WashingtonSB 54552025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning the administration of the Andy Hill cancer research endowment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Fewer review steps for cancer grants

Beginning July 27, 2025, certain Andy Hill cancer research grants are exempt from standard review steps. This applies only to grant requests, reviews, and awards carrying out activities under RCW 43.348.090. These grants bypass the usual evaluation factors, independent expert committee recommendation, and requirements in RCW 43.348.050. The law sets no grant amount.

New staffing rules for cancer research

Beginning July 27, 2025, the Andy Hill cancer research board must use one or more administrators under contract. Administrators must be registered Washington nonprofits with federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, but no longer need research-granting expertise. The board can create these nonprofits or contract with existing administrators. Administrators receive a board-set fee and operating costs agreed to by both sides; no dollar amounts are set. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Seattle Children's Research Institute submit nominations for two board members.

State cancer funding has matching limits

Beginning July 27, 2025, the law maintains separate private and state accounts for the Andy Hill cancer research program. The private fund receives public and private contributions and state transfers; its money is not treated as state revenue. It supports cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, care, clinical trials, scientist recruitment, research facilities, and life sciences research. The state match account funds the program and administration, but spending requires legislative approval. The law requires a state matching appropriation of up to $10 million each July 1, retaining the July 1, 2016 start date. Each two-year budget must also include an appropriation to Commerce estimated to equal the account balance. Funding includes cigarette, tobacco, and related sales and use tax collections and penalties from tax enforcement, plus appropriations and donations. Vapor tax deposits above the existing legal cap go instead to the foundational public health services account; tax rates do not change. Before most matching spending, administrators must show committed private or other nonstate contributions; the state match cannot exceed those commitments. Commerce and the board must document the matching exchange in an agreement with the administrator. Exceptions cover specified fiscal year 2023 money under the 2022 budget law and money for activities under RCW 43.348.090. Administrator payments also do not need the usual contribution proof or matching limits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Paul Harris
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Annette Cleveland
Democratic • Senate
John Braun
Republican • Senate
Ron Muzzall
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 1

House vote • 4/15/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/10/2025