Evergreen Reporter

The 2025 session of the 69th Washington State Legislature began on January 13, 2025. The state has a new governor, Bob Ferguson, after 12 years. New statewide executives include Attorney General Nick Brown, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, and Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. Sal Mungia has joined as a new state supreme court justice. More than 30 new state legislators have taken office, with some representatives moving to the state senate. There is an ongoing vacancy in the state senate that is expected to be filled by a House member.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) encourages its members to engage with their senators and representatives to introduce themselves and discuss issues affecting small businesses. NFIB highlights the importance of building relationships with policymakers whose decisions impact businesses.

NFIB is monitoring over 50 bills that could influence small businesses and testified on six this week. They opposed HB 1128 concerning childcare workforce standards due to time constraints but submitted written comments for SB 5062, a related bill. NFIB supported HB 1184 to lower the overtime-exempt salary threshold despite low chances of success.

NFIB also backed HB 1004 and HJR 4200 to increase the business personal property tax exemption. This change would simplify tax filing for small businesses and reduce county assessor workloads.

On January 17, NFIB opposed two bills allowing PTSD workers' compensation claims for certain public employees due to high costs associated with these claims. They requested that these bills be postponed until further review by a PTSD subcommittee.

Next week, NFIB plans to oppose several other bills including SB 5041 regarding unemployment benefits for striking workers and HB 1213 concerning job protection under PFML.

NFIB's Small Business Day at the Capitol will take place on February 4, offering briefings from lawmakers and policy experts along with opportunities for meetings with legislators.