title: RCW 43.330.506

text:
Members of the governing board of trustees of the life sciences discovery fund authority and persons acting on behalf of the authority, while acting within the scope of their employment or agency, are not subject to personal liability resulting from carrying out the powers and duties conferred on them under former chapter 43.350 RCW. The state, the life sciences discovery fund authority, and the department are not liable for any loss, damage, harm, or other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from grants made by the authority or by any life sciences research funded by such grants.
[ 2019 c 83 s 3; 2005 c 424 s 6. Formerly RCW 43.350.050.]

catchline: Life sciences discovery fund—Limitation of liability.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.330.510

text:
(1) A keep Washington working statewide work group is established within the department. The work group must:
(a) Develop strategies with private sector businesses, labor, and immigrant advocacy organizations to support current and future industries across the state;
(b) Conduct research on methods to strengthen career pathways for immigrants and create and enhance partnerships with projected growth industries;
(c) Support business and agriculture leadership, civic groups, government, and immigrant advocacy organizations in a statewide effort to provide predictability and stability to the workforce in the agriculture industry; and
(d) Recommend approaches to improve Washington's ability to attract and retain immigrant business owners that provide new business and trade opportunities.
(2) The work group must consist of eleven representatives, each serving a term of three years, representing members from geographically diverse immigrant advocacy groups, professional associations representing business, labor organizations with a statewide presence, agriculture and immigrant legal interests, faith-based community nonprofit organizations, legal advocacy groups focusing on immigration and criminal justice, academic institutions, and law enforcement. The terms of the members must be staggered. Members of the work group must select a chair from among the membership. The work group must meet at least four times a year and hold meetings in various locations throughout the state. Following each meeting, the work group must report on its status, including meeting minutes and a meeting summary to the department. The department must provide a report to the legislature annually.
(3) In addition to the duties and powers described in RCW 43.330.040, it is the director's duty to provide support to the work group.
(4) The definitions in RCW 43.17.420 apply to this section.
[ 2019 c 440 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2019 c 440: See notes following RCW 43.17.425.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Keep Washington working statewide work group.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.330.515

text:
(1) The defense community compatibility account is created in the state treasury. Revenues to the account consist of appropriations by the legislature, private contributions, and all other sources deposited in the account.
(2)(a) Expenditures from the account may only be used for grants to local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, or entities who have entered into an agreement with a military installation in the state under the United States department of defense readiness and environmental protection integration program for purposes of the programs established in subsection (3) of this section, including administrative expenses. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures. In order for the director or the director's designee to authorize an expenditure for the purpose identified in subsection (3) of this section, both nonstate and applicant funds must be committed to the same purposes or project as the state expenditure.
(b) An applicant must submit an application to the department in order to be eligible for funding under this subsection, and the department may not expend money on a project for which an applicant has not applied to the department to carry out the project.
(3)(a) The department may expend moneys from the account to provide state funds for capital projects identified by applicants to address incompatible development connected to Washington state military installations. For purposes of this section, "incompatible development" includes land development and military operations that impact the economy, environment, or quality of life opportunities for local communities.
(b) The department must evaluate and rank applications using objective criteria such as a community cost-benefit analysis, must consider recommendations from a citizens advisory commission comprised of representatives of community stakeholders impacted by military installations or their operations, must hold public hearings at least ninety days prior to any funding decision, and may consider the degree to which each project is compatible with the criteria established in the United States department of defense's readiness and environmental protection integration program. When ranking applications, the department must give priority to grant applications:
(i) That have secured federal or other nonstate funding for the project;
(ii) That leverage a higher proportion of federal or other nonstate funding;
(iii) In which the federal grant requires state match in a timely manner; or
(iv) Accompanied by express support from nonprofit community or neighborhood-based organizations, public development authorities, federally recognized Indian tribes in the state, or other community partners.
(c) Eligible projects may include:
(i) Acquisition of real property or real property interests to eliminate an existing incompatible use;
(ii) Projects to jointly assist in the recovery or protection of endangered species dependent on military installation property for habitat;
(iii) Projects to increase the availability of housing affordable to enlisted military personnel and nonmilitary residents in the local community;
(iv) Projects to retrofit existing uses to increase their compatibility with existing or future military operations;
(v) Projects to enable local communities heavily dependent on a nearby military installation to diversify the local economy so as to reduce the economic dependence on the military base;
(vi) Projects that aid communities to replace jobs lost in the event of a reduction of the military presence; and
(vii) Projects that improve or enhance aspects of the local economy, environment, or quality of life impacted by the presence of military activities.
(4) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2023 c 438 s 1; 2019 c 404 s 1.]

catchline: Military installation incompatible development—Defense community compatibility account—Grants.


title: RCW 43.330.520

text:
(1) The department must produce a biennial report identifying a list of projects to address incompatible developments near military installations.
(a) The list must include a description of each project, the estimated cost of the project, the amount of recommended state funding, and the amount of any federal or local funds documented to be available to be used for the project.
(b) Projects on the list must be prioritized with consideration given to:
(i) The recommendations of the recent United States department of defense base realignment and closure (BRAC) processes, joint land use studies, or other federally initiated land use processes; and
(ii) Whether a branch of the United States armed forces has identified the project as increasing the viability of military installations for current or future missions.
(c) The department may consult with the commanders of United States military installations in Washington to understand impacts and identify the viability of community identified projects to reduce incompatibility.
(2) The department must submit the report to appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate, including the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs and the house of representatives capital budget committee, by November 1, 2024, and every two years thereafter.
[ 2023 c 438 s 2; 2021 c 332 s 7039; 2019 c 404 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 332: See note following RCW 43.19.501.

catchline: Military installation incompatible development—Project list—Report.


title: RCW 43.330.530

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 43.330.532 through 43.330.538, 43.330.412, 43.330.5393, and 43.330.5395 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1)(a) "Advanced telecommunications capability" means, without regard to any transmission media or technology, high-speed, switched, broadband telecommunications capability that enables users to originate and receive high quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications using any technology.
(b) "Advanced telecommunications capability" does not include access to a technology that delivers transmission speeds below the minimum download and upload speeds provided in the definition of broadband in this section.
(2) "Aging individual" means an individual 55 years of age or older.
(3) "Board" means the public works board established in RCW 43.155.030.
(4) "Broadband" or "broadband service" means any service providing advanced telecommunications capability and internet access with transmission speeds that, at a minimum, provide 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload.
(5) "Broadband adoption" means the process by which an individual obtains daily access to the internet:
(a) At a speed, quality, price, and capacity necessary for the individual to accomplish common tasks, such that the access qualifies as an advanced telecommunications capability;
(b) Providing individuals with the digital skills necessary to participate online;
(c) On a device connected to the internet and other advanced telecommunications services via a secure and convenient network, with associated end user broadband infrastructure equipment such as wifi mesh router or repeaters to enable the device to adequately use the internet network; and
(d) With technical support and digital navigation assistance to enable continuity of service and equipment use and utilization.
(6) "Broadband infrastructure" means networks of deployed telecommunications equipment and technologies necessary to provide high-speed internet access and other advanced telecommunications services to end users.
(7) "Department" means the department of commerce.
(8) "Digital equity" means the condition in which individuals and communities in Washington have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in society and the economy.
(9)(a) "Digital inclusion" means the activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in Washington have access to, and the use of, affordable information and communication technologies including, but not limited to:
(i) Reliable broadband internet service;
(ii) Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; and
(iii) Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
(b) "Digital inclusion" also includes obtaining access to digital literacy training, the provision of quality technical support, and obtaining basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity.
(10) "Digital literacy" means the skills associated with using technology to enable users to use information and communications technologies to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information.
(11) "Last mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that serves as the final connection from a broadband service provider's network to the end-use customer's on-premises telecommunications equipment.
(12) "Local government" includes cities, towns, counties, municipal corporations, public port districts, public utility districts, quasi-municipal corporations, special purpose districts, and multiparty entities comprised of public entity members.
(13) "Low-income" means households as defined by the department of social and health services, provided that the definition may not exceed the higher of 80 percent of area median household income or the self-sufficiency standard as determined by the University of Washington's self-sufficiency calculator.
(14) "Middle mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that links a broadband service provider's core network infrastructure to last mile infrastructure.
(15) "Office" means the governor's statewide broadband office established in RCW 43.330.532.
(16) "Tribe" means any federally recognized Indian tribe whose traditional lands and territories included parts of Washington.
(17) "Underserved population" means any of the following:
(a) Individuals who live in low-income households;
(b) Aging individuals;
(c) Incarcerated individuals;
(d) Veterans;
(e) Individuals with disabilities;
(f) Individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who are English learners or who have low levels of literacy;
(g) Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group;
(h) Individuals who primarily reside in a rural area;
(i) Children and youth in foster care; or
(j) Individuals experiencing housing instability.
(18) "Unserved areas" means areas of Washington in which households and businesses lack access to broadband service, as defined by the office.
[ 2022 c 265 s 301; 2022 c 237 s 2; 2019 c 365 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: (1) The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
(2) This section was amended by 2022 c 237 s 2 and by 2022 c 265 s 301, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2022 c 265 ss 101, 102, 301-305, and 401: "Sections 101, 102, 301 through 305, and 401 of this act take effect July 1, 2023." [ 2022 c 265 s 502.]
Short title—Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: See notes following RCW 43.330.539.
Intent—2022 c 237: "The legislature recognizes the statewide broadband office's objective of scalability while appreciating that a digital economy will continue to drive higher and higher speeds. Therefore, the legislature intends to move towards adequate connectivity in terms of the needs of economic development, education, and telehealth services." [ 2022 c 237 s 1.]
Findings—2019 c 365: See note following RCW 43.330.532.

