Gas tax hike among new Washington state laws taking effect in July

Washington state's new laws come into effect starting July 1, including a six-cent increase in the gas tax, bringing it to 55. 4 cents per gallon, making it the third highest in the nation. Disabled veterans rated at 40% or more will be eligible for property tax exemptions. On July 27, other laws will take effect, such as a $2-per-pack cigarette tax and higher business taxes for top earners, alongside increased fees for licenses and outdoor recreation. A notable school safety law requires panic buttons and live camera feeds for police, initiated by a mother after her daughter died in a Florida school shooting.

The legislature also expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers and modified hate crime laws while granting civil immunity for rescuing individuals from locked cars. Financial aid cuts will significantly impact students at private and for-profit colleges, and driver’s education will become mandatory for young adults starting in 2027. The increase in gas tax revenue will support the transportation system, with Whatcom County receiving approximately $4 million this year. Lawmakers are exploring alternative funding methods, such as per-mile fees, due to declining gas consumption from more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.