Olympia 2025
—More bills signed into law—
By Damon Townsend (April 18, 2025)
Washington's brand new laws cover a lot of ground. But for all the progress, there are also gaps — places where we hoped for bold reform. Olympia instead gave us minor updates, or missed opportunities entirely. As the Cascade Party, we’re encouraged by the direction, but clear-eyed about what’s missing.
Environment: A Barely–There Start
Take HB 1024, which increases the lease term for Saint Edward State Park from 62 to 80 years. On paper, it allows more long-term investment in the park’s historic structures—like the seminary building that’s now a hotel and art center. That’s great for preservation and tourism. But it’s far from the sweeping environmental agenda Washington needs. Our platform calls for land conservation, forest and waterway restoration, and smart energy policy like protecting hydropower. So far, that lane’s been empty.
Healthcare: Good Start, Not Yet Bold
We gave HB 1706 credit in Part 1 for improving prior authorization—something that can prevent treatment delays during insurance transitions. But Washingtonians still face major systemic hurdles. What about expanding provider networks in rural areas? What about price transparency in prescription drugs? We need the next round of healthcare bills to think bigger.
Education: Expand the Pipeline
Bills like HB 1314, concerning the early learning facilities grant and loan program; and HB 1556, expanding tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges, open new doors. But I’d like to see more support for working adults, second-career students, and vocational training pathways. Running Start expansion and apprenticeship incentives should be part of the picture. Learning can’t stop at 18 or 22.
Transportation: Ferry Focus is Welcome, But Where’s the Gridlock Relief?
HB 1054 improves ferry procurement and maintenance, which is overdue. But our transportation challenges don’t stop at the dock. Puget Sound commuters still face crushing congestion. Emerging technology, remote work infrastructure, and regional transit integration need attention. A real transportation package should address all of that.
Transparency and Governance: Let’s Get Serious
We appreciate SB 5316, which streamlines how people reclaim unclaimed property. Many Washingtonians have forgotten utility deposits or insurance refunds transferred to the state. This bill makes it easier for people to prove ownership and get their property back—a good administrative fix.
But where is the broader conversation on transparent government? What about campaign finance reform, merit-based judicial selection, or term limits for state executive offices? That’s where trust is built—or lost. We’re still waiting.
Tax Policy: Tweak or Transform?
HB 1060 is a tax exemption for eligible printed and digital news sources. HB 1094 provides a property tax exemption for property owned by a qualifying nonprofit organization and loaned, leased, or rented to and used by any government entity to provide character-building, benevolent, protective, or rehabilitative social services narrow relief. But Washington’s tax code still leans heavily on regressive sales and excise taxes. Cascade's platfrom calls for state preemption on specific local taxes that hurt small business and consumer choice, and for longer-term discussions about shifting to flatter, fairer tax models.
The Path Ahead
We’re not here just to critique. The Cascade Party is ready with ideas—and with candidates who will champion them. We’ll keep watching the next round of bills and speaking up for solutions that go deeper and reach further. Governor Ferguson’s start wasn’t a misfire. But if Washington wants real change, it’s going to take more than early momentum. It’ll take structural reform, public input, and principled pressure.
Damon Townsend is a Cascade Party board Member, representing district 3/6. He has experience in government administration.
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