catchline: Broadband office—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.330.532

text:
(1) The governor's statewide broadband office is established. The director of the office must be appointed by the governor. The office may employ staff necessary to carry out the office's duties as prescribed by chapter 365, Laws of 2019, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.
(2) The purpose of the office is to encourage, foster, develop, and improve affordable, quality broadband within the state in order to:
(a) Drive job creation, promote innovation, improve economic vitality, and expand markets for Washington businesses;
(b) Serve the ongoing and growing needs of Washington's education systems, health care systems, public safety systems, transportation systems, industries and business, governmental operations, and citizens; and
(c) Improve broadband accessibility and adoption for unserved and underserved communities and populations.
[ 2022 c 265 s 302; 2021 c 258 s 2; 2019 c 365 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 265 ss 101, 102, 301-305, and 401: See note following RCW 43.330.530.
Short title—Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: See notes following RCW 43.330.539.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 258: See note following RCW 47.44.160.
Findings—2019 c 365: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Access to broadband is critical to full participation in society and the modern economy;
(2) Increasing broadband access to unserved areas of the state serves a fundamental governmental purpose and function and provides a public benefit to the citizens of Washington by enabling access to health care, education, and essential services, providing economic opportunities, and enhancing public health and safety;
(3) Achieving affordable and quality broadband access for all Washingtonians will require additional and sustained investment, research, local and community participation, and partnerships between private, public, and nonprofit entities;
(4) The federal communications commission has adopted a national broadband plan that includes recommendations directed to federal, state, and local governments, including recommendations to:
(a) Design policies to ensure robust competition and maximize consumer welfare, innovation, and investment;
(b) Ensure efficient allocation and management of assets that the government controls or influences to encourage network upgrades and competitive entry;
(c) Reform current universal service mechanisms to support deployment in high-cost areas, ensuring that low-income Americans can afford broadband, and supporting efforts to boost adoption and utilization; and
(d) Reform laws, policies, standards, and incentives to maximize the benefits of broadband in sectors that government influences significantly, such as public education, health care, and government operations;
(5) Extensive investments have been made by the telecommunications industry and the public sector, as well as policies and programs adopted to provide affordable broadband services throughout the state, that will provide a foundation to build a comprehensive statewide framework for additional actions needed to advance the state's broadband goals; and
(6) Providing additional funding mechanisms to increase broadband access in unserved areas is in the best interest of the state. To that end, this act establishes a grant and loan program that will support the extension of broadband infrastructure to unserved areas. To ensure this program primarily serves the public interest, the legislature intends that any grant or loan provided to a private entity under this program must be conditioned on a guarantee that the asset or infrastructure to be developed will be maintained for public use for a period of at least fifteen years." [ 2019 c 365 s 1.]

catchline: Broadband office—Established—Purpose.


title: RCW 43.330.534

text:
(1) The office has the power and duty to:
(a) Serve as the central broadband planning body for the state of Washington;
(b) Coordinate with local governments, tribes, public and private entities, public housing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consumer-owned and investor-owned utilities to develop strategies and plans promoting deployment of broadband infrastructure and greater broadband access, while protecting proprietary information;
(c) Review existing broadband initiatives, policies, and public and private investments;
(d) Develop, recommend, and implement a statewide plan to encourage cost-effective broadband access and to make recommendations for increased usage, particularly in rural and other unserved areas;
(e) Update the state's broadband goals and definitions for broadband service in unserved areas as technology advances, except that the state's definition for broadband service may not be actual speeds less than twenty-five megabits per second download and three megabits per second upload; and
(f) Encourage public-private partnerships to increase deployment and adoption of broadband services and applications.
(2) When developing plans or strategies for broadband deployment, the office must consider:
(a) Partnerships between communities, tribes, nonprofit organizations, local governments, consumer-owned and investor-owned utilities, and public and private entities;
(b) Funding opportunities that provide for the coordination of public, private, state, and federal funds for the purposes of making broadband infrastructure or broadband services available to rural and unserved areas of the state;
(c) Barriers to the deployment, adoption, and utilization of broadband service, including affordability of service and project coordination logistics; and
(d) Requiring minimum broadband service of twenty-five megabits per second download and three megabits per second upload speed, that is scalable to faster service.
(3) The office may assist applicants for the grant and loan program created in RCW 43.155.160, the digital equity opportunity program created in RCW 43.330.412, and the digital equity planning grant program created in RCW 43.330.5393 with seeking federal funding or matching grants and other grant opportunities for deploying or increasing adoption of broadband services.
(4) The office may take all appropriate steps to seek and apply for federal funds for which the office is eligible, and other grants, and accept donations, and must deposit these funds in the statewide broadband account created in RCW 43.155.165.
(5) The office shall coordinate an outreach effort to hard-to-reach communities and low-income communities across the state to provide information about broadband programs available to consumers of these communities. The outreach effort must include, but is not limited to, providing information to applicable communities about the federal lifeline program and other low-income broadband benefit programs. The outreach effort must be reviewed by the office of equity annually. The office may contract with other public or private entities to conduct outreach to communities as provided under this subsection.
(6) In carrying out its purpose, the office may collaborate with the utilities and transportation commission, Washington technology solutions, the department of commerce, the community economic revitalization board, the department of transportation, the public works board, the state librarian, and all other relevant state agencies.
[ 2024 c 54 s 53; 2022 c 265 s 303; 2021 c 258 s 3; 2019 c 365 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 265 ss 101, 102, 301-305, and 401: See note following RCW 43.330.530.
Short title—Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: See notes following RCW 43.330.539.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 258: See note following RCW 47.44.160.
Findings—2019 c 365: See note following RCW 43.330.532.

catchline: Broadband office—Powers and duties.


title: RCW 43.330.536

text:
It is a goal of the state of Washington that:
(1) By 2024, all Washington businesses and residences have access to high-speed broadband that provides minimum download speeds of at least twenty-five megabits per second and minimum upload speeds of at least three megabits per second;
(2) By 2026, all Washington communities have access to at least one gigabit per second symmetrical broadband service at anchor institutions like schools, hospitals, libraries, and government buildings; and
(3) By 2028, all Washington businesses and residences have access to at least one provider of broadband with download speeds of at least one hundred fifty megabits per second and upload speeds of at least one hundred fifty megabits per second.
[ 2019 c 365 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—2019 c 365: See note following RCW 43.330.532.

catchline: Broadband office—Goals.


