On this episode of Legislative Review, Washington lawmakers take up major proposals on taxes, health care access, and education reform.
Estate Tax Rollback – Senate Bill 6347
The Senate debates a proposal to roll back recent changes to Washington’s estate tax. The bill would restore the previous tax rate structure — lowering the top rate from 35% back to 20% for the largest estates. Revenue from the estate tax supports the Education Legacy Trust Account, which funds public schools and higher education. Supporters argue the rollback corrects last year’s increases, while critics say it would make the state’s tax system more regressive. The bill passed the Senate 38–11 and now heads to the House.
Pharmacists’ Prescriptive Authority – Senate Bill 5924
Lawmakers consider expanding pharmacists’ authority to diagnose and prescribe medications for certain routine conditions without a collaborative agreement with a physician. The proposal would allow pharmacists to prescribe treatments for minor illnesses, immunizations, opioid reversal medication, tobacco cessation products, contraception, HIV prevention drugs, and travel-related medications. Backers say it improves access — especially in rural communities. Opponents raise concerns about care coordination. The bill passed the Senate 38–11.
New Literacy Standards – House Bill 1295
In a bipartisan effort, the House advances a bill requiring schools to adopt evidence-based literacy curricula for kindergarten through fourth grade. Supporters say nearly 40% of fourth graders are not reading at grade level and that the proposal aligns instruction with research-backed reading strategies, including phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension. The bill passed unanimously and moves to the Senate.