On April 22, 2025, Governor Ferguson signed the Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill (E2SSB) 5175, Concerning the photovoltaic module stewardship and takeback program. Washington’s solar panel stewardship law, which passed in 2017, requires Washington’s solar panel industry to share the responsibility of managing what remains of solar panels at their end-of-life. E2SSB 5175 amends the 2017 law to delay the date by which solar panel manufacturers must have an Ecology-approved stewardship plan to sell their solar panels in or into Washington, from July 1, 2025, to January 31, 2031. E2SSB 5175 also establishes an advisory committee to engage stakeholders and develop recommendations to resolve issues with the law. The advisory committee’s work culminates with Ecology submitting a report to the legislature by December 1, 2028, with recommended changes to the law. The Department of Ecology requested these changes because rather than complying with the current law and creating a takeback program, some manufacturers have chosen to not sell solar panels in Washington. The state’s clean energy transition would face a setback if the law goes into effect on July 1, 2025 because it would disrupt the supply and cost of panels available for sale in Washington. This change will enable the industry to legally continue operating in the state while solutions are being developed.  

Improvements to Washington’s Safe Medication Return Program  

On May 21, 2025, Governor Ferguson signed two Right-to-Repair laws: HB 1483 for digital electronic products (includes most consumer electronics and household appliances) and SB 5680 for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters. With the passage of HB 1483, Washington becomes the sixth state to pass a right-to-repair law for consumer electronics. The laws require manufacturers to provide access to parts, tools, and instructions/information to independent repair providers and owners on how to fix their products. Rep. Gregerson has championed Right-to-Repair for many years. After many meetings and consultations, Microsoft, Google, and Apple all chose to support the final iteration of HB 1483. Only two other states, California and Colorado, have passed right-to-repair legislation for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, similar to SB 5680.  

PaintCare Publishes 2024 Annual Reports in Oregon and Washington 

PaintCare just published the 2024 annual reports for their programs in Washington and Oregon, highlighting the programs’ successes in 2024. In 2024, Washington’s program collected 1,002,531 gallons of latex and oil-based paint, and Oregon’s program collected 649,346 gallons, both of which were above their 2023 collection quantities. The reports also highlighted the programs’ collection convenience. In Washington, there were 279 active year-round drop-off sites, with 97.9% of Washington residents living within 15 miles of one of these drop-off sites. In Oregon, there were 194 active year-round drop-off sites, with 98.3% of Oregon residents living within 15 miles of a drop-off site. Along with PaintCare’s annual reports, PaintCare also published one page infographics regarding 2024 program highlights in both Washington and Oregon. 

• Battery EPR HB 2062, would require producers of covered batteries or battery-containing products to implement a battery producer responsibility program to fund and manage the collection and processing of batteries and battery-containing products at their end-of-life. 
  • HB 2062 had a work session in the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and the Environment on April 8th. The bill was amended and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
• Amendments to Oregon’s Deposit Return System for Beverage Containers:
  • HB 3940-A would place a surcharge on the sales of beverage containers for purposes of wildfire prevention and response. Beverage container surcharge has been removed and alternate funding options including the use of unredeemed deposits are being explored.
  • SB 992 would authorize the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to approve one or more alternative access redemption centers has moved to its second chamber. 
    • SB 992 has passed the legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.