title: RCW 43.330.538

text:
(1)(a) Beginning January 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter, the office shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over broadband policy and finance on the office's activities during the previous two years.
(b) The report must, at a minimum, contain:
(i) An analysis of the current availability and use of broadband, including average broadband speeds, within the state;
(ii) Information gathered from schools, libraries, hospitals, and public safety facilities across the state, determining the actual speed and capacity of broadband currently in use and the need, if any, for increases in speed and capacity to meet current or anticipated needs;
(iii) An overview of incumbent broadband infrastructure within the state;
(iv) A summary of the office's activities in coordinating broadband infrastructure development with the department of transportation and the public works board, including a summary of funds awarded under RCW 43.155.160;
(v) Suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement of the goals under RCW 43.330.536; and
(vi) Any proposed legislative and policy initiatives.
(2)(a) By December 31, 2022, the office must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding the provision of retail telecommunications services to unserved areas by public utility districts and port districts as provided in RCW * 54.16.330(10) and 53.08.370(10).
(b) The report must, at a minimum, contain:
(i) The number of public utility districts and port districts providing retail telecommunications services in an unserved area authorized in RCW * 54.16.330(10) and 53.08.370(10); and
(ii) Any recommendations to improve the provision of retail telecommunications services in unserved areas.
[ 2021 c 293 s 4; 2021 c 258 s 4; 2019 c 365 s 6.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 54.16.330 was amended by 2023 c 470 s 1011, changing subsection (10) to subsection (9).
(2) This section was amended by 2021 c 258 s 4 and by 2021 c 293 s 4, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Findings—2021 c 293: See note following RCW 54.16.330.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 258: See note following RCW 47.44.160.
Findings—2019 c 365: See note following RCW 43.330.532.

catchline: Broadband office—Reports.


title: RCW 43.330.539

text:
(1) The office, in consultation with the digital equity forum, the utilities and transportation commission, and the department of social and health services, must develop a state digital equity plan.
(a) The office must seek any available federal funding for purposes of developing and implementing the state digital equity plan.
(b) The state digital equity plan must include such elements as the office determines are necessary to leverage federal funding.
(2) In developing the plan, the office must identify measurable objectives for documenting and promoting digital equity among underserved communities located in the state.
(3) By December 1, 2023, the office must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature, including the following:
(a) The digital equity plan described in subsection (1) of this section and measurable objectives described in subsection (2) of this section;
(b) A description of how the office collaborated with the membership of the digital equity forum, state agencies, and key stakeholders to develop the plan including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Community anchor institutions;
(ii) Local governments;
(iii) Local educational agencies;
(iv) Entities that carry out workforce development programs; and
(v) Broadband service providers;
(c) A description of federal funding available to advance digital equity in the state, including any available information on the extent to which state residents have enrolled in the affordable connectivity program through an approved provider; and
(d) Recommendations of additional state law or policy that can be targeted to help improve broadband adoption and affordability for state residents. This may include recommendations of ongoing subsidies that the state can provide to low-income individuals and anchor institutions, as well as identification of revenue sources that other states or jurisdictions have developed to fund such subsidies or discounted rates.
(4) For the purpose of this section, "office" means the statewide broadband office established in RCW 43.330.532.
[ 2022 c 265 s 201.]
Notes:
Short title—2022 c 265: "This act may be known and cited as the digital equity act." [ 2022 c 265 s 101.]
Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) Access to the internet is essential to participating in modern day society including, but not limited to, attending school and work, accessing health care, paying for basic services, connecting with family and friends, civic participation, and economic survival.
(b) For too many people in both rural and urban areas, the cost of being online is unaffordable. The legislature recognizes that building the last mile of broadband to the home is prohibitively expensive and that urban areas that are home to people earning low incomes continue to face digital redlining. Across the state there is a lack of affordable plans, barriers to enrolling in appropriate broadband plans, and barriers to fully utilize the opportunities that broadband offers.
(c) The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for affordable access, devices, and skills to use the internet.
(d) The need for more accessible and affordable internet is felt more acutely among specific sectors of the population, especially Washington residents in rural areas, people who are currently earning low incomes, seniors and others who lack the skills necessary to get online, people with first languages other than English, immigrant communities, and people with disabilities.
(e) The federal government is allocating considerable sums for investment in digital equity that the state broadband office will help to leverage for residents across Washington. Continued comprehensive efforts, including coordination with tribal partners, are needed to ensure truly equitable access. The legislature recognizes that there will be a need for ongoing development and maintenance of broadband infrastructure. The legislature also recognizes that there is a need for ongoing outreach by community-based partnerships to provide enrollment assistance to lower the cost of internet subscriptions and devices.
(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to broaden access to the internet, the appropriate devices, and the skills to operate online safely and effectively so that all people in Washington can fully participate in our society, democracy, and economy by expanding assistance and support programs offered in the state and establishing the governor's statewide broadband office as a central access point to such programs." [ 2022 c 265 s 102.]

catchline: Broadband office—Digital equity plan.


title: RCW 43.330.5393

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall establish a digital equity planning grant program.
(2)(a) This program must provide grants to local governments, institutions of higher education, workforce development councils, or other entities to fund the development of a digital equity plan for a discrete geographic region of the state. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures.
(b) Priority must be given for grant applications:
(i) Accompanied by express support from community or neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations, public development authorities, federally recognized Indian tribes in the state, or other community partners and partners from the categories of institutions identified in RCW 43.330.421; and
(ii) That intend to use community-based participatory action research methods as a part of the proposed plan.
(3) An applicant must submit an application to the department in order to be eligible for funding under this section.
(4) The digital equity forum shall review grant applications and provide input to the department regarding the prioritization of applications in awarding grants among eligible applicants under the program.
(5) The department must:
(a) Pursuant to subsection (2)(b) of this section, evaluate and rank applications using objective criteria such as the number of underserved populations served and subjective criteria such as the degree of support and engagement evidenced by the community who will be served;
(b) Consider the input provided by the forum, as provided in subsection (4) of this section, in awarding grants under the digital equity planning grant program; and
(c) Consider the extent to which the mix of grants awarded would increase in the number of prekindergarten through 12th grade students gaining access to greater levels of digital inclusion as a factor in awarding grants under the digital equity planning grant program.
(6) The department shall develop criteria for what the digital equity plans must include.
(7) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2022 c 265 s 305.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 265 ss 101, 102, 301-305, and 401: See note following RCW 43.330.530.
Short title—Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: See notes following RCW 43.330.539.

catchline: Digital equity planning grant program.


title: RCW 43.330.5395

text:
(1) The Washington digital equity forum is established for the purpose of developing recommendations to advance digital connectivity in Washington state and advising the statewide broadband office on the digital equity opportunity program as provided under RCW 43.330.412 and the digital equity planning grant program as provided under RCW 43.330.5393.
(2) In developing its recommendations to advance digital connectivity, the forum must:
(a) Develop goals that are consistent with the goals of the governor's statewide broadband office, as provided in RCW 43.330.536;
(b) Strengthen public-private partnerships;
(c) Solicit public input through public hearings or informational sessions;
(d) Work to increase collaboration and communication between local, state, and federal governments and agencies; and
(e) Recommend reforms to current universal service mechanisms.
(3) The directors of the governor's statewide broadband office and the Washington state office of equity are responsible for appointing participating members of the digital equity forum and no appointment may be made unless each director concurs in the appointment. In making appointments, the directors must prioritize appointees representing:
(a) Federally recognized tribes;
(b) State agencies involved in digital equity; and
(c) Underserved and unserved communities, including historically disadvantaged communities.
(4) A majority of the participating members appointed by the directors must appoint an administrative chair for the forum.
(5) In addition to members appointed by the directors, four legislators may serve on the digital equity forum in an ex officio capacity. Legislative participants must be appointed as follows:
(a) The speaker of the house of representatives must appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives; and
(b) The president of the senate must appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate.
(6)(a) Funds appropriated to the forum may be used to compensate, for any work done in connection with the forum, additional persons who have lived experience navigating barriers to digital connectivity and digital equity.
(b) Each member of the digital equity forum shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses as authorized in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(7) Staff for the digital equity forum must be provided by the governor's statewide broadband office and the Washington state office of equity. The governor's statewide broadband office and the Washington state office of equity are jointly responsible for transmitting the recommendations of the digital equity forum to the legislature, consistent with RCW 43.01.036, by October 28, 2025, and every odd-numbered year thereafter.
[ 2022 c 265 s 306.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—2022 c 265: See notes following RCW 43.330.539.

catchline: Digital equity forum.


