Olympia, Washington – As the state enters July, new legislative measures enacted during the latest session are set to reshape various aspects of life for residents. A significant change is the introduction of property tax exemptions for disabled veterans with a disability rating of at least 40%, effective July 1.
Several other laws will take effect on July 27, including a new tax of $2 per pack on cigarettes, increased tax obligations for high-earning businesses, as well as higher fees related to licenses, court services, and outdoor recreation activities. A focus on school safety is addressed through a new requirement mandating the installation of panic buttons and live camera feeds connected to police stations. This legislation emerged from a mother’s advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter in a Florida school shooting.
In addition to these measures, significant labor-related changes will allow striking workers to access unemployment benefits. The state’s hate crime laws are being expanded, and individuals assisting someone trapped in a locked vehicle, whether human or pet, will be granted civil immunity for their actions.
Changes in financial support for students are also on the horizon, with substantial reductions in aid for those attending private and for-profit colleges. Moreover, starting in 2027, driver’s education will become a requirement for individuals aged 18 to 21.
Residents will also notice an increase in gas prices beginning July 1, as the state gas tax rises by six cents per gallon. This adjustment brings the total tax to 55.4 cents, ranking Washington’s gas tax as the third highest in the nation, only behind California and Pennsylvania. Revenue generated from this tax is allocated to a dedicated fund that maintains the state’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ferries, with Whatcom County projected to receive nearly $4 million this year.
The ongoing rise of mileage and electric vehicles is prompting concern regarding decreasing fuel tax revenues, as these vehicles consume less gasoline. Discussions among lawmakers have considered alternative funding mechanisms, such as per-mile charges or increased vehicle registration fees, although consensus on a specific approach has yet to be reached.
As these laws take effect, Washington residents may feel the immediate impact on their daily lives, from increased taxes to enhanced safety regulations, shaping the state’s future in several significant ways.
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