): SB 1153 would have created restrictions for OWRD to approve water transfers. 

Fertilizer Regulation and Reporting - SB 747 (Failed): New regulations that would require farmers with 200 or more acres of irrigated land to report their total fertilizer use to ODA. 

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Climate Damages - SB 679 (Failed): Provided that parties that have caused a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions are strictly liable to harmed parties for damages incurred as a result of extreme weather attributable to climate change or a climate disaster.

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Marketing Claims - SB 680 (Failed): Would have created new liability exposure for many businesses by prohibiting a person from publishing or causing to be published an environmental marketing claim, net zero claim or reputational advertising that is materially false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent.

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Climate Superfund SB 682/SB 1187 (Failed): Would have established the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program within the Department of Environmental Quality to recover damages/costs from energy companies associated with climate change.

Constitutional Rights - SJR 28 (Failed): This would have put on the ballot an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish a fundamental right to a clean, safe and healthy environment. Unfortunately, it appears advocates may be able to put this measure on the 2026 general election ballot.

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Warehouse Regulation – HB 3062 (Failed): As introduced, the bill would have required certain facilities to study and reduce harms within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors (eg. Schools, houses, nursing homes) before a project can receive its land use approval.

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It is a pleasure and a privilege to represent you at the Oregon Legislature. We remain committed to advocating on your behalf, monitoring key policy developments, and ensuring your voice is heard in every important discussion. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your interests.

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This review is provided by Romain Freese, LLC. https://www.rflawlobby.com/

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WASHINGTON

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The 2025 Washington State Legislative Session adjourned Sine Die on April 27 after 105 days of deliberation, marked by significant policy shifts and fiscal challenges due to the majorities spending habits. Under the leadership of newly inaugurated Governor Bob Ferguson, the Democratic- supermajority controlled legislature addressed a projected $12 billion budget shortfall through a combination of the largest tax increases in state history, spending cuts, and progressive policy reforms.​ The 2025–27 operating budget appropriates $77.872 billion, an increase of $5.927 billion (8.2%) over enacted 2023–25 appropriations.

 

Gov. Ferguson's administration prioritized fiscal restraint, proposing $4.4 billion in across-the-board spending cuts early in session. These reductions targeted administrative expenses, travel, and non-essential programs. However, legislative leaders, including House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon and Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson, expressed concerns that cuts alone would not suffice to maintain essential services. Consequently, the final budget incorporated increased revenue through tax increases to bridge the gap. In the end, budget writers removed the furloughs suggested by Ferguson and giving in to the pressure from state worker unions.

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To address the budget deficit, lawmakers approved many types of tax increases:

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Excluding transfers to and from the transportation budget, the revenue package would generate $9.379 billion, with key legislation including:

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• HB 2081 – B&O tax increases

• SB 5814 – Excise tax expansion

• SB 5813 – Capital gains and estate tax increases

• SB 5794 – Tax preference repeals

• HB 2077 – Zero-emission vehicle program

 

The revenue legislation includes a comprehensive package that is expected to generate a total of $8.72 billion over the 2025–27 and 2027–29 biennia. In 2025–27, the revenue package is projected to raise approximately $4.29 billion, followed by $4.43 billion in 2027–29. Key components include $2.07 billion and $3.56 billion from changes to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax across the two periods, respectively, and significant revenue from excise taxes, which are expected to contribute $1.15 billion and $1.53 billion. Additional elements include tax preference reforms, accelerated repayments of sales tax deferrals, and adjustments related to capital gains and estate tax rates. SB 5802 outlines several fund transfers, including $453.9 million from transportation accounts to the general fund in 2025–27, offset by future transfers from the general fund to transportation accounts and the Multimodal Account in 2027–29. These measures reflect a substantial reshuffling of funds and tax policy changes aimed at supporting both transportation and general government operations.

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Proposals for a wealth tax and lifting the property tax cap were not enacted, reflecting ongoing debates within the legislature.​

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Transportation Budget

This year’s transportation budget includes a $3.2 billion revenue package spread over six years, featuring a 6-cent-per-gallon fuel tax increase on both gasoline and diesel. While the new revenue will help fund upcoming infrastructure projects, the wide range of new fees will significantly affect both individuals and businesses.

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The most substantial impacts will likely come from the fuel tax increase, which includes a 2% annual inflation adjustment starting in July 2026, and higher truck weight fees.