title: RCW 43.330.540

text:
(1) The cannabis social equity technical assistance grant program is established and is to be administered by the department.
(2)(a) The cannabis social equity technical assistance grant program must award grants to:
(i) Cannabis license applicants who are social equity applicants as defined in RCW 69.50.335 submitting social equity plans as defined in RCW 69.50.101; and
(ii) Cannabis licensees holding a license issued after April 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, who meet the social equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335.
(b) Grant recipients under this subsection (2) must demonstrate completion of their project within 12 months of receiving a grant, unless a grant recipient requests, and the department approves, additional time to complete the project.
(3) The department must award grants primarily based on the strength of the social equity plans submitted by cannabis license applicants and cannabis licensees holding a license issued after April 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, but may also consider additional criteria if deemed necessary or appropriate by the department. Technical assistance activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
(a) Assistance navigating the cannabis licensure process;
(b) Cannabis-business specific education and business plan development;
(c) Regulatory compliance training;
(d) Financial management training and assistance in seeking financing;
(e) Strengthening a social equity plan as defined in RCW 69.50.101; and
(f) Connecting social equity applicants with established industry members and tribal cannabis enterprises and programs for mentoring and other forms of support.
(4) The department may contract to establish a roster of mentors who are available to support and advise social equity applicants and current licensees who meet the social equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335. Contractors under this section must:
(a) Have knowledge and experience demonstrating their ability to effectively advise eligible applicants and licensees in navigating the state's licensing and regulatory framework or on producing and processing cannabis;
(b) Be a business that is at least 51 percent minority or woman-owned; and
(c) Meet department reporting and invoicing requirements.
(5) Funding for the cannabis social equity technical assistance grant program must be provided under RCW 69.50.540. Additionally, the department may solicit, receive, and expend private contributions to support the grant program.
(6) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(7) For the purposes of this section, "cannabis" has the meaning provided under RCW 69.50.101.
[ 2023 c 220 s 1; 2022 c 16 s 36; 2021 c 169 s 1; 2020 c 236 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Findings—Intent—2020 c 236: See note following RCW 69.50.335.

catchline: Cannabis social equity technical assistance grant program.


title: RCW 43.330.542

text:
The department must apply and comply with the substantive and procedural requirements of chapter 70A.02 RCW.
[ 2021 c 314 s 8.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 314: See note following RCW 70A.02.005.

catchline: Environmental justice obligations of the department of commerce.


title: RCW 43.330.545

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, a project is created in the department to foster community engagement through neighborhood organizing, law enforcement-community partnerships, youth mobilization, and business engagement. The department shall administer the project. The project must include funding for programs delivering services in a range of rural and urban counties across Washington.
(2) The department shall adopt policies and procedures necessary to administer the project including: (a) An application process; (b) disbursement of the grant award to selected applicants; (c) tracking compliance and proper use of funds; and (d) measuring outcomes.
(3) Eligible applicants must:
(a) Be a public agency or nongovernmental organization;
(b) Have demonstrated experience with community engagement initiatives that impact public safety;
(c) Include community engagement in their services;
(d) Have established or be willing to establish a coordinated effort with committed partners, which must include law enforcement and organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion of community members, including organizations whose leadership specifically reflects the communities most impacted by racism; and
(e) Have established priorities, policies, and measurable goals in compliance with the requirements of the project as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(4) A law enforcement agency applying for a grant award shall not be considered an eligible applicant unless there are no other eligible applicants from the community or county the law enforcement agency serves.
(5) The grant recipient shall:
(a) Lead and facilitate neighborhood organizing initiatives, including:
(i) Empowering community members with tools, skills, confidence, and connections to identify, eradicate, and prevent illegal activity;
(ii) Making neighborhood improvements to deter future criminal activity; or
(iii) Educating community members regarding how to connect with city, county, and law enforcement resources;
(b) Build substantive law enforcement-community partnerships, including:
(i) Building trust between community members and law enforcement by facilitating purposeful antiracist practices and the development of policies that lead to equal treatment under the law;
(ii) Establishing clear expectations for law enforcement to be competent to practice fair and equitable treatment including facilitating dialogue between law enforcement and community members to increase understanding of the impact of historical racist practices and current conflicts;
(iii) Community members regularly informing law enforcement, through presentations, workshops, or forums, on community perceptions of law enforcement and public safety issues;
(iv) Educating community members on the role and function of law enforcement in the community;
(v) Clarifying expectations of law enforcement and of the role of the community in crime prevention;
(vi) Educating community members on the best practices for reporting emergency and nonemergency activities;
(vii) Recognizing community members for effective engagement and community leadership; and
(viii) Recognizing law enforcement officials for efforts to engage underrepresented communities, improve community engagement and empowerment, and reform law enforcement practices;
(c) Mobilize youth to partner with neighborhood groups and law enforcement to prevent violence by:
(i) Helping them develop knowledge and skills to serve as leaders in their communities;
(ii) Focusing on prevention of violence and substance abuse; or
(iii) Empowering youth to bring their voice to community issues that impact healthy police-community relations;
(d) Engage businesses to help prevent crimes, such as vandalism and burglaries, through safety training and other prevention initiatives;
(e) Provide training and technical assistance on how to implement community engagement, improving law enforcement and community partnership, youth engagement, and business engagement;
(f) Identify and maintain consistent, experienced, and committed leadership for managing the grant, including an administrator who acts as an available point of contact with the department; and
(g) Collect and report data and information required by the department.
(6) The department shall, in consultation with the Washington state institute for public policy, develop reporting guidelines for the grant recipients to measure whether the project had an impact on crime rates and community engagement with, and perceptions of, law enforcement. The department shall report to the appropriate legislative policy committees by December 1st every odd-numbered year with details on the implementation of the project and the outcomes of the reported data and information.
(7) This section expires January 1, 2029.
[ 2023 c 189 s 1; 2021 c 327 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—2021 c 327: "The legislature finds that community engagement is a foundational principle of successful community policing practices. When individuals and neighborhood groups are encouraged to partner with law enforcement, a powerful alliance can be built on mutual trust and respect and mitigate polarization between police departments and community groups. A successful community-police partnership leads to the achievement of shared goals of improving safety and quality of life and ensuring that public safety services are tailored to the needs of local communities.
The legislature recognizes current efforts in Washington to mobilize communities to insist on equitable and accountable practices that will result in community participation in public safety efforts as well as establish cooperative lines of communication between civilians and law enforcement. Laudable community engagement models such as the safe streets campaign in Pierce county, safe Yakima in Yakima county, and the Okanogan county community coalition are recognized to mitigate crime trends by engaging the community and law enforcement in cooperative efforts to improve public safety.
The department of commerce intends to foster community engagement with law enforcement officers through the creation of a community engagement project in 15 communities across the state of Washington with a mix of urban, rural, and suburban areas to facilitate community-law enforcement partnerships and improve police-community relations. The department will implement a project evaluation to measure and examine the impact of local initiatives on community engagement, neighborhood safety, and positive community-police relations.
The funded projects will facilitate the empowerment of communities to engage in crime prevention efforts through neighborhood organizing, law enforcement-community partnerships, youth mobilization, and business engagement." [ 2021 c 327 s 1.]

catchline: Community engagement grants—Law enforcement. (Expires January 1, 2029.)


title: RCW 43.330.550

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department, in collaboration with the department of children, youth, and families, shall provide or contract to provide remote or in-person technical assistance to employers interested in supporting their employees' access to high quality child care.
(2) Technical assistance may include guidance related to:
(a) Operating a licensed child care center at or near the workplace for the benefit of employees;
(b) Financing and construction of a licensed child care center at or near the workplace for the benefit of employees;
(c) Providing financial assistance to employees for licensed or certified child care providers and license-exempt child care program expenses;
(d) Encouraging access and support for low-wage employees;
(e) Sponsoring dependent care flexible spending accounts for employees; and
(f) Developing a "bring your infant to work" program and other family-friendly work policies for employees.
[ 2021 c 199 s 308.]
Notes:
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.

catchline: Employer-supported child care—Technical assistance.


title: RCW 43.330.560

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.330.565, 43.330.570, and 43.330.575 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of commerce.
(2) "Green electrolytic hydrogen" means hydrogen produced through electrolysis and does not include hydrogen manufactured using steam reforming or any other conversion technology that produces hydrogen from a fossil fuel feedstock.
(3) "Office" means the statewide office of renewable fuels established in RCW 43.330.565.
(4) "Overburdened communities" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 70A.02.010.
(5) "Renewable fuel" means fuel produced using renewable resources and includes renewable hydrogen.
(6) "Renewable hydrogen" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 54.04.190.
(7) "Renewable resource" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 19.405.020.
[ 2022 c 292 s 101.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 292: See note following RCW 43.330.565.

