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DUPONT — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill strengthening protections for working minors in Washington.

As more youths enter the workforce, House Bill 1644, sponsored by Rep. Mary Fosse (D-Everett), increases penalties for companies that violate child labor laws, and makes it easier for the state to bar problem employers from hiring young workers. Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) sponsored the companion \bill.

Governor Ferguson signed the bill on International Workers’ Memorial Day at the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s DuPont campus.

“As more youth enter Washington’s workforce, protecting their safety must be a top priority,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “This legislation helps ensure the state has the tools needed to hold employers who exploit them accountable.”

“Our laws haven’t kept pace with the protections minors clearly deserve,” said Rep. Fosse. “Outdated laws and a lack of meaningful accountability for violators are putting children at risk of injury and exploitation.”

Washington minor workers’ injury claims increased 60% between 2009 and 2023, according to the Department of Labor & Industries. In that same period, employment among 16- to 19-year-olds grew more than 30%, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. In 2024, approximately a third of Washingtonians ages 16 to 19 held jobs.

HB 1644 sets minimum penalties for youth labor violations, ranging from $100 for each time a company fails to obtain a minor work permit, and a minimum of at least $71,000 for any violation resulting in the serious injury or death of a minor. Beginning on July 1, 2027, and every two years after, the Department of Labor & Industries must adjust the penalty amounts for inflation.

The new law also requires L&I to conduct health and safety inspections before issuing certain minor work permits.

Companies with three or more serious, repeat or willful safety or youth labor violations are now prohibited from hiring minors.

Watch Governor Ferguson’s remarks and bill signing here.

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson released the following statement about the termination of AmeriCorps grant funding in Washington state:

“AmeriCorps volunteers help hundreds of communities across Washington with critical services including wildfire prevention, staffing food banks, supporting veterans and seniors, helping young people prepare for college and teaching kids to read.

“The Trump Administration’s reckless and unlawful decision to abruptly cut nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding — including $21.6 million for Washington programs — will impact critical services that benefit all Washingtonians, but especially our most underserved residents. It will also hurt the volunteers who put their lives on hold to serve others, ending their health care benefits and stipends.

“If allowed to go forward, the Trump Administration’s decision will dismantle programs at approximately 800 Washington service sites, administered through Serve Washington with the help of nearly 1,300 volunteers — touching virtually every corner of our state.

“I know firsthand what a difference AmeriCorps makes: AmeriCorps volunteers were critical in helping us connect veterans and servicemembers with civil legal assistance at the Attorney General’s Office. And I personally spent a year after college with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps — an AmeriCorps program — directing an emergency services office.

“I want to thank Attorney General Nick Brown for joining a coalition of attorneys general across the U.S. in challenging this cruel and shortsighted decision.

“My team and I will do everything we can to support the Attorney General’s case and stand up for Washington communities that rely on these services.”

Gregory brings extensive legislative and policy experience to her new role

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson today appointed Brittany Gregory as the director of the Washington State Women’s Commission.

“I am excited to work with Brittany again in this important role,” Governor Ferguson said. “Brittany helped us improve the lives of Washingtonians as my deputy legislative director at the Attorney General’s Office. She’s an experienced advocate who understands how good public policy is made. Brittany’s skillset makes her a natural choice to carry on the Commission’s mission.”

The Legislature created the Women’s Commission in 2018 to address women’s economic, social, and historical issues, including disadvantages or isolation from the benefits of equal opportunity. The Commission is tasked with improving the well-being of women in Washington by enabling them to participate fully in all fields, assisting them in obtaining governmental services and promoting equal compensation and fairness in employment.

Gregory brings extensive legislative, policy and community experience to the post, including four years as associate director of judicial and legislative relations for the Administrative Office of the Courts, and three years as deputy legislative director for the Washington Attorney General’s Office.

She has helped shepherd high-profile legislation into law, including banning the sale of tobacco and vaping products to those under 21 and a Student Loan Bill of Rights. She also led the first statewide investigation into use of force incidents by law enforcement in Washington.

Gregory earned her law degree and a bachelor’s in political science and sociology from the University of Michigan.

The Women’s Commission is comprised of 13 members. Nine are voting Commissioners appointed by the Governor to three-year terms. The remaining four seats are filled by Legislators who serve two-year terms as non-voting advisory members.

Gregory will take over as director on June 1. 

More information on the Commission and its work is available here.

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Bills also include property tax relief for disabled veterans, encouraging “middle housing” construction, and more

SEATTLE — Governor Bob Ferguson today signed a suite of bills that address affordable housing in Washington, culminating in House Bill 1217 to ensure that sudden, large rent increases don’t destabilize Washington families.

The bills, signed today at the Blake House affordable housing high rise in downtown Seattle, cover everything from property tax relief for disabled veterans to encouraging construction of so-called “middle housing” options like condominiums.

“Washington needs more affordable housing — a lot more,” Governor Ferguson said. “We must make it easier, faster and less expensive to build housing of all kinds. These bills will address this pressing need.”

House Bill 1217 limits rent increases for existing tenants in Washington state to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. Landlords can still adjust rent by higher amounts for new tenants. It also limits rent increases for manufactured homes to 5%.

Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle) introduced the bill when she was in the Washington state House, before being appointed to the Senate. The companion bill in the Senate was sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma). Co-sponsor Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle) helped shepherd the bill in the House after Alvarado left for the Senate.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, this common sense guardrail will protect working families and seniors from excessive rent hikes,” Sen. Alvarado said.

“People across the state have been crying out for help — people who can’t afford another rent increase and might be on the verge of homelessness,” Sen. Trudeau said. “At times of economic instability and uncertainty, renters need predictability and stability in their housing costs. Knowing that there’s not a predatory rent increase waiting around the corner lets people plan for their future, invest in their education, start a family or a business, or whatever their dream might be. This is bill is long overdue and I’m so glad to have it signed into law. This is how we truly put people first.”

“The challenge of affordable housing has only increased, despite years of legislative work to expand supply and subsidies provided during and after the pandemic,” Rep. Macri said. “It’s time for stability for renters. We must do more, but in the meantime, this is an incredibly important step forward and will provide renters the predictability that they need to make their household budgets. This is going to make a big difference for families who have been facing year after year of skyrocketing and price gouging rent increases.”

Other housing bills

In addition to HB 1217, Ferguson signed nine other bills related to affordable housing. These bills covered permitting reform, tax incentives, parking restrictions and more. Those bills are:

• House Bill 1106 — allowing more disabled veterans to qualify for property tax relief
• House Bill 1403 — cleaning up language in state law related to condominium construction
• House Bill 1516 — creating additional insurance options for condominiums
• House Bill 1757 — requiring cities to adopt rules for converting existing buildings into housing in commercial and mixed-use zones
• Senate Bill 5184 — Limiting the number of parking spaces cities and counties require for housing projects
• Senate Bill 5298 — Strengthening notification requirements when manufactured and mobile home park land is listed for sale
• Senate Bill 5313 — expanding the list of provisions that are prohibited in residential rental agreements
• Senate Bill 5529 — expanding tax incentives to support affordable housing
• Senate Bill 5611 — reducing housing permit timelines

More information on Governor Ferguson’s bill actions can be found here.

FORKS — Governor Bob Ferguson officially re-opened the main access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park this week, joining elected leaders, tribal representatives, small business owners and individuals whose donations made the repair work possible for a ribbon cutting event. 

The road to this iconic destination was closed for months after damage from November’s bomb cyclone washed out a section of the Upper Hoh Road. When Governor Ferguson learned the road might remain closed during the peak summer tourist because federal funding had not come through, he directed the use of $623,000 from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account to fix the road. The fund is created by statute for specific purposes supporting Washington’s economy, including protecting jobs. Only the governor may authorize the use of this account. By law, use of these funds must be accompanied by private investment. 

The local community stepped up to invest in re-opening the road. In less than three days, the community rallied, with dozens of individuals and businesses committing to donate a total of $27,240. Donations ranged from a few dollars to several thousand. 

“Like most people, when I go hiking, I stop at small businesses for things like coffee, food and gas,” Ferguson said. “The Hoh Rain Forest is a critical economic driver for the Peninsula. Opening this road not only ensures the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors have the chance to enjoy a natural wonder, but it also protects jobs and tourism dollars that local economies depend on. I’m grateful to have played a part in it, but the local community coming together is what made it possible.”

“This project was completed because of the persistence of Jefferson County government, initiative from Governor Ferguson and his team, and generosity from members of the community across the North Olympic Peninsula,” said state Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Townsend). “I drove to the re-opening ceremony yesterday behind a car with Arizona plates carrying tourists excited to see the Hoh Rainforest and chatted with two college students who drove up from Florida when I got there. Re-opening the park will spur tourism across the peninsula and allow an important piece of our nation’s heritage to continue to be enjoyed by people everywhere.”

“We had to think outside the box and let people know our community needed help,” Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said.

“This project represents a true partnership in action,” said Jefferson County Public Works Director Monte Reinders. “We’re grateful for the support of Governor Ferguson, the private donors, and our hardworking local contractors and crews.”

“This fix helped save the tourism of west Jefferson County, which will send sales tax dollars flowing immediately to Olympia,” said local business owner Anna Matsche. “We promise we are a sound investment, and we have put our own money down to prove our level of commitment.”

The full celebration is available to watch on TVW. 

Strategic Reserve funds are a tool designed to retain jobs and economic investment in our state.

In 2023, tourists spent more than $444 million in Jefferson and Clallam counties, generating nearly $39 million in state and local tax dollars. If access to the Hoh Rain Forest had not been restored, many tour operators would have faced a 30-40% reduction in bookings, while lodging, restaurants, shops, outfitters and other businesses close to the Hoh Rain Forest would have seen significant declines.

Covering approximately 24 square miles, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Late last year, heavy rainfall washed out the Upper Hoh Road, which provides the only access to the campgrounds, trail heads and visitor center. Approximately 176,566 vehicles used the road to access the rainforest in 2024, bringing nearly 460,000 visitors according to the National Park Service. The road is located in the Hoh River Watershed near the Hoh Indian Reservation, roughly 30 miles southeast of Forks.