5 bills we're watching in Washington's Legislature this year
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Washington state lawmakers are expected to consider hundreds of bills on topics including public safety, education and housing as they begin their new session Monday.
- Here's a look at a few measures they plan to debate.
Capping rent hikes
Democratic lawmakers are once again proposing legislation to limit annual rent increases.
- This year's proposal would ban landlords from raising rent prices on existing tenants by more than 7% per year.
- Housing built in the last 10 years wouldn't be subject to those limits.
Lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit
Legislation to lower the threshold for what is considered drunken driving is getting renewed attention this year, after traffic fatalities in Washington hit a 33-year high in 2023.
- A bill to reduce the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving to 0.05% — down from the current limit of 0.08%— is scheduled for a hearing and potential committee vote this week.
Banning flavored vape products
Some lawmakers want to ban sales of flavored tobacco and flavored vape products, saying that flavors such as fruit, chocolate or candy serve little purpose other than getting kids hooked.
- The legislation would outlaw sales of flavored nicotine products — as well as menthol cigarettes — starting next year.
Gun control
A bill that would require people to get a permit before buying a gun is back before the Legislature.
Limiting cell phones in school
A bipartisan proposal would require school districts to develop by the 2026-27 school year policies restricting students' mobile phone use during class time.
What's next: Most bills must advance from legislative committees by mid- to late February to remain in play.
Go deeper: Budget battle to dominate new Washington legislative session