House Bill 1857 would help businesses and labor groups reduce the cost of construction by exempting commercial aggregates or asphalt and concrete materials from restrictions
On Wednesday (March 12), the Washington State House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill from Rep. John Ley, his first as a state representative.
House Bill 1857 would help businesses and labor groups reduce the cost of construction by exempting commercial aggregates or asphalt and concrete materials from restrictions pertaining to labeling and the use of naturally occurring asbestos-containing building materials.
“This legislation would exempt commercial aggregates from the current policy because of the costs it imposes on industry and construction,” said Ley, R-Vancouver. “This policy would benefit communities by allowing them to provide cheaper, locally harvested aggregate for use in construction projects.”
HB 1857 would also exempt certain facility owners from asbestos inspection, management, and reporting requirements for commercial aggregates or asphalt and concrete material. Additionally, commercial aggregates would be exempted from the prohibition on manufacturing, wholesaling, or distributing asbestos-containing building materials for sale without labeling them and on using asbestos-containing building materials in new construction or renovations.
“This legislation would also benefit the environment and traffic by reducing the number of trucks coming from long distances to import the needed aggregate if this change were not made,” said Ley, who represents the 18th Legislative District.
“These materials are vital to the construction industry, specifically for roads, driveways, and parking lots,” Ley said. “These rocks and aggregates are the foundation of our construction industry, and this bill is a boost for local jobs.”
“Washington is dealing with an ongoing affordable housing crisis, and this policy provides a way to reduce manufacturing costs for builders,” said Ley. “If this bill reaches the governor’s desk, it will lower the cost of every new driveway and street by removing the cost of testing these materials and the facilities that manufacture them.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. - Passage of income tax bill more likely as Gov. Ferguson now says he will sign it
Gov. Bob Ferguson says he will sign a revised income tax proposal targeting earnings above $1 million if the Legislature approves the measure. - Opinion: Many important decisions looming as the 2026 session nears the end
Rep. John Ley outlines budget concerns, energy policy debates and several tax proposals as the 2026 legislative session approaches its final days.
