Evergreen Reporter

In Olympia, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) concluded a significant week of legislative efforts, focusing on issues such as health-care cost transparency, workers' compensation, and the Right to Repair.

NFIB expressed support for House Bill 1382, aiming to modernize the state’s All Payer Claims Database by removing certain restrictions on health insurers' billed and paid claims data. "NFIB led the coalition that established the APCD nearly a decade ago, and continues to promote its use to better inform policymakers, employers, and consumers about health-care costs and quality."

However, NFIB opposed House Bill 1430, which mandates equal pay for ARNPs and physician assistants, exempting public health plans. NFIB stated that "these increases would drive health insurance premiums and cost-sharing higher for consumers," emphasizing that high insurance costs have been a longstanding issue for small businesses.

The organization also voiced opposition to Senate Bill 5043, concerning PTSD claims for corrections workers under the state's worker's compensation system, as outlined in their Week 1 report.

Supporting House Bill 1483 related to the Right to Repair, NFIB noted a strong backing with over 500 supporters signing in. Opposition was limited mainly to a few tech companies and out-of-state groups.

NFIB encouraged participation in upcoming hearings, asking members to sign in at least a day before scheduled hearings and to testify on various legislative proposals.

Among the bills highlighted for next week is Senate Bill 5378, which would expand grants within the paid family and medical leave program for small school districts. NFIB opposes taxing Washington employers to fund programs like those suggested in Senate Bill 5626, aiming to support undocumented workers, citing "Washington employers should not be taxed to create a program intended to circumvent federal law."

In the education sector, NFIB opposes bills like House Bill 1032 and the related House Joint Resolution 4201 that propose lowering the vote threshold for school bonds and levies. They argue that "the existing super-majority vote is the only means of balancing the rights of property owners against renters and homeowners."

Other priority bills addressed include Senate Bill 5405 on the estate tax exclusion adjustment and Senate Bill 5423, concerning digital electronics repair, both supported by NFIB.

Lobbying efforts will continue with a focus on small business interests at further legislative sessions, with NFIB encouraging members to engage actively and testify as needed.