catchline: Office of renewable fuels—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.330.565

text:
(1) The statewide office of renewable fuels is established within the department. The office shall report to the director of the department. The office may employ staff as necessary to carry out the office's duties as prescribed by chapter 292, Laws of 2022, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.
(2) The purpose of the office is to leverage, support, and integrate with other state agencies to:
(a) Accelerate comprehensive market development with assistance along the entire life cycle of renewable fuel projects;
(b) Support research into and development and deployment of renewable fuel and the production, distribution, and use of renewable and green electrolytic hydrogen and their derivatives, as well as product engineering and manufacturing relating to the production and use of such hydrogen and its derivatives;
(c) Drive job creation, improve economic vitality, and support the transition to clean energy;
(d) Further the development and use of alternative jet fuels as a productive industry in Washington;
(e) Enhance resiliency by using renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen to support climate change mitigation and adaptations; and
(f) Partner with overburdened communities to ensure communities equitably benefit from renewable and clean fuels efforts.
[ 2023 c 232 s 5; 2022 c 292 s 102.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 232 ss 1-7: See note following RCW 70A.535.010.
Automatic expiration date exemption—2023 c 232: See note following RCW 82.04.287.
Intent—2023 c 232: See note following RCW 70A.535.010.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 292: "(1) The legislature finds that while hydrogen fuel has been used in a variety of applications in the state, the source of hydrogen has been derived from fossil fuel feedstocks, such as natural gas. Hydrogen is an essential building block and energy carrier molecule that is necessary in the production of conventional and renewable fuels and a valuable decarbonization tool when used in sectors such as marine, aviation, steel, aluminum, and cement, as well as surface transportation including heavy duty vehicles, such as transit, trucking, and drayage equipment. Hydrogen can be a carbon-free fuel with an energy per unit mass that is three to four times greater than jet fuel, whose energy can be extracted either through thermochemical (combustion) or electrochemical (fuel cell) processes. In both cases, the only by-product is water, instead of the greenhouse gases and other conventional and toxic pollutants that are emitted from using fossil fuels.
(2) The legislature further finds that the use of renewable hydrogen and hydrogen produced from carbon-free feedstocks through electrolysis is an essential tool to a clean energy ecosystem and emissions reduction for challenging infrastructure needs. Clean hydrogen fuel can be produced or "charged" closer to the generation of the electricity when the electrical supply grid has surplus energy, at times of low electricity use, such as evenings, then made available at times of higher need and convenient locations, such as fueling stations, avoiding the need to build or upgrade larger electrical infrastructure, including distribution systems, to meet higher peak demand for electricity.
(3) Therefore, the legislature intends by this act to establish policies and a framework for the state to become a national and global leader in the production and use of these hydrogen fuels. This act will create an office of renewable fuels to: Promote partnerships among industrial, transportation, agriculture, and commercial interests as well as fuel producers, the technology research sector, and public sector agencies; identify barriers to and opportunities for market development; provide greater clarity and certainty in regulatory and siting standards; provide incentives and financial assistance in the deployment of hydrogen fuel infrastructure; support a clean and just energy transition; help create good quality, clean energy jobs; and improve air quality in degraded areas, particularly in communities that have borne disproportionate levels of air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels." [ 2022 c 292 s 1.]

catchline: Office of renewable fuels—Established.


title: RCW 43.330.570

text:
(1) The office shall:
(a) Coordinate with federally recognized tribes, local government, state agencies, federal agencies, private entities, the state's public four-year institutions of higher education, labor unions, and others to facilitate and promote multi-institution collaborations to drive research, development, and deployment efforts in the production, distribution, and use of alternative jet fuels and renewable fuels including, but not limited to, green electrolytic hydrogen;
(b) Review existing renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen initiatives, policies, and public and private investments, and tax and regulatory incentives, including assessment of adequacy of feedstock supply and in-state feedstock, renewable fuels, and alternative jet fuels production;
(c) Consider funding opportunities that provide for the coordination of public and private funds for the purposes of developing and deploying renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen;
(d) Assess opportunities for and barriers to deployment of renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen in hard to decarbonize sectors of the state economy;
(e) Request recommendations from the Washington state association of fire marshals regarding fire and other safety standards adopted by the United States department of energy and recognized national and international fire and safety code development authorities regarding renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen;
(f) By December 1, 2023, develop a plan and recommendations for consideration by the legislature and governor on renewable fuels and green electrolytic hydrogen policy and public funding including, but not limited to, project permitting, state procurement, and pilot projects; and
(g) Encourage new and support existing public-private partnerships to increase coordinated planning and deployment of renewable fuels, alternative jet fuels, and green electrolytic hydrogen.
(2) The office may take all appropriate steps to seek and apply for federal funds for which the office is eligible, and other grants, and accept donations, and must deposit these funds in the renewable fuels accelerator account created in RCW 43.330.575.
(3) In carrying out its duties, the office must collaborate with the department, the department of ecology, the department of transportation, the utilities and transportation commission, electric utilities in Washington state, the Washington State University extension energy program, the alternative jet fuel work group established in RCW 28B.30.646, and all other relevant state agencies. The office must also consult with and seek to involve federally recognized tribes, project developers, labor and industry trade groups, and other interested parties, in the development of policy analysis and recommended programs or projects.
(4) The office may cooperate with other state agencies in compiling data regarding the use of renewable fuels and green electrolytic hydrogen in state operations, including motor vehicle fleets, the state ferry system, and nonroad equipment.
[ 2023 c 232 s 6; 2022 c 292 s 103.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 232 ss 1-7: See note following RCW 70A.535.010.
Automatic expiration date exemption—2023 c 232: See note following RCW 82.04.287.
Intent—2023 c 232: See note following RCW 70A.535.010.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 292: See note following RCW 43.330.565.

catchline: Office of renewable fuels—Duties.


title: RCW 43.330.575

text:
The renewable fuels accelerator account is created in the state treasury. Revenues to the account consist of appropriations made by the legislature, federal funds, gifts or grants from the private sector or foundations, and other sources deposited in the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for purposes designated in RCW 43.330.565 and 43.330.570 and section 201, chapter 292, Laws of 2022. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account.
[ 2022 c 292 s 104.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 292 ss 104 and 201: "Sections 104 and 201 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 31, 2022]." [ 2022 c 292 s 501.]
Findings—Intent—2022 c 292: See note following RCW 43.330.565.

catchline: Renewable fuels accelerator account.


title: RCW 43.330.580

text:
(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, a program is established in the department to fund the construction costs necessary to start up substance use disorder treatment and services programs and recovery housing in regions of the state that currently lack access to such programs.
(2) This funding must be used to increase the number of substance use disorder treatment and services programs and recovery housing in underserved areas such as central and eastern Washington and rural areas.
[ 2023 sp.s. c 1 s 15.]

catchline: Substance use disorder treatment and services programs and recovery housing—Construction funds.


