These Washington laws take effect July 1

Washington state will implement new laws on July 1, including a 38% increase in hunting and fishing license fees, with the big game deer license rising from $39 to $53. 82. A 6-cent gas tax hike will also take effect, impacting drivers as the state addresses a significant budget shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four years. The fee increases are projected to raise about $19. 6 million in the next two years, despite anticipated drops in sales.

Additionally, Senate Bill 5104 aims to protect workers from employer coercion based on immigration status, allowing complaints to be filed with the state. Gun dealers will face new requirements under House Bill 2118, including enhanced security measures and annual background checks for employees. These laws passed with narrow margins, reflecting ongoing partisan debates in Olympia. Rep. April Connors criticized the fee hikes for creating barriers for lower-income residents, while Rep.

Mia Gregerson defended them as necessary for budget management amid rising inflation. The new laws signal a shift in regulatory approaches to hunting, fishing, and workplace protections in Washington.