House adopts LNI-backed bill to strengthen asbestos training rules after amendment
March 03, 2026 | Legislative Ethics Board, Legislative Agencies, Legislative Sessions, Washington
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The House on the floor adopted Amendment 21-38 and passed Senate Bill 61-88, legislation requested by the Department of Labor & Industries to clarify the agency's rulemaking authority on worker safety and asbestos handling.
Representative Schmidt, who moved Amendment 21-38, said the change was negotiated with stakeholders and the department to ensure LNI could use its authority "but not overstepping their authority," inserting language to allow addressing "safety and health hazards" in practical, enforceable ways. "This amendment is an amendment that was worked out with stakeholders and LNI," she said.
Representative Berry, speaking in support during third reading, described the bill as targeted to worker protection: "This bill is about worker safety. It is LNI request legislation that will allow the department to adopt more stringent rules than the federal standards ... specific to training and certification around how asbestos is handled in our state. We wanna make sure that workers are safe from asbestos here in Washington, and so I urge your support of this bill." Representative Schmidt said members on her side would be mixed, voicing concern the measure could be overreaching.
After debate the House advanced the bill to third reading and final passage; the clerk reported 61 yays, 33 nays and 4 excused, meeting the constitutional majority. The House then declared Senate Bill 61-88, as amended, passed.
The measure centers on LNI's authority to adopt rules for asbestos training and certification. Proponents framed the bill as a targeted safety measure; opponents urged caution about expanding regulatory reach. The next steps are enrollment and transmission to the governor for signature or veto.
Ending: The bill passed the House floor and will proceed toward final enrollment and the governor's desk.
Representative Schmidt, who moved Amendment 21-38, said the change was negotiated with stakeholders and the department to ensure LNI could use its authority "but not overstepping their authority," inserting language to allow addressing "safety and health hazards" in practical, enforceable ways. "This amendment is an amendment that was worked out with stakeholders and LNI," she said.
Representative Berry, speaking in support during third reading, described the bill as targeted to worker protection: "This bill is about worker safety. It is LNI request legislation that will allow the department to adopt more stringent rules than the federal standards ... specific to training and certification around how asbestos is handled in our state. We wanna make sure that workers are safe from asbestos here in Washington, and so I urge your support of this bill." Representative Schmidt said members on her side would be mixed, voicing concern the measure could be overreaching.
After debate the House advanced the bill to third reading and final passage; the clerk reported 61 yays, 33 nays and 4 excused, meeting the constitutional majority. The House then declared Senate Bill 61-88, as amended, passed.
The measure centers on LNI's authority to adopt rules for asbestos training and certification. Proponents framed the bill as a targeted safety measure; opponents urged caution about expanding regulatory reach. The next steps are enrollment and transmission to the governor for signature or veto.
Ending: The bill passed the House floor and will proceed toward final enrollment and the governor's desk.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
