The Legislature is well into its so-called 60-day short session and tackling issues such as potential transportation budget shortfalls, homelessness, consumer data privacy, gun responsibility, healthcare, and behavioral health. All bills must be passed through relevant policy committees by February 7 to “stay alive” and continue through the passage process.

The WSCPA advocacy team is monitoring and providing feedback on relevant proposals once they are introduced. While certainly not exhaustive, here are some of the hot topics that we’re watching very closely:

• State Contractor Transparency. “Transparency bills” are a widespread issue that state legislatures are addressing. These proposals are concerning for firms that conduct business with state agencies. If passed, state agencies would monitor activities for professional and technical services provided by hired vendors by tracking key strokes, mouse movements, and screenshots of vendors’ activities.  Proponents argue that this software increases transparency and cost savings. Concerns include cost of implementation, data storage, and privacy issues.
• Workforce Education Investment. The passage of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2158 (RCW 82.04.299), which created the Workforce Education Investment during the 2019 legislative session, introduced significant administrative and compliance challenges for taxpayers. The Workforce Education Investment Account is funded by imposing a 20 percent surcharge on certain businesses in the Services & Other B&O classification. Several proposals to simplify the administration and compliance challenges have been introduced.
• Certification & Occupational Licensing. Many state legislatures are considering proposals related to certification and occupational licensing reform. Advocates argue that removing burdensome regulations and certification requirements lowers barriers to employment. However, there are potential unintended consequences for learned professions that could affect mobility and reciprocity with other states.
• Consumer Data Privacy. Substitute Senate Bill 6281 has been voted out of committee with bipartisan support. The legislation would affect companies that (1) process or control the personal data of at least 100,000 people or (2) derive over half of gross revenue from the sale of personal data and process or control at least 25,000 consumers' personal data.

Once the session officially ends, legislators will be returning to their districts in full campaign mode with the upcoming elections. Don’t forget to contribute to the CPAPAC if you haven’t already!

Ashley Kittrell is the WSCPA Director of Government Affairs, you can contact her at akittrell@wscpa.org.