Ferguson signed 23 bills into law this week

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed 23 bills into law in the past week. The bills change laws covering issues from suicide prevention to education funding to vehicle inspections.

Sodium nitrite
Substitute House Bill 1209, known as "Tyler's Law," introducing strict regulations on the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite due to its significant health risks, particularly regarding suicide attempts among vulnerable populations. The legislation mandates that only verified commercial entities can purchase sodium nitrite and requires prominent labeling that warns of the dangers associated with ingestion, including potential death, with penalties of up to $1 million for violations.

Driver licensing
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1439 aims to modify motor vehicle and driver licensing laws to better align with federal definitions, correct technical errors and streamline existing requirements.

This legislation includes amendments to multiple sections of the Revised Code of Washington, covering topics from license revocation periods to odometer disclosure requirements and the handling of driver records. The bill enhances privacy protections for vehicle and vessel owners, stipulates conditions for the release of personal information and establishes penalties for misuse of disclosed data.

Medical care exiting juvenile detention
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5128 aims to enhance medical services for individuals in juvenile detention facilities.

The bill ensures the continuity of Medicaid enrollment for incarcerated youth by mandating that medical assistance benefits be suspended rather than terminated during confinement. It also establishes protocols for reinstating coverage immediately upon release and requires the Washington Health Care Authority to collaborate with various agencies to streamline the process. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing screening, diagnostic services and targeted case management for eligible juveniles in the days leading up to their release. The legislation is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.

Long-term care worker requirements
Substitute House Bill 1142 aims to standardize training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care to family members, including spouses and domestic partners.

Key provisions include a mandate for long-term care workers to complete training within the first 120 days of becoming caregivers, with varying hours of required training based on the recipient's needs; for instance, spouses or domestic partners must complete 15 hours of basic training and six hours of focused training.

The legislation, effective July 27, 2025, also incorporates rules to accommodate training requirements during emergencies, with the goal of ensuring that caregivers can meet standards even in adverse conditions, with specific expiration terms set for certain provisions.

Community-based care and medication
Substitute House Bill 1720 aims to expand the types of medication assistance available to residents in community-based care settings, such as residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities.

The bill amends the definition of "medication assistance" to allow nonpractitioners to help individuals with self-administration of legend drugs, including controlled substances, under specific conditions outlined by a practitioner. Under the law, medication assistance excludes certain activities, such as assistance with intravenous or injectable medications, with limited exceptions for devices aiding in diabetes management.

Accessory dwellings
Substitute House Bill 1353 establishes a self-certification program for accessory dwelling unit project permit applications. Under this legislation, effective Oct. 1, 2025, registered architects can self-certify compliance with building code requirements.

Each participating city is mandated to create specific rules for the self-certification process, including professional qualifications, random audits of submissions, penalties for non-compliance and maintenance of professional liability insurance, while ensuring that architects provide a certification form that includes necessary attestations and acknowledgments from property owners.

Growth Management
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1135 aims to ensure local government compliance with the Growth Management Act.

The legislation, in effect July 27, 2025, outlines a process for reviewing local planning efforts, mandating that the Washington State Board conduct compliance hearings to issue findings on whether counties or cities have adequately addressed noncompliance issues identified in their growth management plans. If a locality remains noncompliant, the board can recommend sanctions to the governor while also providing options for technical assistance to facilitate corrections.

HIV treatment
Senate Bill 5577 mandates Medicaid coverage for all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization or step therapy. Effective July 1, 2025, the legislation aims to streamline access to essential medications for Apple Health clients enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed care programs.

Hematological screening
Senate Bill 5244 introduces an exemption allowing staff at Women, Infants, and Children clinics to perform hematological screening tests. This legislative measure received unanimous support from both the house and senate, culminating in the Governor's signature on April 4.

The bill amends RCW 18.360.090, clarifying that WIC clinic personnel may administer specific blood tests—namely hematological tests via heel-stick, toe-stick, or finger-stick sampling—as part of their roles. The amendment takes effect on July 27, 2025.

Early learning funding
House Bill 1314 amends various sections of the early learning facilities grant and loan program to enhance support for early childhood education.

The bill, which goes into effect July 27, 2025, establishes the Ruth LeCocq Kagi early learning facilities revolving and development accounts, aimed at providing state matching funds for the planning, renovation, purchase and construction of early learning facilities. Additionally, it encourages private and local government funding partnerships, ensures a focus on projects benefiting low-income children and allows for emergency grants to address urgent needs within eligible organizations, including school districts and tribal compact schools.

University library access for health officials
House Bill 1190 expands access to the University of Washington Health Sciences Library for additional health professions.

