Key Takeaways:
- Over a dozen laws passed between 2023 and 2025 will take effect in January, impacting various aspects of life in Washington state.
- The laws cover topics such as worker protections, impaired driving, and access to leave and safety accommodations.
- Some notable changes include the expansion of protections for workers utilizing the state Paid Family and Medical Leave program, the requirement for health care settings to conduct timely investigations of workplace violence incidents, and the addition of an option for blood type information to be added to driver’s licenses and ID cards.
- The laws also address issues related to cannabis advertising, movie theater accessibility, and child support payments.
Introduction to New Laws
The new year will bring a host of changes to Washington state, with over a dozen laws taking effect in January. These laws, passed between 2023 and 2025, aim to improve various aspects of life in the state, from worker protections to impaired driving regulations. In this article, we will delve into the details of these laws and explore how they will impact residents and businesses in Washington state.
Worker Protections and Leave
Several laws focus on enhancing worker protections and access to leave. For example, HB 1162 requires health care settings to conduct timely investigations of workplace violence incidents and update their workplace violence prevention plans annually. HB 1213 expands protections for workers utilizing the state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, lowering the employer size threshold for employment protection rights and providing employees with protection if they began employment with a qualifying employer at least 180 calendar days before taking leave. Additionally, SB 5101 expands access to leave and safety accommodations to include workers who are victims of hate crimes or bias incidents.
Impaired Driving and Traffic Laws
HB 1493 makes significant changes to state laws related to impaired driving, including lengthening the look-back period for prior DUI or physical control offenses from 10 to 15 years. The law also clarifies when a defendant must apply for a probationary license or may be exempt from an ignition interlock device. Furthermore, ESHB 1652 requires the state to pass along all child support due to families on the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefit program, rather than withholding a portion of the payment.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Several laws aim to improve accessibility and accommodations in various settings. SB 5486 requires movie theaters open to the public to offer closed and open captioning services, while SB 5498 requires health plans to reimburse for a 12-month supply of contraceptives. SB 5528 mandates that the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment at state-owned facilities be performed by certified individuals. SB 5689 adds an option for blood type information to be added to driver’s licenses and ID cards, making it more accessible to first responders.
Cannabis and Advertising
SB 5206 increases the number of cannabis-related advertising signs a retailer is permitted to have outside their licensed premises to four, while prohibiting businesses of vapor product licensees or cigarette or tobacco licensees from advertising cannabis products. This law aims to strike a balance between allowing cannabis businesses to advertise their products and preventing excessive or misleading advertising.
Other Laws and Regulations
Other laws taking effect in January include HB 1440, which makes changes to existing laws governing seizure and forfeiture proceedings and reporting. HB 1533 allows qualifying employers operating a journey-level electrical apprenticeship program to hire an apprentice to perform specialty electrical work outside the program without changing the apprentice’s status. SHB 1879 permits hospital employers and employees to mutually agree to waive meal or rest periods, subject to certain conditions. HB 2003 requires a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement for recreational fishing in the Columbia River and its tributaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new laws taking effect in January will have a significant impact on various aspects of life in Washington state. From worker protections and impaired driving regulations to accessibility and accommodations, these laws aim to improve the lives of residents and businesses in the state. As the laws take effect, it is essential to stay informed and understand how they will affect individuals and communities. By doing so, we can ensure a smoother transition and maximize the benefits of these new laws.
