State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, prefiled four bills last week for the upcoming 2023 legislative session that begins on Jan. 9.
According to a news release from Abbarno’s office, the bills are aimed at making Washington state a “safer and more prosperous place.”
Abbarno serves in the 20th Legislative District, which includes Ridgefield and La Center, as well as the unincorporated area north of Battle Ground.
“Affordability and economic security are overwhelming priorities in Southwest Washington,” Abbarno said. “Too many of our families are struggling financially. Too many children are caught in the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Too many seniors are forced to cut essential items from their budgets. Too few economic opportunities are being created. The four pre-filed bills, and the legislation I support in the coming session, would provide some economic relief and support to our communities.”
HB 1004, also known as “Zack’s Law,” aims to prevent cold-water shock drownings through signage at bridges and along waterways throughout Washington state. The bill is named in honor of 18-year-old Zachary Lee Rager, an experienced swimmer who drowned in the Chehalis River on March 23, 2021 after experiencing cold-water shock.
“Zack’s Law would require state government agencies and local governments to erect signs addressing drowning hazards when replacing signs or erecting signs near dangerous water hazards,” Abbarno said. “It would also create a mechanism for the public to donate funds to the state for the specific purpose of erecting signs in locations known to attract people to what could be hazardous waterways.”
HB 1005 would double the business and occupation tax credit from $1,500 to $3,000 for employers who hire a veteran, spouse of a veteran or spouse of an active-duty military member if they employ them in a full-time position for at least two consecutive full-calendar quarters. Veterans would also no longer have to meet the requirement of being unemployed for at least 30 days to be eligible. The changes also apply to seasonal employers.
“House Bill 1005 is about creating work opportunities and providing financial stability for our military members, veterans and their families, who’ve already given so much to our community and sacrificed for our freedoms,” Abbarno said. “This legislation would also help businesses keep up with demand for supplies and services. It’s really the perfect match — providing jobs for veterans and military spouses and reducing the workforce shortage is a win-win for our communities.”
HB 1011 would repeal the state’s new long-term care insurance program. The program, which is funded through a new payroll tax, is set to take effect July 1.
“The long-term care insurance program and payroll tax remains unpopular, insolvent and regressive,” Abbarno said. “House Bill 1011 would repeal the program in its entirety and give the Legislature the opportunity to work on meaningful solutions that provide individuals the freedom for impactful long-term care.”
HB 1014 would provide a new grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs of their communities. Under the bill, the Department of Commerce would establish a competitive grant program to award up to $2 million in funding for local governments in rural counties for capital projects to improve fire protection services.
“Many fire departments around our state, particularly in rural communities, are struggling to meet the demand of a growing population, as they work out of very old, outdated stations,” Abbarno said. “This legislation would help rural communities raise the necessary funds to improve fire infrastructure, relieving the economic burden on working families and small businesses.”
All four bills were sponsored by Abbarno during previous legislative sessions but did not pass.