The bill amends RCW 43.70.110 and outlines provisions for licensing fees charged to healthcare professionals, including exemptions for certain categories, such as retired active physicians and municipal emergency services. Furthermore, the legislation, in effect July 27, 2025, stipulates that a portion of the license fees — up to an additional $25—will be transferred to the University of Washington to support the health sciences library.

Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act
Senate Bill 5122 enacts the Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act, which aims to streamline the reporting process for certain mergers and acquisitions. Entities engaged in transactions that meet specified thresholds must submit a Hart-Scott-Rodino form, complete with relevant additional documentation, to the Washington Attorney General to enhance regulatory oversight. The legislation also establishes confidentiality protections for submitted materials, permits reciprocal information sharing with other states and outlines penalties for noncompliance.

Nursing assistant regulations
Senate Bill 5051 consolidates regulatory authority for nursing assistants and amends the Revised Code of Washington.

It establishes a 17-member Board of Nursing, appointed by the governor, consisting of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and public members. The bill outlines qualifications for board members and their duties, including oversight of certification and training programs for nursing assistants. Sections take effect July 1, 2026, and some amendments June 30, 2027.

Health care and prescription drug tech
Substitute House Bill 1706 aims to align Washington's prior authorization processes for health care services and prescription drugs with federal guidelines, enhancing efficiency in decision-making and notifications for providers. Effective July 27, 2025, health carriers must comply with specific time frames for electronic and non-electronic prior authorization requests, with the goal of significantly reducing wait times and ensuring that requests are addressed promptly. The legislation also mandates the establishment of interoperable application programming interfaces to automate prior authorization processes.

State corporations amendment
Senate Bill 5006 amends various sections of the state's corporation acts, set to take effect July 27, 2025. Key provisions include clarifying the authority of corporate boards to issue rights, options or warrants for shares and defining the establishment and functions of board committees. The bill also outlines revisions related to mergers, shareholder dissent rights and the conditions under which corporate dissolution can be approved.

Clinical experience for IMG
Substitute Senate Bill 5118 updates the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates.

The legislation allows the Washington State Medical Commission to issue limited licenses to IMGs who have been nominated by specific state departments, provided they meet qualifications. Additionally, the commission retains the discretion to waive certain requirements for applicants facing hardships, including those affecting refugees or individuals subjected to persecution.

The effective date for the new provisions is set for July 27, 2025.

Health carrier reporting
Senate Bill 5084 mandates that health carriers annually report their primary care expenditures.

The legislation empowers the state's insurance commissioner to define the reporting requirements and ensures that submitted data will remain public information. Effective July 27, 2025, this bill aims to improve accountability surrounding primary care funding, aligning with existing efforts to establish expenditure targets in Washington's healthcare system.

Backlog of vehicle inspections
Senate Bill 5462 addresses the backlog of vehicle inspections in the state. Signed into law by the governor on April 4, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation amends existing vehicle title inspection requirements, mandating that applicants provide a vehicle inspection certificate from the Washington State Patrol or authorized inspectors for specific vehicles.

Amending Social Work Advisory Committee
House Bill 1234 amends the existing framework of the advisory committee for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers.

The revised committee will consist of nine members: four licensed professionals in mental health, marriage and family therapy, and social work, along with three consumer representatives from the public who are not affiliated with these professions.

Broadcasting
Senate Bill 5457 amends tax regulations for radio and television broadcasting businesses. The bill establishes a gross income tax rate of 0.484 percent but allows for certain revenue exemptions, specifically from network, national and regional advertising.

This legislation, effective from July 27, 2025, aims to clarify the tax structure for broadcasting entities operating within the state, ensuring that revenue generated from out-of-state audiences is excluded from taxation.

Journalism tax exemption
House Bill 1060, passed by the Washington State Legislature in March 2025, amends existing tax laws to provide exemptions for certain activities related to newspaper publishing and eligible digital content. Specifically, the bill allows tax exemptions for businesses primarily engaged in printing and publishing newspapers or digital content.

St. Edward State Park
Second Substitute House Bill 1024 grants the State Parks and Recreation Commission expanded leasing authority at St. Edward State Park. Kirkland. The amended legislation allows for leases exceeding 20 years, specifically for properties such as the main seminary building, pool building and gymnasium.

Ferry captains
House Bill 1511 modifies the responsibilities of ferry vessel captains and introduces provisions for a potential reorganization of bargaining units within the Washington State Ferries crew. Specifically, the bill clarifies the captain's authoritative role in vessel operations and mandates a vote by the captains to determine their inclusion in a combined bargaining unit with masters and pilots by August 2025, impacting collective bargaining agreements effective July 1, 2026.

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