Newsletter — January 22, 2026 | | |
You’re invited: Legislative retail reception
You’re warmly invited to a special reception where you will have the opportunity to connect with your Washington State legislators.
Join us on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lord Mansion in Olympia. This reception offers a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the retail industry, including navigating a rapidly changing landscape while keeping businesses thriving, employees safe, and customers engaged.
This event is designed to foster open and constructive conversation between retailers and policymakers about issues impacting retail across Washington.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of retail. Please RSVP by emailing kdavies@washingtonretail.org or calling (360) 790-0359.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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POLICY
ECONOMY
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
POLITICAL NEWS
RETAIL THEFT & PUBLIC SAFETY
IN THE NEWS
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What we are tracking — WR Legislative Hot List
WR is closely monitoring the bills that have advanced through the legislative process. Each week, we’ll spotlight our weekly “hot list” key legislation that could have the most significant impact on WR members.
ALPRS Regulation (SB 6002)
Focused on automated license plate reader technology, specifically targeting Flock cameras, prompted by reports alleging data sharing with ICE. While initially aimed at cities and counties, the bill also includes provisions that would restrict private businesses from sharing Flock camera data with law enforcement. Flock is not seeking to stop the bill but to add appropriate guardrails that preserve the technology’s intended use and public safety benefits.
Position: WR has concerns with this bill.
Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) (SB 5976 / HB 2274)
CEMA Legislation Gains Traction Legislation addressing unintended consequences of Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) advanced this week with a public hearing on HB 2274 in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee. The bill seeks to clarify the law following a recent court interpretation that has triggered a surge in litigation over routine marketing emails.
During the hearing, Crystal Leatherman, WR’S Director of Policy and Government Affairs testified in strong support of HB 2274 and why this legislation was needed. Leatherman explained that CEMA is now being applied in ways the Legislature never intended, with consequences accelerating rapidly following the Washington Supreme Court’s Brown v. Old Navy decision. Since that ruling, over 60 lawsuits have been filed in just a few months, targeting common, non-deceptive email subject lines—language that consumers see regularly and that is widely used across industries.
According to testimony, these cases are not focused on spam or on disguising the commercial nature of emails, nor do they require proof of consumer harm. Instead, litigation has centered on everyday promotional phrases such as “Up to 80% Off,” “Almost Gone,” or “Gone Tomorrow.” Under the current interpretation of the law, each email can trigger statutory damages of $500 per email, per consumer, regardless of whether the email was opened or acted upon.
Supporters of HB 2274 emphasized a willingness to work collaboratively with the Attorney General’s Office, legislators, and stakeholders with differing views to identify a balanced solution that protects consumers while restoring predictability for businesses operating in Washington.
As the session continues, the bill’s progress will be closely watched by a broad coalition of organizations that rely on lawful, transparent email communications as part of their operations.
Position: WR supports this bill.
Concerning 6PPD and regrettable 6PPD substitutes in tires (HB 2421 / SB 6119)
HB 2421 establishes a long-term phase-out of 6PPD in motor vehicle tires, culminating in a prohibition in 2035, while imposing interim mitigation fees and regulatory oversight of substitute materials. The bill would significantly increase the environmental mitigation fee on tires with load ratings over 2,500 pounds—raising the fee to $6 per tire beginning in 2027 (up from $3)—with revenue dedicated to environmental mitigation efforts. This represents a substantial increase on top of last year’s fee changes and is a key concern for retailers. The bill is scheduled for hearings on the 19th in the House and 20th in the Senate.
Position: WR has concerns with this bill.
Immigration enforcement employer requirements & penalties (SB 5852 / HB 2105)
Modeled after California’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act (2017), this bill would go well beyond California’s framework by significantly expanding employer compliance requirements and penalties, including a private right of action and substantial fines multiplied by the number of Washington-based employees. The bill is backed by the Attorney General and will place employers in a difficult position between conflicting federal and state requirements. Its restrictive approach and litigation exposure present significant great risks for employers and are already requiring substantial staff attention. Hearing in the Senate is scheduled on the 20th.
Position: WR opposes this bill.
Payroll tax (SB 6093 / HB 2100)
HB 2100 would impose a statewide payroll-style excise tax on large employers, levying a 5% tax on employee compensation above $125,000. The bill is scheduled for a highly controversial public hearing in the House Finance Committee, with a Senate companion (SB 6093, Sen. Saldaña) not yet heard. Revenue would be directed to the Well Washington Fund to backfill childcare, SNAP-type, and related benefits impacted by federal changes. The proposal would introduce a significant new cost structure for employers at a time of already high labor and operating pressures and could affect company operations, including impacts on visiting executives. WR plans to testify in opposition and is seeking business examples and impact statements. The bill remains very much in play, with Rep. Scott continuing stakeholder discussions and legislative leaders actively considering broader tax options, including payroll, wealth, asset, and a forthcoming millionaire tax.
