[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6369606,"mediaKeyId","2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f","parentId",2154405,"title","Committee hears bill to reorganize Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act","audioSeconds",58,"startMs",1078000,"endMs",1136000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f&start=1078&end=1136","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f/thumbnail_1078000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6369606/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-reorganize-Public-Employees-Collective-Bargaining-Act","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369606-7dc39129afb0334c6178d3baa0c0c44e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175857&Signature=PUVA0YubgzKpOea2Nqly2FnT7yce2WOcnad4imkPlkd7Ew4chQl227~gU1a9LihnzXcDy4sqNYLM5yylPLc14yKyVXbKi707R2JuyZydGBR9XSinyzW2OLCswu1P6xBbrK9zEj6jwiHbXIrby~UfCL~IpPo2jAKk50YwttRZbliIthHYdnpFB65xGszUVKR~nsIu3ceHAleuVBOVAkT158fJChN0tbaXsxAehlMqf7~bKYeaiyORpj~NS0IbGODA1KmY0aN5owrCmaqTddfrAlEqae09OrOlfzM~tCvzLrpO7bCRXGMnaHCzaI0tS8uNtXmqmzW0Mft~pg4ltGIFYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Labor & Commerce","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Labor & Commerce Committee staff summarized Senate Bill 5435, which proposes to reorganize the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act (PECPA) by topic, add subchapter headings, and repeal provisions that contain only headings or expired effective dates. Staff and sponsor said the bill makes no substantive changes to existing legal rights but improves readability and navigability of the statute.

Senator Bill Ramos, prime sponsor, said the bill's purpose is to reorganize and reformat statutory text so that staff, legislators and the public can more easily read and apply the law. No witnesses testified on the bill in committee.

Staff said a fiscal note shows no fiscal impact. The committee had no further questions and closed testimony on the bill; no vote was recorded in the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Labor & Commerce - 1/27/2025 10:30 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 5435 would reorganize the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act by adding subchapter headings and repealing expired or placeholder provisions; sponsor said the bill is organizational and no witnesses testified against or for it.","taxTitle","Labor & Commerce, Senate, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20507,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369613,"Debate on limited direct‑to‑consumer cannabis sales centers on market relief for growers and retail protections",3678,3487000,7165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f&start=3487&end=7165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f/thumbnail_3487000.jpg","/articles/6369613/Washington/Debate-on-limited-directtoconsumer-cannabis-sales-centers-on-market-relief-for-growers-and-retail-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369613-f4af7f0a03833585ba4f398a8aaf402c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175857&Signature=T-B2M8YXbd7Vp2NvAODEl2GQP8JIUclK3WRjUQc0-rmrpOSurkKCyCmulp1h0bBaGV1hgSvij71ZoDGJZyozHg91X5gu9ILfQYXl9S-krbiJai~qXhbfDQVA~-wNxP61bVmPBxwqRgqJ3fVIHpn3313o2KdfLQnqrriQzEltnpqC9TZ9nBJ9H9K6JGr2X89gutE5B6aTdyhT1oSzcVvlAg3M3jdZuuv0yMhDrSzH2LMDjpxwkmV8eXALYmOJAS3gxif45DM-cuuqUGI~b6oBkdisCrX6sbeQK5oVO5ik9sZFL1z6d8zYpgctrRzgDZ096NN2IvEaurmI1BkDv0N1Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee took extended testimony on Senate Bill 5403, which would authorize licensed cannabis producers and processors to sell cannabis flower directly to consumers when the flower is produced at the licensee's facility and sales comply with statutory purchase limits for adults. The bill directs the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to adopt implementing rules and requires that the excise tax be reflected in retail pricing and advertising.

Proponents from across the production sector said the measure would provide a necessary revenue stream to small and craft producers facing collapsing wholesale prices and market oversupply. Caitlin Ryan, executive director of the Cannabis Alliance, described the bill as a step to \"ensure the longevity and vitality\" of Washington's cannabis industry and proposed a possible cap on annual producer sales to prevent consolidation. Tamara Weinman and other small growers described production costs, perishability of flower and the difficulty of competing under current wholesale and retail practices. Several producers said direct sales would allow them to educate consumers about varietals and quality, similar to winery tasting‑room models.

