Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB2408

Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/13/26  
Report Pass
1/27/26  

Caption

AN ACT Relating to improving government efficiency through amending and repealing obsolete statutory language;

Impact

If enacted, HB2408 is expected to have a significant impact on various state laws by reducing regulatory redundancies and clarifying legal language. This reform may prove beneficial for state agencies by freeing them from the constraints of outdated regulations, allowing for more focused governance and resource allocation. The legislative discussions indicated that by revising these statutes, the bill would pave the way for a more agile government structure, capable of adapting to modern needs and challenges.

Summary

House Bill 2408 primarily aims to improve government efficiency by amending and repealing outdated statutory language. The bill seeks to streamline processes by eliminating provisions that no longer hold relevance in contemporary governance, thereby allowing state agencies to operate more effectively. By addressing these obsolete regulations, HB2408 intends to remove bureaucratic hurdles that can impede timely decision-making and responsiveness within governmental operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2408 has largely been positive, with supporters emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency within state government. Advocates argue that streamlining statutes will facilitate better service delivery to citizens and improve overall administrative functioning. However, there was a measure of skepticism among some legislators who were concerned about the possibility of unintended consequences from repeal, fearing that eliminating old regulations could lead to gaps in oversight or accountability in certain areas.

Contention

Notable points of contention arose regarding the balance between modernization and regulatory oversight. Critics posed questions about which statutory language would be deemed obsolete and whether sufficient safeguards would remain in place to protect public interest during and after the amendments. The discussions highlighted the need for careful consideration of each repeal to avoid negative ramifications in areas that may still require regulatory attention. This debate reflects a broader tension in legislative reform between the encouragement of efficiency and the maintenance of precautionary principles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB6160

AN ACT Relating to improving government efficiency related to reports by state agencies by eliminating reports, replacing reports, changing the frequency of reports, and providing an alternative method for having information publicly available in place of reports;

WA HB2426

AN ACT Relating to improving efficiency in appeals to the pollution control hearings board;

WA HB2348

AN ACT Relating to updating timber sale process efficiencies and adopting consistent language for the department's land sales;

WA SB6216

Updating timber sale process efficiencies and adopting consistent language for the department's land sales.

WA HB1381

Improving meaningful access to elections by increasing language assistance.

WA HB2685

Concerning sharing and protection of tribal data.

WA HB2509

Improving the efficiency of the review of applications by the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA HB1281

AN ACT Relating to making technical corrections and removing obsolete language from the Revised Code of Washington pursuant to RCW 1.08.025;

WA HB2076

AN ACT Relating to creating the Washington department of government efficiency;

WA HB2050

AN ACT Relating to K-12 savings and efficiencies;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.