The State Legislature adjourned 8 minutes before midnight on April 28, 2019. Our final legislative report is here.
In the final 24 hours of the session, the Democrats had the numbers to pass all three budgets and a number of other bills that went down to the wire. Included in their revenue package was the increase in the B&O tax on services (to 1.8%) for architects and other professions that require a college degree. The money is earmarked for investments in higher education.
The final Capital Budget can be reviewed here.
This session saw a number of significant bills pass that are aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change. A condo liability reform bill passed with the support of a wide range of stakeholders. The Housing Trust Fund received its highest level of funding ever. And AIA|WA’s bill to amend the Architect Practice Act passed and has already been signed by the governor. Details on these and much more can be found in our report.
A huge thank you to all AIA members who took time over the last year to meet with your legislators, send an email or just pay attention to these reports! As we look to 2020, please stay in touch with us and let us know what your priorities are with respect to state government.