Bill > HB1839

This bill addresses Washington state's workforce development challenges by modifying the advanced computing surcharge, a tax on large technology companies to fund workforce education. The legislature recognizes a critical workforce gap, with projections showing the state will need nearly 600,000 credentialed workers over the next decade across various sectors like technology, healthcare, and education. The bill proposes to use additional resources to expand the Washington college grant program, increase teacher training programs (especially in STEM fields), grow in-state student seats at higher education institutions, and fund work-study salaries for STEM research students. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing workforce education investment surcharge on select advanced computing businesses, which are defined as members of an affiliated group with worldwide gross revenue over $25 billion that engage in activities like software development, cloud computing, or online platforms. The surcharge remains at 1.22% of gross income for qualifying businesses, and revenues will continue to be deposited into the workforce education investment account. The bill includes provisions for administrative oversight, such as allowing the department to require disclosure of affiliated group members and imposing penalties for non-compliance. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, aiming to address the state's anticipated job growth and workforce credential shortages.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1839&Year=2025&Initiative=false