Industry economists and consultants testified on market trends. Bo Whitney of Whitney Economics said Washington's legal market participation has stagnated and estimated a large share of sales remains illicit; he and other witnesses argued that direct sales, with appropriate safeguards, could increase legal participation and stabilize prices.

Retail and trade groups urged caution or opposed the bill. Brooke Davies of the Washington Cannabis Business Association and Trent Mattson of the Washington Cannabis Licensee Association warned that permitting producer direct sales could create vertical integration pressures, market consolidation and zoning and moratorium issues that would disadvantage small retailers and destabilize the retail sector. They expressed concern that the bill's rulemaking language allows LCB to adopt standards that are potentially less stringent than retail rules.

Public‑health and prevention groups urged study and caution. Meghan Moore of the Washington State Public Health Association cautioned that additional retail access channels can complicate efforts to prevent youth access and noted delivery compliance issues seen in alcohol delivery pilots. The Washington Association for Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention recommended the LCB be funded to study effects before sweeping changes are made.

Committee members asked about security, parity with retailer rules and caps on producer sales. Proponents said the bill could be tailored with explicit limits (witnesses mentioned a proposed annual cap as an amendment) and that existing license security regimes and LCB oversight could be applied. Opponents asked for clearer parity with retail requirements and protections for small retailers; proponents and opponents signaled willingness to negotiate limits and definitions if the bill advances.

No formal committee vote was recorded in the hearing.","Senate Bill 5403 would allow licensed cannabis producers and processors to sell flower directly to consumers under limits; proponents said the change could help small growers and recapture illicit-market sales, while retailers and public‑health groups raised concerns about vertical integration, security, and youth access.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369616,"Students and advocates push bill requiring drink‑spiking test kits be sold at bars and nightclubs",1294,1894000,3188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f&start=1894&end=3188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f/thumbnail_1894000.jpg","/articles/6369616/Washington/Students-and-advocates-push-bill-requiring-drinkspiking-test-kits-be-sold-at-bars-and-nightclubs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369616-1ff30743fd5abaa87db2fcc45ba450f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175857&Signature=ktG9ff4iG8DOamK1kDiH6575tM~vqZLh166y1m8UTiRXSzMYIBckRi7Wf18P9yF9llFLMu9~l66LVa~W8lNRPoTr6gsEQ6DdAiCsSiMbaRhjFcSaQGS4sWFBojWqR-Sx-EfAjqSefv10yuq2tKc6StrL4BwMYb6hDj-BC0rNZiWsfGCnPOIXhs1-Wuus2F7Z25x0d-TL4NC6lO28S1SISO1reb4~zkaT9e1-~zCnys5-qhn9d3tiq6n89Jmv~sem-9YKAX~A3bDi3-dCrBNd3XHYidxmDheTNf-~6EUNKUGrZRhXPPHi7-Kop5fY6P~uvQBlapJTHLYuh77a84kXJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee heard Senate Bill 5330, which would require certain liquor licensees, including taverns and nightclubs, to offer drug-testing devices for sale to customers and post a prominent notice that \"Drink spiking drug kits available here. Ask a staff member for details.\" Licensees may charge a reasonable price not to exceed wholesale cost plus markup; the bill shields licensees from liability for defective test results and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Sponsor Senator Dhingra (testimony identified in transcript as Senator Dhingra) said the bill was inspired by a California law and by students from Lake Washington High School who proposed the idea through an AP Government project. \"People should feel safe when they go out to bars and nightclubs,\" the sponsor said, citing studies and local cases of drink spiking and drug‑facilitated sexual assault.

A large panel of Lake Washington High School students provided organized pro testimony, offering personal accounts, statistics and vendor pricing research. Student witnesses cited studies showing variable prevalence estimates for drink spiking and called for prevention and awareness. Students reported contacting bars statewide; they said many managers were supportive and suggested a breakeven retail price would offset costs.

Julia Gorton of the Washington Hospitality Association testified in opposition, expressing concerns about the bill's broader scope compared with California, the cost and shelf‑life of kits, signage language and the lack of stakeholder input. Gorton recommended limiting requirements to adult nightclubs and working with the Liquor and Cannabis Board on precise license definitions and signage language.

