S-2338.1
SENATE BILL 5793
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senator Robinson
AN ACT Relating to employer contributions and incentives for public and school employee health benefit plans; amending RCW 41.05.065 , 41.05.740 , 41.80.020 , 41.56.500 , 41.59.105 , and 47.64.270 ; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the state is facing an extraordinary budget shortfall, necessitating prudent fiscal management to ensure the sustainability of essential public services. One significant cost driver is the employer contribution rate for employee health care benefits, which currently exceeds the average benefits package offered in comparable sectors.
The legislature remains committed to funding a high quality, competitive benefits package for state employees. However, in light of current budget constraints, it is necessary to provide flexibility in setting the employer contribution rates for employee health care benefits during the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
To responsibly address these financial challenges while maintaining quality health care for state employees, the legislature intends to eliminate the smart health program and set the employer contribution rates for employee health care benefits for the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. This policy will provide the state with the necessary flexibility to align health care expenditures with available resources, ensuring a balanced approach that reflects both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of employees.