title: RCW 43.330.590

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the Washington employee ownership program is created to support the efforts of businesses considering a sale to an employee ownership structure. The Washington employee ownership program must be administered by the department and overseen by the Washington employee ownership commission established in RCW 43.330.592.
(2)(a) In implementing the Washington employee ownership program, the director must:
(i) Create a network of technical support and service providers for businesses considering employee ownership structures;
(ii) Work with state agencies whose regulations and programs affect employee-owned businesses, and businesses with the potential to become employee owned, to enhance opportunities and reduce barriers;
(iii) Partner with relevant private, nonprofit, and public organizations including, but not limited to, professional and trade associations, financial institutions, unions, small business development centers, economic and workforce development organizations, and nonprofit entities to promote employee ownership benefits and succession models;
(iv) Develop and make available materials regarding employee ownership benefits and succession models;
(v) Provide a referral service to help qualified business owners find appropriate legal, financial, and technical employee ownership resources and services;
(vi) Work with the department of financial institutions and appropriate state, private, and nonprofit entities to shape and implement guidance on lending to broad-based employee ownership vehicles;
(vii) Create an inventory of employee-owned businesses in the state including employee stock ownership plans, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts; and
(viii) Subject to the successful award of federal funding for this purpose, establish a revolving loan program to assist existing small businesses to finance a transition to employee ownership.
(b) Loans offered by the revolving loan program must be used to help facilitate the purchase of an interest in an employee stock ownership plan or worker-owned cooperative from the owner or owners of a qualified business, provided that:
(i) The transaction results in the employee stock ownership plan or worker cooperative holding a majority interest in the business, on a fully diluted basis; and
(ii) If used to assist in the purchase of an interest in an employee stock ownership plan, the employee stock ownership plan: (A) Has appointed an independent trustee; or (B) has, as a trustee, person, or entity, completed education on best practices for employee stock ownership plans.
(c) Loans financing the sale of an interest to a worker cooperative shall be extended based on repayment ability and shall not require a personal or entity guarantee. In meeting the requirement in (b) of this subsection, lending guidelines must be established for worker cooperatives not based on any personal or entity guarantees provided by the member owners or the selling business owner. These guidelines may include but are not limited to cash flow-based underwriting, character-based lending, and reliance on business assets.
(d) In order to support the revolving loan program, the director or the director's designee must apply for federal funding opportunities that:
(i) Support capitalization of state revolving loan programs; and
(ii) Support businesses that seek to transition to employee ownership.
(e) Amounts from the repayment of loans offered by the revolving loan program must be deposited in the employee ownership revolving loan program account established in RCW 43.330.595.
(3) The director or the director's designee may contract with consultants, agents, or advisors necessary to further the purposes of this section.
(4) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, by December 1st each year, the department must submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on program activities and the number of employee-owned businesses and employee-owned trusts in the state, including recommendations for improvement and barriers for businesses considering employee ownership structures in Washington state. The first report must include rules and guidelines for the administration of the program, as established by the Washington employee ownership commission.
(5) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Employee-owned business" means:
(i) An employee cooperative established under chapter 23.78, 23.86, 23.100, or 24.06 RCW that has at least 50 percent of its board of directors consisting of, and elected by, its employees; or
(ii) An entity owned in whole or in part by employee stock ownership plans as defined in 26 U.S.C. Sec. 4975(e)(7).
(b) "Qualified business" means a person subject to tax under Title 82 RCW, including but not limited to a C corporation, S corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited liability partnership, sole proprietorship, or other similar pass-through entity, that is not owned in whole or in part by an employee ownership trust, that does not have an employee stock ownership plan, or that is not, in whole or in part, a worker-owned cooperative.
(6) Program support shall only be made available to businesses headquartered in Washington state. For the purposes of this section, "headquartered in Washington state" means that Washington state is its principal place of business or the state where it is incorporated.
(7) The director shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
(8) This section expires June 30, 2030.
[ 2025 c 366 s 2; 2023 c 392 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 392: "The legislature finds that:
Employee ownership in companies provides numerous benefits to both businesses and workers across all industries. Research from the national center for employee ownership found that one such structure, employee stock ownership plans, had better workforce retention, benefits and retirement security, and firm performance than nonemployee stock ownership plans companies in the same industry. In addition, the Rutgers school of management and labor relations found that employee-owned companies outperformed nonemployee-owned companies in job retention, pay, and workplace health safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At their core, employee ownership structures allow employees to gain ownership stake in a business, increasing their personal wealth without the risks related to starting or purchasing their own company.
States throughout the nation have moved to provide support for employee ownership structures. The Colorado employee ownership office has operated since 2019 to create a network of technical support and service providers considering employee ownership structures. Recently, both California and Massachusetts passed legislation to establish their own dedicated employee ownership support programs. Other states, such as Iowa, provide tax benefits and upfront costs to businesses interested in employee ownership.
Further, the federal government has recognized the benefit broad-based employee ownership structures provide to communities. The American rescue plan act included $10,000,000,000 for the state small business credit initiative. Through that act congress also directed the treasury department to allow state small business credit initiative funding to be used for transitions to employee ownership, when state small business credit initiative funding has not been historically available for business transactions.
The legislature desires to provide a dedicated program to educate businesses on employee ownership, assist both owners and workers in navigating available resources, reduce barriers to transitioning to employee-owned structures, and provide tax support for businesses that transition to an employee ownership structure.
Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to encourage the growth of employee ownership structures through this expanding employee ownership act." [ 2023 c 392 s 1.]
Short title—2023 c 392: "This act may be known and cited as the expanding employee ownership act." [ 2023 c 392 s 8.]

catchline: Employee ownership program. (Expires June 30, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.330.592

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the Washington employee ownership commission is hereby created to exercise the powers in developing and supervising the program created in RCW 43.330.590.
(2) The commission shall consist of:
(a) One member from each of the two major caucuses of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house and one member from each of the two major caucuses of the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate. The initial term shall be two years; and
(b) The following members appointed by the governor:
(i) Five members who represent the private sector or professional organizations as follows:
(A) One representative of a worker cooperative business. The initial term shall be four years;
(B) One representative of an employee stock ownership plan business. The initial term shall be four years;
(C) One representative from a statewide business association. The initial term shall be two years;
(D) One economic development expert, from the private sector, with employee ownership knowledge and experience. The initial term shall be four years; and
(E) One representative from a financial institution with expertise in assisting businesses transitioning into an employee ownership structure. The initial term shall be two years; and
(ii) Two members who represent the public sector as follows:
(A) One economic development expert, from the public sector. The initial term shall be four years; and
(B) One representative from the department of commerce, who will chair the first meeting prior to the election of the chair. The initial term shall be four years.
(3) After the initial term of appointment, all members shall serve terms of four years and shall hold office until successors are appointed.
(4) The commission shall be led by a chair selected and voted on by members of the commission. The chair shall serve a one-year term but may serve more than one term if selected to do so by members of the commission.
(5) The commission shall develop, in consultation with the director, rules and guidelines to administer the program. Rules and guidelines for the administration of the program must be included in the first report to the legislature required in RCW 43.330.590.
(6) Before making any appointments to the commission, the governor must seek nominations from recognized organizations that represent the entities or interests identified in this section. The governor must select appointees to represent private sector industries from a list of three nominations provided by the trade associations representing the industry, unless no names are put forth by the trade associations.
(7) The commission shall conduct market research for the purposes of, or to support, a future application to the federal government for a program to assist in the purchase of an interest in an employee stock ownership plan qualifying under section 401 of the internal revenue code, worker cooperative, or related broad-based employee ownership vehicle.
(8) For purposes of this section, a "professional organization" includes an entity whose members are engaged in a particular lawful vocation, occupation, or field of activity of a specialized nature including, but not limited to, associations, boards, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
(9) This section expires June 30, 2030.
[ 2025 c 366 s 3; 2023 c 392 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2023 c 392: See notes following RCW 43.330.590.

catchline: Employee ownership program—Administration—Commission. (Expires June 30, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.330.595

text:
(1) The employee ownership revolving loan program account is created in the custody of the state treasury. All transfers and appropriations by the legislature, repayments of loans, private contributions, and all other sources must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes of the Washington employee ownership program created in RCW 43.330.590. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(2) This section expires June 30, 2030.
[ 2025 c 366 s 4; 2023 c 392 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2023 c 392: See notes following RCW 43.330.590.

catchline: Employee ownership revolving loan program account. (Expires June 30, 2030.)


title: RCW 43.330.600

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer a pilot program to implement domestic violence high risk teams. A domestic violence high risk team must, at a minimum, include the following four elements:
(a) Early identification of the most dangerous cases through evidence-based lethality assessments;
(b) Increased access to supportive services for high-risk victims;
(c) Increased perpetrator monitoring and accountability; and
(d) A coordinated response to high-risk cases through a multidisciplinary team.
(2) A domestic violence program must be the lead or co-lead of the domestic violence high risk teams.
[ 2023 c 462 s 601.]

catchline: Domestic violence high risk teams—Pilot program.


title: RCW 43.330.610

text:
(1) The department of commerce shall administer a grant program to provide assistance to qualifying port districts for expenses related to noise mitigation pursuant to RCW 53.54.030(2) (c) and (d).
(2) The department of commerce shall prepare and publish an annual report on its website detailing grants made under this section. The report must include: (a) The number of inspectors or other professionals contracted; (b) the number of inspections conducted; (c) the number of properties provided with new or improved noise mitigation equipment subsequent to an inspection; (d) the number of properties receiving funds to address hazards or damages proven by an inspection to be associated with the installation of noise mitigation equipment; and (e) the number of inspected properties where no repairs occurred and the reasons why.
(3) A qualifying port district receiving funds under this section may commit to matching, from port district funds not subject to federal airport revenue use requirements, at least half of the total funding provided by the legislature under RCW 53.20.090 for the purposes of noise mitigation under RCW 53.54.030(2) (c) and (d) each fiscal year.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "qualifying port district" means a port district authorized to undertake programs for the abatement of aircraft noise under RCW 53.54.010.
[ 2024 c 194 s 5.]
Notes:
Reviser's note—Sunset Act application: The port district noise mitigation grant program is subject to review, termination, and possible extension under chapter 43.131 RCW, the Sunset Act. See RCW 43.131.429. RCW 43.330.610 is scheduled for future repeal under RCW 43.131.430.
Legislative findings—Intent—2024 c 194: See note following RCW 53.54.030.