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Environmental Crimes

SB 5360- Concerning environmental crimes. Establishes new crimes and provides penalties, and reclassifies existing crimes, for certain violations of the state Water Pollution Control Act, Clean Air Act, Hazardous Waste Management Act, and other specified provisions (environmental laws). Provides first-degree and second-degree felony violations for certain offenses under specified environmental acts in the state sentencing grid as seriousness level V and III offenses, respectively. Repeals certain provisions relating to existing criminal penalties in environmental laws. The bill did not get executive action out of committee because House leadership had concerns about the bill. DEAD

 

CCA Farm Fuel Exemption

HB 1912- Establishes a process by which certain entities may voluntarily notify the Department of Ecology (Ecology) of locations where agricultural fuels exempt from a compliance obligation under the Climate Commitment Act (exempt fuels) are available for purchase. Requires Ecology to publish, by October 1, 2025, certain information on its website to assist individuals seeking to purchase exempt fuels or obtain a remittance from the Department of Licensing. Extends the exemption for certain fuels used to transport agricultural products on public highways by two years. Farm Bureau is completely responsible for asking for the propane special fuels clarification that was once obscure and is now clearly identified and terminated by CCA regulators in 2030, because Farm Bureau asked for it. We will work over the next few years to get propane permanently exempted from CCA fees. On April 16 the Senate passed the bill with yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Striking Workers

 

SB 5041- Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for striking or lockout workers.

Allows individuals unemployed due to a labor strike to receive up to 12 weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits following a specified disqualification period, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2035. Removes the disqualification from UI benefits based on an employer-initiated lockout resulting from a strike against another employer in a multi-employer bargaining unit, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2035. On April 12 the House passed the bill with yeas, 52; nays, 43; absent, 0; excused, 3.

 

Safety of Working Minors

HB 1644- Concerning the safety and health of working minors. Establishes minimum penalties for violations of restrictions governing the employment of minors. Requires the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to conduct a safety and health consultation at a worksite before granting a student learner variance allowing a minor to perform work typically prohibited based on the minor's age.

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Requires L&I to revoke an employer's minor work permit for certain violations of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act or laws pertaining to the employment of minors. Expands responsible bidder criteria to include bidders not subject to a revocation of a minor work permit. On April 9 the bill passed the Senate with yeas, 37; nays, 12; absent, 0; excused, 0.

 

Collective Bargaining for Cannabis Workers

HB 1141- Concerning collective bargaining for agricultural cannabis workers. Establishes collective bargaining procedures for certain cannabis agricultural workers. Places cannabis agricultural worker collective bargaining under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission. On April 14 the Senate passed the bill with yeas, 29; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 0.

 

WSDA Dairy Inspection Program Extension to 2031

HB 1553- Extending the dairy inspection program until June 30, 2031. Sponsored by freshman legislator Rep. Adison Richards (D-Gig Harbor). The bill does not change the current fee structure and the expiration date for the assessment on milk processed in the state is extended from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2031. April 11 the bill was signed by Gov. Ferguson.

Extended Producer Responsibility

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SB 5284- Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes. The bill does exempt all bottles and packaging for products regulated by FIFRA. That is a positive outcome on this bill. In addition, the bill applies to residential recycling and packaging, it does not apply to commercial waste situations. Many parts of agricultural industry will be considered commercial waste operations.

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EFFECT OF HOUSE AMENDMENT(S): Allows for an alternative means to identify socially vulnerable populations if the US CDC tool is no longer available. Modifies the due date for the one-time PRO fee and clarifies what the first PRO fee must cover. Requires PROs to provide producers with information regarding state and federal laws that restrict toxic substances rather than prohibiting toxic substances. Prohibits state and local elected officials, Ecology solid waste or policy division employees, and formerly elected officials who served within the last three years from serving on the board of the PRO or as employees of the PRO. Establishes an equity subcommittee of the advisory council to provide information, make recommendations, and review PRO plans regarding impacts to socially vulnerable populations and overburdened communities. Clarifies that the PRO must adopt multiple statewide collection lists, rather than a single list. Specifies that a PRO may propose multiple alternative collection programs for covered materials. Requires Ecology to notify the appropriate committees of the Legislature when a draft PRO plan has been submitted and posted to Ecology's website. Provides that Ecology's approval of the first PRO plan submitted by October 1, 2028, does not take effect until after the adjournment of the 2029 regular legislative session, in order to allow an opportunity for the 2029 Legislature to determine whether to amend PRO related requirements, make other recycling policy changes including the establishment of a bottle deposit return program, or allow for the draft PRO plan to be implemented in full. Specifies that Ecology may only approve a draft PRO plan that meets all plan requirements, and prohibits Ecology from approving a plan that does not satisfy all plan criteria, including but not limited to reducing or eliminating disparities in the availability to socially vulnerable populations of covered services for covered materials. Modifies PRO education and outreach requirements and requires that education and outreach activities be culturally responsive, conceptually, linguistically, and culturally tailored, and use materials and methods that rely on evidence-based practices.

