Senate passes bill giving Labor & Industries more flexibility to update asbestos training rules after amendment fight

The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 6188 on Feb. 10, a measure that would allow the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to adopt updated rules for asbestos training and certification. Sponsors framed the bill as giving the agency flexibility to update rules to better protect workers; opponents warned it could allow state rules to exceed or diverge from federal standards and potentially create confusion.

Senator King moved amendment 0563, which would have required L&I to adopt the EPA’s asbestos model accreditation plan and prevent the department from imposing requirements that exceed federal standards. King said the amendment "provides the department that authority to adopt that very same plan, but it does so without opening the door to more onerous requirements that exceed federal standards." Senator Saldana rose in respectful opposition, arguing the amendment risked lowering safety standards for worker certification and urged a no vote.

The amendment was rejected on the floor. Debate continued over the balance between consistent federal-state standards and the agency’s ability to update training and certification to protect workers. Proponents argued the bill allows L&I to update rules when guidance improves; opponents said it might create regulatory conflict and uncertainty for employers and supervisors. After a roll call, the Senate declared SB 6188 passed with the constitutional majority reported as 30 yeas and 19 nays.

The bill’s supporters said future rule changes would still go through the regular rulemaking process with public input. Opponents emphasized worker-safety concerns and asked for stronger assurances that supervisors and certifying officials would meet consistent standards.

Next steps: SB 6188 was declared passed on the floor and will proceed to the governor for signature or veto.