catchline: Port district noise mitigation—Grant program.


title: RCW 43.330.615

text:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department, in coordination with the interagency electric vehicle coordinating council, must develop and implement an incentive program that reduces the purchase or lease costs of electric vehicles through the provision of instant rebates. Only individuals meeting the definition of vulnerable populations in RCW 70A.02.010 are eligible to receive instant rebates under the program.
[ 2026 c 186 s 8.]

catchline: Electric vehicle incentive program—Instant rebates.


title: RCW 43.330.620

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.330.625 and *section 4 of this act unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Coadministrator" means a participating utility that has voluntarily entered into an agreement with the department to perform any or all administrative tasks associated with implementing the statewide low-income energy assistance program. The scope of the administrative duties of a utility choosing to serve as coadministrator are to be established under the agreement between the utility and department under RCW 43.330.625(3).
(2) "Community action council" has the same meaning as "community action agency" in RCW 43.185C.010.
(3) "Energy assistance" means monetary assistance, such as a grant program, affordability benefits, or discounts for low-income households, that lowers a low-income household's energy burden.
(4) "Energy assistance need" means the amount of assistance necessary to achieve an energy burden equal to six percent for utility customers.
(5) "Energy burden" has the same meaning as in RCW 19.405.020.
(6) "Low-income" has the same meaning as in RCW 19.405.020.
(7) "Participating utility" means a utility that has affirmatively elected to participate in the statewide low-income energy assistance program established in RCW 43.330.625 and whom the department has accepted to participate subject to available funds.
(8) This section expires June 30, 2035.
[ 2026 c 252 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Section 4 of this act was vetoed.
Finding—Intent—2026 c 252: "(1) The legislature finds that there is an urgent need for stronger policy and a new program option to secure universally accessible low-income energy bill assistance and reduce the $275,000,000 annual energy burden in Washington. Many income-eligible households do not have sufficient support. The department of commerce November 2024 study of options for a statewide energy assistance program in Washington lays out core features of a just system to expand and secure access to energy affordability measures. To address present and widening disparities in household access to energy assistance will require easier applications, safe data sharing, low barrier eligibility determinations, systematic processes for filling in gaps in the reach of existing programs, and guaranteed funding sources. The recommended program design promotes a more centralized approach to energy assistance. Key elements include those that reduce administrative burdens, but also improve the experience and likelihood that an eligible household receives assistance.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature for the department of commerce to phase in this program across the state, working with the advisory group created in section 4 of this act to prioritize low-income households with energy assistance need.
(3) This section expires June 30, 2035." [ 2026 c 252 s 1.]
Nonseverability—2026 c 252: "This act is not severable, and if any provision of this act is held invalid, this entire act is null and void." [ 2026 c 252 s 6.]

catchline: Statewide low-income energy assistance program—Definitions. (Expires June 30, 2035.)


title: RCW 43.330.625

text:
(1) The statewide low-income energy assistance program is established within the department. The purpose of the program is to reduce energy burden for low-income households in Washington. The statewide low-income energy assistance program is supplemental to low-income energy assistance provided by utilities under RCW 19.405.120 and 80.28.068. Participating utilities may not supplant funding from this program to meet the requirements of RCW 19.405.120 and 80.28.068. The department must begin providing energy assistance no later than 14 months after funding is appropriated. The department, in consultation with the utilities and transportation commission, must write rules to implement this section. Nothing in this section alters existing regulatory jurisdiction over consumer-owned utilities.
(2) In accordance with subsection (4) of this section, the department must establish details for low-income customers to enroll in the statewide low-income energy assistance program via rule making. This rule making must consider:
(a) Low-income households' eligibility;
(b) Application processes for in-person, online, and over-the-phone enrollment;
(c) Partnership with utilities from which low-income households receive service and the utility has voluntarily chosen to serve as coadministrator of the program;
(d) Partnership with community action councils and other community providers of low-income social services;
(e) Allowance for self-attestation;
(f) That the department may verify that applicants and participants meet the income qualifications, and may work with utilities and community action councils to conduct this verification;
(g) That there is no risk to eligibility based on immigration status; and
(h) Auto enrollment of known eligible households.
(3) The department may enter into agreements with participating utilities to serve as coadministrators of the statewide low-income energy assistance program for the purposes of enhancing customer engagement, facilitating enrollment of eligible customers, and sharing administrative duties with the department. Serving as a coadministrator is voluntary for participating utilities.
(4) Subject to appropriation, the department, in consultation with the advisory group created in *section 4 of this act, must phase in the statewide low-income energy assistance program across participating utilities, prioritizing low-income households in energy assistance need.
(5)(a) The department must, in consultation with the utilities and transportation commission as it applies to investor-owned utilities, administer the statewide low-income energy assistance program by providing funds to participating utilities. The participating utilities must pass these funds on to their low-income residential customers and show the energy assistance on the customers' monthly bills.
(b) Following standard contractual procedures, a participating utility may seek reimbursement from the department equal to the energy assistance provided.
(c) The discount or dollar amount that the department provides to low-income households must be tiered to provide the most energy assistance to the households with the greatest need.
(d) The department and each participating utility's obligation to provide energy assistance under the statewide low-income energy assistance program is based on available funding appropriated for this specific purpose. Participating utilities may not be required to provide assistance to low-income customers under the statewide low-income energy assistance program beyond funding appropriated for this purpose. This program may not be funded through a utility surcharge or collection of any funding from utilities. It is the intent of the legislature that sustained funding shall be provided to meet low-income household needs from climate commitment act auction revenues or other dollars.
(6) A participating utility may not reduce the level of low-income energy assistance it provides as a result of participation in the statewide low-income energy assistance program.
(7) This section expires June 30, 2035.
[ 2026 c 252 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Section 4 of this act was vetoed.
Finding—Intent—Nonseverability—2026 c 252: See notes following RCW 43.330.620.

catchline: Statewide low-income energy assistance program—Purpose—Rule making—Duties. (Expires June 30, 2035.)


title: RCW 43.330.700

text:
(1) The legislature finds that every night thousands of homeless youth in Washington go to sleep without the safety, stability, and support of a family or a home. This population is exposed to an increased level of violence, human trafficking, and exploitation resulting in a higher incidence of substance abuse, illness, and death. The prevention and reduction of youth and young adult homelessness and protection of homeless youth is of key concern to the state. Nothing in chapter 69, Laws of 2015 is meant to diminish the work accomplished by the implementation of Becca legislation but rather, the intent of the legislature is to further enhance the state's efforts in working with unaccompanied homeless youth and runaways to encourage family reconciliation or permanent housing and support through dependency when family reconciliation is not a viable alternative.
(2) Successfully addressing youth and young adult homelessness ensures that homeless youth and young adults in our state have the support they need to thrive and avoid involvement in the justice system, human trafficking, long-term, avoidable use of public benefits, and extended adult homelessness.
(3) Providing appropriate, relevant, and readily accessible services is critical for addressing one-time, episodic, or longer-term homelessness among youth and young adults, and keeping homeless youth and young adults safe, housed, and connected to family.
(4) The coordination of statewide programs to combat youth and young adult homelessness should include programs addressing both youth and young adults. In some instances, best practices mandate that youth programs and young adult programs be segregated in their implementation; however, in other instances, innovative approaches can ensure the health and safety of both populations while serving them together, allowing for alignment with federal programs and funding opportunities, application of adolescent neurodevelopment research, and maximization of capacity to serve more dispersed populations in rural areas. The legislature further finds that the differing needs of these populations should be considered when assessing which programs are relevant and appropriate.
(5) To successfully reduce and prevent youth and young adult homelessness, it is the goal of the legislature to have the following key components available and accessible:
(a) Stable housing: It is the goal of the legislature to provide a safe and healthy place for homeless youth to sleep each night until permanency can be reached. Every homeless young adult in our state deserves access to housing that gives them a safe, healthy, and supported launching pad to adulthood. Every family in crisis should have appropriate support as they work to keep their children housed and safe. It is the goal of the legislature that every homeless youth discharged from a public system of care in our state will not be discharged into homelessness.
(b) Family reconciliation: All homeless youth should have access to services that support reunification with immediate family. When reunification is not possible for homeless youth, youth should be placed in the custody of the department of children, youth, and families.
(c) Permanent connections: Every homeless young adult should have opportunities to establish positive, healthy relationships with adults, including family members, employers, landlords, teachers, and community members, with whom they can maintain connections and from whom they can receive ongoing, long-term support to help them develop the skills and experiences necessary to achieve a successful transition to adulthood.
(d) Education and employment: Every homeless young adult in our state deserves the opportunity and support they need to complete their high school education and pursue additional education and training. It is the goal of the legislature that every homeless young adult in our state will have the opportunity to engage in employment training and be able to access employment. With both education and employment support and opportunities, young adults will have the skills they need to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent.
(e) Social and emotional well-being: Every homeless youth and young adult in our state should have access to both behavioral health care and physical health care. Every state-funded program for homeless youth and young adults must endeavor to identify, encourage, and nurture each youth's strengths and abilities and demonstrate a commitment to youth-centered programming.
[ 2019 c 124 s 4; 2015 c 69 s 4.]

