Featured news

AWC testifies in strong support of priority bill to increase public safety funding

AWC, several member cities, and public safety partners testified in the House Appropriations hearing last week to show our strong support for HB 1428.
Could the state share more cannabis revenues with local governments?

After years of tight restrictions, the legislature is considering proposals to unlock more cannabis shared revenues for cities and towns.

Register for Friday City Action Calls (city members only)
The Public Works Assistance Account needs cities’ help: advocate for ongoing, full funding
Visit AWCs bill tracker for easy access to the bills you’re most interested in
View the weekly bill Hot Sheet

All news

Washington, Oregon lumber prioritized for state-funded public works projects under new proposal

Feb 10 2025

HB 1726, from Rep. Kevin Waters (R–Stevenson), requires that public works projects funded with $500,000 or more of state dollars, and when the state funds over half of the project costs, must use lumber procured from Washington, Oregon, or at least within the U.S.
This year’s road usage charge bill introduced, assumes city gas tax distribution formula

Feb 10 2025

2025’s much anticipated Road Usage Charge (RUC) bill, from Rep. Jake Fey (D–Tacoma), has been introduced, with positive news for local governments.
Cities “encouraged” to develop, allow small-scale energy projects under new legislation

Feb 10 2025

HB 1847, sponsored by Rep. Beth Doglio (D–Olympia), seeks to expand the development of distributed renewable energy resources (DER) in Washington while minimizing negative impacts on natural habitats, communities, and agriculture.
Bill limiting traffic stops could impact car tab fees paid

Feb 10 2025

A new bill looks to reduce traffic stops for some types of infractions.
“Shared use paths,” roundabouts and Complete Streets policy affected by proposed active transportation updates

Feb 10 2025

SB 5581, from Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D–Bellingham), expands the state’s active transportation and Complete Streets policies with impacts to cities and towns.
Unlawful firearm possession for violent offenders bill intends to address gun violence

Feb 10 2025

HB 1139 seeks to increase criminal penalties for unlawful firearm possession.
Now we're talking – a financial incentive to build affordable housing!

Feb 10 2025

With dozens and dozens of bills introduced this session claiming to address the state’s underproduction of housing through constant tweaking of local land use codes, it is very reassuring to finally see some proposals that will provide a financial incentive to build more roofs.
Bill to follow Oregon on regulating public camping at the state level

Feb 10 2025

The previous “homeless bill of rights” proposal has a new name and now mirrors the law passed by Oregon, which promptly resulted in costly litigation against the City of Portland.
Bill establishes clear definition of “co-response” in state law

Feb 10 2025

The role of first responders in addressing behavioral health emergencies has significantly evolved over the past decade.
County treasurer cost recovery bill hits city taxpayers twice

Feb 10 2025

AWC opposes a bill that would essentially double tax city residents.
State-funded training could help train EMTs for behavioral health calls

Feb 10 2025

In response to the rising number of 911 calls related to behavioral health emergencies, the legislature is evaluating new training for first responders.
Proposed “shared streets” designation allows pedestrians, cyclists and cars to share roadways

Feb 10 2025

SB 5595, from Sen. Emily Alvarado (D–West Seattle), expands city authority to designate any nonarterial highway as a “shared street,” defined as a city street where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic share a portion or all of the same street.
Bargaining over AI use would have major impacts on city operations

Feb 10 2025

New companion bills could significantly impact city operations and upset the balance of public sector collective bargaining.
City employees to get choice between PERS plans under new proposal

Feb 10 2025

Some PERS plan 3 members could get the opportunity to opt into PERS plan 2 under a bill scheduled for a hearing this week.
More clarity and more uncertainty as federal agencies release guidance on federal funding but court orders put actions on hold

Feb 10 2025

Federal agencies have continued to release guidance on interpreting executive orders related to their programs and grant funding.

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Legislative Bulletin

Featured news

AWC testifies in strong support of priority bill to increase public safety funding

Could the state share more cannabis revenues with local governments?

Register for Friday City Action Calls (city members only)

The Public Works Assistance Account needs cities’ help: advocate for ongoing, full funding

Visit AWCs bill tracker for easy access to the bills you’re most interested in

View the weekly bill Hot Sheet

All news

Feb 10 2025

HB 1726, from Rep. Kevin Waters (R–Stevenson), requires that public works projects funded with $500,000 or more of state dollars, and when the state funds over half of the project costs, must use lumber procured from Washington, Oregon, or at least within the U.S.

Feb 10 2025

2025’s much anticipated Road Usage Charge (RUC) bill, from Rep. Jake Fey (D–Tacoma), has been introduced, with positive news for local governments.

Feb 10 2025

HB 1847, sponsored by Rep. Beth Doglio (D–Olympia), seeks to expand the development of distributed renewable energy resources (DER) in Washington while minimizing negative impacts on natural habitats, communities, and agriculture.

Feb 10 2025

A new bill looks to reduce traffic stops for some types of infractions.

Feb 10 2025

SB 5581, from Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D–Bellingham), expands the state’s active transportation and Complete Streets policies with impacts to cities and towns.

Feb 10 2025

HB 1139 seeks to increase criminal penalties for unlawful firearm possession.

Feb 10 2025

With dozens and dozens of bills introduced this session claiming to address the state’s underproduction of housing through constant tweaking of local land use codes, it is very reassuring to finally see some proposals that will provide a financial incentive to build more roofs.

Feb 10 2025

The previous “homeless bill of rights” proposal has a new name and now mirrors the law passed by Oregon, which promptly resulted in costly litigation against the City of Portland.

Feb 10 2025

The role of first responders in addressing behavioral health emergencies has significantly evolved over the past decade.

Feb 10 2025

AWC opposes a bill that would essentially double tax city residents.

Feb 10 2025

In response to the rising number of 911 calls related to behavioral health emergencies, the legislature is evaluating new training for first responders.

Feb 10 2025

SB 5595, from Sen. Emily Alvarado (D–West Seattle), expands city authority to designate any nonarterial highway as a “shared street,” defined as a city street where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic share a portion or all of the same street.

Feb 10 2025

New companion bills could significantly impact city operations and upset the balance of public sector collective bargaining.

Feb 10 2025

Some PERS plan 3 members could get the opportunity to opt into PERS plan 2 under a bill scheduled for a hearing this week.

Feb 10 2025

Federal agencies have continued to release guidance on interpreting executive orders related to their programs and grant funding.