Washington House passes package of bills on weatherization, predesign thresholds, orchards and veterinary rules

OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives on the floor advanced and passed a series of bills on final passage, approving measures that expand community weatherization programs, raise predesign cost thresholds for capital projects, create a heritage orchard program, and update veterinarian‑client provisions.

The chamber moved House Bill 23‑38, which sponsors described as expanding the state’s low‑income home weatherization program to allow community‑scaled and multifamily projects. Representative Kallen (5th District) urged support, saying the program “has been very successful of helping our homes and our low income homes get fully weatherized,” and that expansion would lower household energy costs while returning money to families.

Supporters said the change would let capital budget funds reach projects at a larger scale. The House approved HB 23‑38 on final passage, the clerk reported 93 yeas, 1 nay and 4 excused, and the Speaker declared the bill passed.

Lawmakers also approved House Bill 23‑53, a measure to raise predesign thresholds for public projects and to adjust data and information requirements (the bill references RCW 39.116 and related provisions). Representative Keaton (25th District) said the bill moves…