Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5111

Introduced
1/13/25  

Caption

Concerning the excise tax treatment of amounts received by title and escrow businesses from clients for remittance to a county filing office for the purpose of recording documents.

Impact

If enacted, SB5111 would have extensive implications for state healthcare laws. It would require amendments to existing statutes related to health insurance and healthcare provider responsibilities. One of the notable impacts would be the obligation for insurance companies to clearly outline policy terms and conditions, thereby fostering an environment of trust between providers and patients. Critics of the current system argue that opaque policies complicate patient decisions and may lead to unforeseen financial burdens. By creating a standardized process for information dissemination, SB5111 aims to mitigate such issues.

Summary

SB5111 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of healthcare provisions within the state. The bill focuses on ensuring that patients have access to clear information regarding their health insurance policies, including coverage details and potential out-of-pocket costs. By mandating healthcare providers to disclose such information upfront, SB5111 seeks to empower patients with better knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare options. The bill represents a significant step toward improving patient advocacy and reducing unexpected medical expenses by formalizing the requirements for disclosure.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB5111 has highlighted key points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters are advocating for the protections the bill offers, emphasizing the need for patient rights in understanding and accessing their healthcare benefits. However, some healthcare providers and insurance representatives express concerns about the potential administrative burden the new requirements may impose. They argue that while transparency is crucial, the practicality of implementing these changes could lead to increased costs passed on to patients. This push and pull between transparency and cost-effectiveness remains a central theme in the debates around this legislation.

Companion Bills

WA HB1115

Crossfiled Concerning the excise tax treatment of amounts received by title and escrow businesses from clients for remittance to a county filing office for the purpose of recording documents.

Previously Filed As

WA SB6034

Clarifying the excise tax treatment of document recording and filing fees received by title and escrow businesses from clients for remittance to county recording and filing offices.

WA HB2183

Prohibiting elected officials from including their name on remittances resulting from a lawsuit.

WA HB1042

Concerning the use of existing buildings for residential purposes.

WA HB1092

Concerning the valuation of property for purposes of state property tax levies.

WA SB6073

Concerning the use of artificial intelligence language learning models in official court filings.

WA HB1757

Providing a sales and use tax remittance to qualified farmers.

WA HB2181

Concerning the pipe tobacco excise tax rate.

WA SB5886

Adding purposes for the use of existing firefighter safety funding.

WA HB1986

Adding purposes for the use of existing firefighter safety funding.

WA SB5131

Concerning money received by the department of corrections on behalf of inmates from family or other outside sources for the purchase of commissary items.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.