January 31, 2025
The 2025 legislative session has kicked off with significant developments in state governance, policy debates, and legislative priorities. Governor Bob Ferguson, newly inaugurated as Washington’s 24th governor, has set an ambitious, yet more centrist and technocratic, tone for his administration, emphasizing housing, reproductive freedom, and streamlining state permitting processes through executive orders signed shortly after his swearing-in.
Check out our 2025 legislative agenda here
Legislative Landscape
Democrats have retained firm control of the Governor’s Mansion and the legislature, with strengthened majorities in both chambers. The session has seen a wave of fresh faces, with over 30 new legislators joining due to redistricting, elections, and appointments. Notable leadership changes include Senator Jamie Pedersen as the new Senate Majority Leader and a reshuffling of committee chairs to address key areas such as housing, environment, and labor.
The state faces a daunting $12–14B budget shortfall, driven both by spending that exceeded anticipated revenue, and by funding ongoing programs with one-time pandemic stimulus from the federal government. The legislature has begun exploring solutions, including potential tax increases such as adjustments to the capital gains tax, new business payroll taxes, and expanded property tax limits. Republicans advocate for spending cuts, while Democrats weigh progressive revenue measures to sustain key public programs.
Therefore, in addition to supporting our robust legislative agenda, Life Science Washington will be working with lawmakers to help them understand how tax changes could threaten R&D investment, stall innovation, and harm the broader life sciences industry’s role in driving health care breakthroughs and economic growth.
Learn more about the Washington state budget here
Focus on Life Sciences and Healthcare
Life Science Washington has been actively engaged in key legislative discussions. We testified in support of biomarker testing (HB 1062) and supported bills creating an advisory council on rare diseases (HB 1238 and SB 5064), with the latter having already succeeded in advancing out of House and Senate health care committees. These initiatives underscore the state’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation.
AI legislation, including HB 1168 and HB 1170, aims to enhance transparency in artificial intelligence applications. As these bills move through the legislative process, LSW and our partners like AdvaMed will continue advocating for amendments exempting FDA-approved technologies from these bills. Additionally, HB 1444, focused on rapid whole-genome sequencing for infants, received a public hearing with LSW’s support.
Looking Ahead
With significant legislative deadlines approaching, including the policy committee cutoff on February 21, stakeholders across sectors are ramping up advocacy efforts. For the life sciences community, ensuring policies support innovation and equitable access to healthcare remains a top priority.
Stay tuned as the session progresses, with critical debates and decisions on healthcare, technology, and economic development shaping Washington’s future.