catchline: Findings—Homeless youth.


title: RCW 43.330.702

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Child," "juvenile," "youth," and "minor" means any unemancipated individual who is under the chronological age of eighteen years.
(2) "Homeless" means without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as set forth in the federal McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, P.L. 100–77, July 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 482, and runaway and homeless youth act, P.L. 93–415, Title III, September 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1129.
(3) "Runaway" means an unmarried and unemancipated minor who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.
(4) "Street youth" means a person under the age of eighteen who lives outdoors or in another unsafe location not intended for occupancy by the minor and who is not residing with his or her parent or at his or her legally authorized residence.
(5) "Unaccompanied" means a youth or young adult experiencing homelessness while not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
(6) "Young adult" means a person between eighteen and twenty-four years of age.
[ 2015 c 69 s 3.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.330.705

text:
(1) There is created the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs within the department.
(2) Activities of the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs must be carried out by a director of the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs, supervised by the director of the department or his or her designee.
(3) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs is responsible for leading efforts under this subchapter to coordinate a spectrum of ongoing and future funding, policy, and practice efforts related to homeless youth and improving the safety, health, and welfare of homeless youth in this state.
(4) The measurable goals of the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs are to: (a) Measurably decrease the number of homeless youth and young adults by identifying programs that address the initial causes of homelessness, and (b) measurably increase permanency rates among homeless youth by decreasing the length and occurrences of youth homelessness caused by a youth's separation from family or a legal guardian.
(5) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall (a) gather data and outcome measures, (b) initiate data-sharing agreements, (c) develop specific recommendations and timelines to address funding, policy, and practice gaps within the state system for addressing the five key components in RCW 43.330.700, (d) make reports, (e) increase system integration and coordinate efforts to prevent state systems from discharging youth and young adults into homelessness, (f) develop measures to include by county and statewide the number of homeless youth, dependency status, family reunification status, housing status, program participation, and runaway status, and (g) develop a comprehensive plan to encourage identification of youth experiencing homelessness, promote family stability, and eliminate youth and young adult homelessness.
(6)(a) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall regularly consult with an advisory committee, comprised of:
(i) Advocates;
(ii) At least two legislators;
(iii) At least two parent advocates;
(iv) At least two youth or young adult representatives;
(v) At least one representative from law enforcement;
(vi) Service providers;
(vii) At least two individuals over the age of 25 who experienced homelessness or involvement with a publicly funded system of care as defined in RCW 43.330.720 at some point while age 12 through 24;
(viii) At least two individuals who represent populations that are disproportionately homeless or have experience in a publicly funded system of care as defined in RCW 43.330.720 in the youth and young adult population which includes but is not limited to individuals with a tribal affiliation, people of color, and people with a disability; and
(ix) Other stakeholders knowledgeable in the provision of services to homeless youth and young adults, including the prevention of youth and young adult homelessness, the dependency system, and family reunification.
(b) The advisory committee shall provide guidance and recommendations to the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs regarding funding, policy, and practice gaps within and among state programs.
(c) The advisory committee must be staffed by the department.
(d) The members of the advisory committee must be appointed by the governor, except for the legislators who must be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.
(e) A young adult serving on the advisory committee who turns age 25 during their term may complete their term on the advisory committee even though they are age 25.
[ 2026 c 72 s 1; 2019 c 124 s 5; 2015 c 69 s 5.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.


title: RCW 43.330.706

text:
(1) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall identify data and outcomes measures from which to evaluate future public investment in homeless youth services.
(2) By December 1, 2016, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs must submit a report to the governor and the legislature to inform recommendations for funding, policy, and best practices in the five priority service areas identified in RCW 43.330.700 and present recommendations to address funding, policy, and practice gaps in the state system.
(3) Recommendations must include, but are not limited to: Strategies to enhance coordination between providers of youth homelessness programs and the child welfare system, and strategies for communities to identify homeless youth and ensure their protection and referral to appropriate services, including family reconciliation and transition to dependent status for minors.
[ 2015 c 69 s 6.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Data and outcomes measures—Report.


title: RCW 43.330.710

text:
(1)(a) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall report to the director or the director's designee.
(b)(i) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs may distribute grants to providers who serve homeless youth and young adults throughout the state.
(ii) The grants must fund services in the five key components in RCW 43.330.700.
(iii) The grants must be expended on a statewide basis and may be used to support direct services, as well as technical assistance, evaluation, and capacity building.
(2) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall provide management and oversight guidance and direction to the following programs:
(a) HOPE centers as described in RCW 43.185C.315;
(b) Crisis residential centers as described in RCW 43.185C.295;
(c) Street outreach services as defined in RCW 43.185C.010;
(d) Independent youth housing programs as described in RCW 43.63A.305.
[ 2019 c 124 s 6; 2015 c 69 s 7.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs—Report to the director—Grants—Program management and oversight.


title: RCW 43.330.715

text:
(1) The office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs shall establish a statewide training program on homeless youth for criminal justice personnel. The training must include identifying homeless youth, existing laws governing the intersection of law enforcement and homeless youth, and best practices for approaching and engaging homeless youth in appropriate services.
(2) The training must be provided where possible by an entity that has experience in developing coalitions, training, programs, and policy on homeless youth in Washington.
[ 2015 c 69 s 8.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Training program.


title: RCW 43.330.717

text:
The joint legislative audit and review committee shall conduct a review of state-funded programs that serve unaccompanied homeless youth under the age of eighteen, including dependent youth, to determine what performance measures exist, what statutory reporting requirements exist, and whether there is reliable data on ages of youth served, length of stay, and effectiveness of program exit and reentry. Where statutory reporting requirements do exist, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall review the programs' compliance with relevant statutory reporting requirements. The committee shall report on what services are provided to unaccompanied homeless youth including, but not limited to: Outreach and other nonshelter services, shelter services, and family reconciliation. The committee is also to report on the number of unaccompanied homeless youth statewide and by county and city and how this number is determined. The programs reviewed may include, but are not limited to, HOPE centers as described in RCW 43.185C.315 and crisis residential centers as described in RCW 43.185C.295.
[ 2015 c 69 s 9.]

catchline: Homeless youth—Review of state-funded programs.


title: RCW 43.330.720

text:
(1) In accordance with RCW 43.330.700(5)(a), it is the goal of the legislature, that beginning January 1, 2021, any unaccompanied youth discharged from a publicly funded system of care in our state will be discharged into safe and stable housing, and that this policy applies to any judicial proceeding through which the youth has been committed to the publicly funded system of care or in any collateral proceeding that involves the custody of the youth in that system.
(2) The department of children, youth, and families and the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs must jointly develop a plan to ensure that, by December 31, 2020, no unaccompanied youth is discharged from a publicly funded system of care into homelessness. The plan must specify actions that state agencies will need to take, any necessary statutory and funding legislative action, and the assignment of those specific state agency actions to effectuate all parts of the plan. By December 31, 2019, the department of children, youth, and families must issue the plan to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the governor.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "publicly funded system of care" means the child welfare system, the behavioral health system, the juvenile justice system, and programs administered by the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.
[ 2018 c 157 s 1.]

catchline: Unaccompanied youth—Publicly funded system of care—Department of children, youth, and families and the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs to develop plan.