Fuel will cost more, estates may owe extra, and employees gain fresh protections as Governor Bob\u202fFerguson\u2019s first legislative package takes effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Washington State is about to feel the impact of a sweeping batch of statutes that become active on July\u202f1,\u202f2025. From higher gas taxes to tougher equal\u2011pay rules, the measures aim to patch budget holes while strengthening labor and immigrant safeguards. Below is a quick look at the headline changes\u2014and what you may need to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drivers, brace yourselves. The state gas tax jumps six cents to 55.4\u202f\u00a2 per gallon on July\u202f1, and the diesel levy adds three cents this year (another three follow in 2027). An automatic 2\u202fpercent inflation adjustment kicks in for both fuels starting in fiscal 2026. Wondering how the money will be used? Officials say the extra $3.2\u202fbillion projected over six years will shore up transportation projects, including debt payments for Seattle\u2019s SR\u201199 tunnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estate planning just got more complicated. Senate Bill\u202f5813 raises the top inheritance rate from 20\u202fpercent to 35\u202fpercent for estates exceeding $9\u202fmillion, while increasing the exemption threshold to $3\u202fmillion. Agricultural employees who materially worked the family farm can now qualify as \u201cheirs,\u201d a tweak proponents say keeps farmland in local hands. Have you reviewed your will lately?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another provision inside SB\u202f5813 tacks an additional 2.9\u202fpercent onto long\u2011term capital gains above $1\u202fmillion, lifting the effective rate to 9.9\u202fpercent and applying retroactively to January\u202f1. Revenues are earmarked for K\u201112 and college classrooms. Critics warn of investor flight, yet supporters counter that only about 3,000 taxpayers will feel the pinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
House Bill\u202f1905 updates the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, banning wage gaps based on factors such as age, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, or disability. Meanwhile, SB\u202f5104 makes it illegal for employers to threaten deportation or immigration consequences when employees raise wage or safety complaints. If you supervise staff, double\u2011check your policies\u2014non\u2011compliance could cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two more laws arrive July\u202f27. HB\u202f1875 lets workers use accrued sick time to attend immigration proceedings, while the Mini\u2011WARN Act forces firms with 50\u2011plus full\u2011timers to give 60 days\u2019 notice before major layoffs or closures. That means HR departments need updated notification templates, pronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n