Position: WR opposes this bill.
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Regulating ALPR: What retailers need to know
Washington lawmakers are considering companion bills that would regulate the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). While the intent is to strengthen privacy protections, WR is actively engaged to ensure the proposals do not unintentionally limit retailers’ ability to prevent retail theft and organized retail crime.
The bills heard this session:
What the Bills Would Do
If enacted, the companion bills would:
- Set new limits on how ALPR data may be collected, used, retained, and shared
- Require heightened legal standards in certain situations before law enforcement can access ALPR data
- Restrict ALPR use primarily to serious or felony-level criminal activity
- Create new compliance, reporting, and oversight requirements for ALPR users
Why This Matters for Retailers
In their current form, the bills could have real-world impacts on retailers’ ability to keep stores and communities safe, including:
- Delays or restrictions when retailers share ALPR data with law enforcement after being victimized
- Reduced ability to identify repeat offenders or organized retail theft patterns early
- Fewer tools to intervene before theft escalates into more dangerous or violent incidents
- Increased operational and compliance burdens tied to ALPR use
Taken together, these changes could make it harder for retailers to protect employees, customers, and property.
The Path Forward
WR is actively working with Sen. Trudeau, Rep. Salahuddin, committee members, and ALPR technology providers to pursue targeted amendments that balance privacy safeguards with practical public safety needs.
WR will continue to keep members informed as discussions progress and the legislation moves forward.
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WR advocates for a holistic approach to address tires’ environmental impact
The Legislature recently held hearings on HB 2421 and SB 6119, legislation that would ban tires containing 6PPD, a chemical linked to acute mortality in coho salmon and other aquatic species, by 2035, and impose a new tire mitigation fee on tire retailers beginning in 2027.
For small tire retailers, who already spend approximately $35,000 annually to properly haul used tires, the proposed mitigation fee would add an estimated $180,000 in additional annual costs, potentially forcing many retailers to leave the state.
WR testified in support of a more holistic approach to addressing the environmental impacts of tires. WR emphasized that the proposed mitigation fee is avoidable if the Legislature instead dedicates existing funds from the Waste Tire Fund toward 6PPD mitigation efforts. In 2005, tire retailers worked with the Legislature to establish the Waste Tire accounts, and the fee was increased by 500 percent to $5 per tire in 2026.
Since then, the Legislature’s approach to tire-related environmental impacts has appeared inconsistent. More than $27 million has been invested in 6PPD-related research projects, including $20 million allocated in 2025 during a significant budget deficit. Meanwhile, the Legislature has not acted on a 2023 report it requested from the Department of Ecology that identified priority projects to address 49 waste tire piles statewide. Additionally, there has been no known investment in research examining the impacts of waste tire piles on soil contamination, fire risk, or public health.
As part of its efforts to advance a comprehensive strategy that considers the full environmental footprint of tires, WR is pleased to help introduce SB 6273. This legislation would improve transparency by providing policymakers and the public with clearer information about the environmental impacts of waste tire piles across Washington State.
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Bi-partisan bills emerged to clarify “applicant” under Pay Transparency Act
Two good bi-partisan bills - HB 2377 / SB 6221 - emerged this week in the Legislature to clarify the meaning of “applicants” under Washington’s Pay Transparency Act (Act) enacted in 2023, to help close the gender pay gap by requiring salary ranges in job postings. This clarification addresses a significant statutory gap that has become evident through enforcement and litigation.
By way of background, the Act lacks a clear definition of “applicant,” resulting in about 250 civil suits by the end of 2024 with “serial” job applicants who were not seeking jobs, but to benefit financially from legal settlements.
In response, the Legislature passed a bipartisan bill (SB 5408) during the 2025 Legislative session to allow a limited scope “right to cure”. This provision, however, has a two-year sunset. At the time, the Legislature refrained from clarifying the applicant’s meaning due to a pending State Supreme Court decision.
The Court’s ruling last September, however, allowed any job applicants to sue for violations of the state’s pay transparency law without having to show they applied in good faith or that they were “bona fide” applicants. All that is required is that they apply to a specific job posting.