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Modifies the needs assessment to include additional requirements regarding materials collected at drop-off sites, assessment of current residential service collection contracts, and measurement of postconsumer recycled content that could be incorporated in certain plastics. Requires Ecology to contract for a one-time forecast analysis of the draft PRO plan to be submitted by January 2029 and for that analysis to be informed by stakeholders, and to consider whether a bottle deposit return program could be established as a component to the PRO plan. Requires the independent review to analyze the effects of the program on reuse rates. Exempts noncompostable film plastic used for raw meat from covered materials and authorizes a PRO or producer to request an exclusion for raw meat packaging. Requires Ecology to contract with an independent consultant to carry out two studies on a beverage container deposit return system. One study must examine possible models for redemption sites and another study regarding the potential program design for a bottle deposit return program.

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Low Carbon Fuel Standard

HB 1409- Concerning the clean fuels program. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon. Amends the carbon intensity reduction requirements for transportation fuels under the Clean Fuels Program (CFP). Establishes penalties and other enforcement powers specific to the CFP program requirements and eliminates Clean Air Act criminal and civil penalties for violations of the CFP. Removes incentives for farmers to grow feedstock. Removes incentives for building new biofuels plant in state. The bill guides Ecology to analyze feedstocks grown in state when creating the CFP. Specifies that, for the purposes of Ecology adjusting the CI standard to require a 55 percent reduction by 2038, Ecology must determine: (1) At least one one that is part of the ZEV Program was not being enforced as of 2030, rather than the overall ZEV Program not being implemented as of 2030, or (2) GHG emissions associated with transportation fuels, reported in 2030, have not been proportionately reduced relative to 2030 statewide emissions limits, rather than transportation emissions from motor vehicles achieving a 45 percent reduction consistent with the statewide emissions limits. Provides that, to avoid issuing a forecast deferral, Ecology may adjust the CI standard to be up to 2 percent less than the percentage reduction for a particular year, rather than precisely 2 percent below the CI standard. Encourages Ecology to adopt rules that are harmonized with rule updates in other states with similar programs and with which Washington transacts significant quantities of transportation fuels. On April 15 the Senate passed the bill with yeas, 25; nays, 23; absent, 0; excused, 1.

 

Extending the pesticide application safety committee

HB 1294-Extending the pesticide application safety committee. The committee's expiration date is extended from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2035. The restriction on the advisory group conducting in-person meetings is removed. The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act. On April 11 the Senate passed the bill with yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

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PFAS Testing of Biosolids

HB 5033- Ecology must convene an advisory committee with representatives from the farming community, toxicologists, utilities that produce soil amendments, local governments, experts, interested parties, and other similar stakeholders. Requires the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to establish perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals sampling or testing requirements for certain biosolids by July 1, 2028. Requires Ecology to complete an analysis of the levels of PFAS chemicals in certain biosolids by July 1, 2029. Directs Ecology to report a summary of the analysis and make recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2029.

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Establishes an advisory committee of representative stakeholders with which Ecology must consult before adopting or amending rules related to sampling or testing biosolids for PFAS chemicals.. On April 10 the bill passed the House with yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

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Reporting Cattle Methane Emissions

HB 1630- Requires the reporting of methane emissions from Dairy Cows and Feedlot Cattle. Beginning January 1st of the year following the year in which the department adopts rules to implement this section, each owner or operator of a dairy farm or feed lot in the state must submit an annual report to the department with the total metric tons of methane emitted from the dairy farm or feed lot in the preceding calendar year. For the first report due under subsection of this section, the owner or operator may estimate the total annual emissions by multiplying the average total monthly emissions over a consecutive three-month period within the calendar year covered by the report. The department must adopt rules to implement this section, including a reporting schedule that provides reasonable lead time for the first report. DEAD

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Housing and Rent Cap

In response to escalating housing costs, the legislature passed a rent stabilization bill capping annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. This measure includes protections for renters in single-family homes and a 5% cap for manufactured housing. The bill passed, 54-44, and awaits Gov. Ferguson's signature.

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Additionally, legislation requiring 10% of new housing units near transit hubs to be affordable for lower-income residents was approved, aiming to increase housing supply and accessibility.

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The 2025 legislative session was characterized by a pragmatic approach to fiscal challenges, with a focus on balancing budgetary constraints with progressive policy initiatives. Governor Ferguson's administration and the legislature navigated complex issues such as housing affordability, labor rights, and public safety, setting the stage for ongoing policy debates and reforms in the coming years. Republicans are already sounding the alarm that Democrats are planning additional tax increases in 2026.