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WashingtonSB 52622025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Correcting obsolete or erroneous references in statutes administered by the insurance commissioner.

Sponsored By: Claudia Kauffman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Broader hearing coverage without dollar caps

Health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must cover hearing instruments, including bone conduction devices. Coverage applies every 36 months for each ear with hearing loss; over-the-counter devices are excluded. Plans cannot impose annual or lifetime dollar limits on covered devices or related services, whether care is in-network or out-of-network. Related services include hearing assessments, fittings, adjustments, auditory training, and ear molds. Deductibles generally do not apply, except for the minimum needed to preserve a health savings account plan’s tax status. Before January 1, 2026, the existing mandate requires at least $3,000 per ear every 36 months for nongrandfathered large-group plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2024.

Car insurance discounts for older drivers

Beginning July 27, 2025, drivers age 55 or older qualify for a premium reduction after completing an approved accident-prevention course. The course must last at least eight hours, or longer if Department of Licensing rules require it. The reduction applies to personal auto liability and physical damage coverage for two years after completion. Underinsured motorist coverage is excluded. The law does not set the discount amount.

More time for insurance tax refunds

Beginning July 27, 2025, people who overpaid Washington insurance taxes have a longer window to request repayment. A written request is due within six years after the end of the calendar year the taxes were owed. This covers taxes paid by mistake or above the amount legally owed. Refund requests for fees and other non-tax charges remain due within 13 months after payment.

Practice data protected, public access limited

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered records obtained by Washington’s insurance commissioner are exempt from public disclosure. Direct practice annual statements are also confidential, except for providers’ names and business addresses, which remain public. Public reports of patient counts or average direct fees must use ranges rather than exact figures. The commissioner’s annual report must combine data so individual direct practices cannot be identified. These rules protect private data but reduce the detail available to the public.

New fee deadline for charitable annuities

Beginning January 1, 2026, exempt charitable gift annuity issuers must pay their annual filing fee within 60 days after their fiscal year ends. This replaces the March 1 deadline for covered insurers and qualifying nonprofits holding a certificate of exemption. The fee stays $25 plus $5 for each annuity contract written for Washington residents during the preceding fiscal year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Claudia Kauffman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Wilson

    Republican • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 15

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 46 • No: 2 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/16/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 83 • No: 13 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025*.

    5/12/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 243, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/23/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/18/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/18/2025House

  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/16/2025Senate

  10. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/16/2025Senate

  11. Committee amendment not adopted.

    4/16/2025Senate

  12. Third reading, passed; yeas, 83; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/16/2025Senate

  13. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/15/2025Senate

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/8/2025Senate

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    4/8/2025Senate

  16. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/8/2025Senate

  17. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/8/2025Senate

  18. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  19. CPB - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/2/2025Senate

  20. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/2/2025Senate

  21. Minority; do not pass.

    4/2/2025Senate

  22. CPB - Majority; do pass.

    4/2/2025Senate

  23. Referred to Appropriations.

    4/2/2025Senate

  24. First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.

    3/5/2025Senate

  25. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

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