Now in the second week of a 60-day Legislative session, WR is joining a business coalition to support the passage of this much-needed clarification to restore balance to the Pay Transparency Act.
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Overview of proposed local tax authority legislation
Lawmakers are considering legislation that would expand the range of taxing options available to counties and cities, prompting discussion among local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders. Two measures, HB 2442 and HB 1702, are central to this debate during the current legislative session.
HB 2442 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Finance Committee and proposes broad authority for local governments to adopt new revenue tools. Under the bill, counties and cities could impose a county utility tax of up to 3 percent, expand the use of real estate excise taxes, and create targeted sales taxes to fund priorities such as housing, children’s services, and behavioral health programs. The proposal also includes a limited veterans’ levy and a 1 percent tax on rental cars, with revenues directed toward stadiums, youth sports facilities, and elements of the criminal justice system.
HB 1702, which would also establish a county utility tax, is a carryover measure from the previous legislative session. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee and is eligible to be brought forward for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
Supporters of the proposals argue that additional local revenue options could help communities address growing service demands and infrastructure needs. Opponents raise concerns about the cumulative impact of new and expanded taxes on consumers and employers.
WR has expressed opposition to proposals that would further increase the tax burden on retailers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable and competitive business environment while lawmakers consider approaches to local funding challenges.
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Noncompetition bills advance in Washington Legislature
Two bills addressing noncompetition agreements are moving through the Washington Legislature and could significantly change how employers manage workforce transitions. SB 5437 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate this week. Its companion measure, HB 1155, is currently in the House Rules Committee and could be considered for floor action.
As written, the bills would prohibit all noncompetition agreements in Washington, including those already in effect. This approach would go well beyond the state’s 2019 noncompetition law, which already established strict limits, income thresholds, and penalties related to enforcement. Under the new proposals, employers would be left with narrower tools, such as limited nonsolicitation and confidentiality agreements, to protect business interests.
Supporters argue the bills would promote worker mobility and competition in the labor market. Opponents raise concerns about the scope of the change and its impact on employers that rely on noncompetition agreements to protect customer relationships, investments in training, and proprietary business information.
WR opposes the legislation, citing concerns that a full ban would create new challenges for retailers operating in an already competitive and tight labor market. If enacted, retailers would need to adapt quickly to increased employee movement while relying on fewer legal tools to safeguard sensitive information and long-term business relationships.
Lawmakers are expected to continue debating the balance between workforce flexibility and employer protections as the bills move forward. WR will continue to engage with legislators and monitor developments to ensure the retail industry’s perspective is considered.
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Payroll tax proposal advances in the House
Legislation proposing a new statewide payroll expense tax is moving forward in the Washington House of Representatives. HB 2100 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Finance Committee and would apply a 5 percent tax on employee compensation above $125,000 per employee.
The proposal closely reflects an earlier bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-37). While the Senate companion has not advanced this session, House consideration continues as Representative Shaun Scott (D-43) convenes discussions with business groups and other stakeholders. These conversations are focused on the potential impacts of the tax and whether adjustments are needed as the bill is evaluated.
Supporters of the measure have framed it as a new revenue option tied to high-wage compensation. Opponents have raised concerns about how the tax could affect employers across multiple sectors, particularly those with higher wage positions or competitive labor markets.
WR has expressed opposition to HB 2100. From WR’s perspective, the proposal would create a significant new cost for employers at a time when businesses are already facing elevated labor, supply, and operating expenses. Retailers, in particular, continue to navigate narrow margins and workforce challenges, and WR argues that additional payroll-related taxes could further strain hiring and investment decisions.
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Seattle playoff momentum delivers winter boost for local economy
An unexpected January home playoff game for the Seattle Seahawks delivered a timely economic lift to Seattle during a traditionally slower tourism period, offering positive ripple effects for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and visitor services.
As fans filled downtown streets, shops, and attractions ahead of the mid-January matchup, tourism leaders reported a noticeable surge in visitors. Team apparel was prominent throughout the city, and travelers from outside Washington arrived for what many described as football-focused getaways. The influx stood out during a season when travel demand typically declines following the holidays.
According to Visit Seattle, past home playoff games have produced significant increases in hotel occupancy, in some cases exceeding 50 percent above normal January levels. This additional demand helps stabilize winter revenues for hospitality businesses while supporting broader economic activity across the city.
Visitor spending during playoff weekends extends beyond lodging. Restaurants, retail stores, transportation services, and entertainment venues benefit from higher foot traffic, while local and state governments see increased tax collections. These revenues help fund marketing efforts and support arts and cultural programs that strengthen Seattle’s year-round appeal.