Public-health and prevention groups supported the bill. Scott Waller of the Washington Association for Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention said the bill provides a focused prevention tool and signage that signals a business takes drink spiking seriously. Colin Bannister of the Associated Students of Washington State University urged passage, saying the kits provide access at the point of risk.

Committee members asked about costs and evidence from California; hospitality representatives said they had not yet obtained detailed implementation information from California and that license classification and signage language would need refinement. Meghan Moore of the Washington State Public Health Association testified in opposition to home delivery proposals and cautioned about youth access in other contexts; her testimony focused on delivery compliance and youth prevention rather than the kit requirement itself.

No vote was recorded in the hearing. Staff and stakeholders signaled willingness to continue negotiations on license scope, signage text and cost issues.","Senate Bill 5330 would require certain liquor-licensed businesses to offer drug-testing strips for sale and post signage; high-school students led proponent testimony while hospitality groups raised concerns about costs, signage and license definitions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369624,"Committee hears bill to let L&I administer claims after self-insurer decertification",665,1214000,1879000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f&start=1214&end=1879","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f/thumbnail_1214000.jpg","/articles/6369624/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-let-LI-administer-claims-after-self-insurer-decertification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369624-2767e18db3b817c20fcbe9cc58b9d617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175857&Signature=WjcbqVcwp2khTndqItiP8oRZ8cWuScHA5SmQ3npf29r-V8Zjzy4pZuv4G~JsJ6UsoFX5xNLUPWxLckWZhp~-XVsi~uds7cyjE70J4DtinxTkv138FUib3MhvW-HUtvnSJ4GTQQsEP~zh8wm17Mjf8H6RXrd63A89xsZTbnMjaqO-58jU3DPSSNHT8dGICHFFdxCdqr-cZvBnQShljXEp8U0SsnSfEoHlECM22F~xkjh98TDdsvqg6-0JyjM~9u3HrvJ-U~Tz7AB2PLXcJ7FOrOD2YGkdSFGrO3T5Rvh5fZ771VT0JoXvrGpha1hfJViuG~TJkqzy0D91dg6X3tuINQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Labor & Commerce Committee members considered Senate Bill 5381, a Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) request bill that would authorize L&I to administer and pay workers' compensation claims after certification of a self-insured employer or self-insurance group is withdrawn, with the decertified employer required to reimburse the department.

Susan Jones, committee staff, outlined the bill's background and mechanics: self-insured employers—public or private entities that meet statutory standards—are responsible for their claims, but when certification is withdrawn certain liabilities remain. \"A self insurer's insolvency trust is funded by an insolvency assessment,\" Jones said, and the bill directs L&I to adopt rules to manage claims and recover payments from decertified groups.

Tammy Phelan of L&I described the bill as a narrow fix to legislation passed in 2023. She told the committee that once a claim is designated self-insured it remains self-insured and that the department does not collect premiums to cover those costs; municipal self-insured employers typically are not required to post surety, creating potential gaps. Phelan said L&I needs rulemaking authority to determine how to administer and pay claims for decertified entities and to arrange for repayment mechanisms.

Committee members asked how often decertification occurs and how claims would be separated. Phelan said decertification is \"exceptionally rare\" and that L&I cannot recall recent decertifications under the good-faith-and-fair-dealing standard; she said about 360 self-insured employers exist in the state, roughly 70 of which are municipal employers that fall under the bill's proposal. Phelan confirmed that claims that were self-insured would continue to be treated as self-insured claims and would be administered and funded separately from ongoing premium-based accounts.

Chris Teft of the Washington Self Insurers Association said the association took a neutral position on the bill and warned that related 2023 provisions—including a \"three strikes\" automatic decertification regime inserted late in that session—could create large, sudden liabilities for L&I. Teft urged a cautious approach and a broader discussion before applying similar provisions to all self-insured employers.

