Bill > HB1606

This bill directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) to conduct a comprehensive study exploring how state employees could gain electronic access to peer-reviewed journals, which are academic or scientific publications that undergo expert review before publication. The study will investigate potential funding models, organizational structures, and policy mechanisms to improve journal access, as current state agency practices often require employees to purchase individual manuscripts, conduct time-consuming searches, or physically visit university libraries to obtain research materials. The legislature recognizes that other states have successfully created statewide journal access collectives, which have provided both increased research accessibility and significant cost savings. WSIPP is required to complete the study by June 30, 2026, and submit its findings to the relevant legislative committees with jurisdiction over environmental and natural resource issues. The study provision will automatically expire on June 30, 2027, effectively making this a time-limited research initiative aimed at evaluating the potential benefits of a statewide journal subscription program for Washington state employees.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1606&Year=2025&Initiative=false