🏠 HB 1217 – Rent Stabilization: A Step Forward
After years of advocacy, Washington legislature passed its first rent stabilization law, HB 1217. The final version reflects compromise but represents significant tenant protections:
- Caps annual rent increases at the lower of 10% or 7% plus inflation.
- Manufactured home rents capped at 5% annually.
- 90-day written notice required for any rent increase.
- New construction exempt for 12 years; small owner-occupied units also exempt.
- Sunset clause after 15 years unless renewed.
- Enforcement via the Attorney General’s office and tenant legal recourse.
✊ SB 5041 – Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers
FAN supports the passage of SB 5041, granting unemployment benefits to striking and locked-out workers:
- Six weeks of benefits after a short waiting period.
- Covers lockouts as well as strikes.
- Annual reporting required to monitor impact.
- Sunsets in 2035, pending future reauthorization.
Washington becomes just the third state in the nation with this protection—an essential affirmation of worker dignity and collective bargaining rights.
♻️ SB 5284 – Recycling Reform Act: Stronger with House Amendments
This groundbreaking law makes Washington the seventh U.S. state with a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for packaging. The Senate concurred with House amendments, finalizing a win for environmental and worker justice.
🔫 HB 1163 – Firearms Permit-to-Purchase Bill Passes
A major win for gun safety advocates, HB 1163 establishes a permit-to-purchase requirement for firearms in Washington:
- Requires certified safety training and a five-year permit.
- Exemptions for armed security and private investigators.
- Goes into effect May 2027.
🚫 HB 1232 – Private Detention Facility Oversight: Challenge Averted
After the House rejected Senate amendments on April 21, the Senate receded its changes on April 23, preserving the House’s stronger version of HB 1232, which:
- Expands the definition of private detention facilities.
- Allows unannounced inspections by the Department of Health.
- Improves transparency and safety at facilities like the NW Detention Center
⚖️ HB 1747 – Fair Chance Employment Act Signed
On April 21, Governor Ferguson signed HB 1747, reducing barriers to employment for people with prior convictions:
- Delays background checks until a conditional job offer.
- Prohibits discrimination based on arrest records or juvenile convictions.
- Requires a “business necessity” standard for adverse action based on records.
This marks a critical step toward restorative justice and economic opportunity.
🕊️ In Memoriam: Senator Bill Ramos
We mourn the sudden passing of State Senator Bill Ramos, a tireless advocate for housing, environment, and equity. His leadership and compassion will be profoundly missed by colleagues and communities statewide.
As the session ends, FAN gives thanks to all our advocates, faith leaders, and coalition partners. Together, we are transforming Washington into a state rooted in justice, compassion, and care for all. Let us continue this work grounded in hope, driven by faith, and fueled by community.