No committee vote was recorded in the hearing; staff and witnesses said the bill establishes a framework for L&I rulemaking and leaves actual repayment and process details to administrative rule development.","Senate Bill 5381 would direct the Department of Labor & Industries to manage and pay claims when a self-insured employer or self-insurance group is decertified, with the decertified entity liable to reimburse the department; sponsors and L&I staff said decertification is rare but the bill addresses gaps from 2023 legislation.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6369629,"Senate committee hears bill to extend collective bargaining to operational student workers",0,1664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f&start=1664&end=1664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154405-01ebff891a4d8738df141be6ed66994f/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","/articles/6369629/Washington/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-extend-collective-bargaining-to-operational-student-workers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6369629-a24eadfc2b3c8c29f2721442ed0490f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175857&Signature=EyAbaYAIojEjLWiuHvKumW82GvkZx98QPCbYpNOY~eNVfH6WUUpY6g1CBNncdfcxiFmMx0cdpnVJDDD9jdumpUIK-85M5Aj3rKddcGwSC7dzAigLkY9g7c1v5pOerk7pyTTP7MRzv0aVaBbhTcanDPIA6j5LdUgOWo7ESixcvMT1k8T5IElnAUQxV5~BGnTQAwUn89iAq2DEJme68PltwKH~E-Obh7Q3LRNJry7Wcabf-2rHavmrhYoo9ljh6KD2Ic8BdkqA-bhtIi-YxtyXgZqE-ilI4JcW2VUtA-30GeWwM3uZuv39OiRPHGtIvx2iECKF031cg~99iNGINLK6WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Labor & Commerce Committee members heard testimony on Senate Bill 5119, a proposal to extend collective bargaining rights to student employees at Washington's regional universities and The Evergreen State College who are not currently covered by state collective bargaining laws.

Senator Tijuana Nobles, prime sponsor, said student workers provide essential services on campuses and face inconsistent protections. \"Student workers are the backbone of our college campuses, keeping vital services running while striving to achieve their educational goals,\" Nobles said. She told the committee the bill would create a \"clear and fair framework\" to allow student workers to negotiate wages, workplace protections and certain tuition remission matters.

Staff described the bill's scope and exclusions. Jarrett Sack, committee staff, said the bill would cover student employees enrolled in academic programs at the regional universities and Evergreen who are not currently covered; executive employees, managers, confidential employees and others are excluded. Sack said the scope of bargaining would not include termination for academic reasons, the academic calendar or admissions counts, but would allow bargaining over tuition remission and fee waivers. He also noted a fiscal note is available and the bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Multiple student and union witnesses testified in favor. Emily Myers of the UAW testified the bill would extend rights already granted to teaching and research assistants and avoid protracted unit-determination proceedings by establishing appropriate bargaining units. Student speakers described workplace problems for operational employees: Leo Curtis, who operates a campus food pantry, said short paychecks and delayed responses left him waiting months for resolution, while his academic-position roommate accessed union grievance procedures quickly. Nathan Tippman, legislative liaison for students at The Evergreen State College, and Alec Acosta Vega, a student at Central Washington University, said operational workers face irregular scheduling and safety issues that bargaining could address. David Burry of Eastern Washington University described approximately 950 student employees at his campus and said administration is considering how experiential paid internships would intersect with bargaining rights.

Committee members asked about the fiscal note and scope. Sack summarized institution-specific estimates in the fiscal note, citing multi-hundred-thousand-dollar costs for several universities (staff read figures for Eastern, Central Washington, Evergreen and Western). Senator King and others noted the bill will be reviewed by the Ways & Means Committee because of fiscal impacts. Questions also clarified the bill is limited to undergraduate operational student employees and does not cover graduate student employees.

With testimony concluded the committee closed the record on SB 5119 and moved to other bills. No formal vote on SB 5119 was recorded in the transcript.

The committee will consider the bill's fiscal implications in Ways & Means and may return with amendments addressing funding and unit definitions.","Senate Bill 5119 would extend collective bargaining rights to student employees at Washington's regional universities and The Evergreen State College who are not already covered, with sponsors and student speakers urging the committee to address pay, scheduling and grievance protections; a fiscal note lists costs to several institutions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill to reorganize Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act

Debate on limited direct‑to‑consumer cannabis sales centers on market relief for growers and retail protections

Students and advocates push bill requiring drink‑spiking test kits be sold at bars and nightclubs

Committee hears bill to let L&I administer claims after self-insurer decertification

Senate committee hears bill to extend collective bargaining to operational student workers