Tourism officials also note the value of national exposure generated by playoff broadcasts, which showcase Seattle to a wide audience and can influence future travel decisions. Highlighting the city during the winter months reinforces its reputation as a vibrant destination regardless of season.
For Washington retailers, the playoff-driven surge underscores how major sporting events can generate meaningful economic returns, even when they arrive unexpectedly. As Seattle prepares for other large-scale events in the coming years, this January boost offers a clear example of how sports, tourism, and local commerce are closely connected.
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Seattle police clarify response to federal immigration enforcement rumors
The Seattle Police Department has issued a formal directive outlining how officers should respond to reports and rumors of federal immigration enforcement activity in the city. The guidance comes amid heightened public concern and unverified reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the Puget Sound region.
The directive reaffirms that Seattle police will not assist with or participate in federal immigration enforcement actions and will not act under the direction of federal authorities. At the same time, officers are instructed not to interfere with federal operations. The department emphasized that its role is to remain functionally independent while prioritizing public safety and constitutional protections.
Under the new guidance, officers are expected to respond promptly to community reports of unidentified or unverified law enforcement activity. When safe and feasible, officers may respectfully request official identification to help confirm the status of individuals presenting themselves as law enforcement. Supervisors must be notified, and officers are required to document incidents, activate video recording equipment, and coordinate with the department’s communications team if public messaging is needed.
The directive also addresses how officers should manage related public safety concerns, such as demonstrations or traffic disruptions, without escalating tensions. Incidents are to be reported in a way that preserves the anonymity of those involved, with senior department staff notifying the mayor’s office as appropriate.
City leaders say the guidance is intended to provide clarity for officers and reassurance to the community during a period of uncertainty fueled by rumors and national developments. For businesses and residents, the department’s message is that Seattle police will focus on safety, transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights while maintaining clear boundaries regarding federal immigration enforcement.
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One year after new mayor was elected, how is Portland’s homelessness going?
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson ran on the pledge to create 1,500 units of housing in 25 shelters to address the city’s homelessness crisis. At the time, Danny Westneat, columnist for The Seattle Times, wrote that Seattle would not dare take the bold action being undertaken by our “sister-city-in-suffering to the south.”
A year later, Westneat checked in on the situation in Portland, in part because Seattle’s Mayor, Katie Wilson, pledged to create 4,000 units to house the homeless. As a first step, on January 15, Seattle’s Mayor Wilson signed an executive order to expedite the creation of housing for the homeless and provide behavioral health services in city-funded shelters.
So, how has the “enforced compassion” approach to housing the homeless gone in Portland? The Mayor has more than doubled the city’s shelter capacity, developing 1,200 beds of overnight shelter and “another 400 or so ‘flex’ beds (locations where beds can be added if needed).”
One nonprofit provider complimented the Mayor’s effectiveness by telling The Oregonian newspaper “[h]e has opened these shelters and gotten them going with a success that has surprised me, because I’m not used to seeing that kind of follow through.”
While the Mayor and city government have created a lot of new beds, the number of homeless has actually grown over the past year. According to The Oregonian:
It’s not entirely clear how many beds will be “enough” so long as that number remains smaller than the number of people living outside. The mayor’s supporters say his plan to open new shelters and day centers, ramp up the city’s camping ban enforcement and ultimately increase affordable housing availability can work if he stays the course. Meanwhile, Wilson’s laser-like focus this year on shelter beds has eroded some of his support with homeless services providers and his recent push to enforce the city’s camping ban has weakened his backing on City Council.
One impact of Portland’s enforcement of its camping ban was reported by The Willamette Weekly. Police and outreach workers contacted 101 people in the first 5 days, discovering that 39 had outstanding arrest warrants. According to Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Zajonc “[w]e’ve found far more people than we expected ‘hiding in plain sight’ with open warrants.”
How will Seattle’s Mayor Wilson fare as she attempts to reduce homelessness here? One key difference is that she has pledged to not use police-led enforcement of camping bans. Instead, she is relying on new emergency shelters and transitional encampments. Only time will tell if those efforts succeed.
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Federal action on organized retail crime advances
Organized retail crime (ORC) continues to affect retailers of all sizes and the customers they serve, prompting renewed attention from Congress. In January, the House Judiciary Committee advanced H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at improving coordination among law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.
The legislation would establish a coordinated crime center within Homeland Security Investigations. The goal is to strengthen information sharing across jurisdictions, enhance investigative capacity, and build on actions already taken by states to address retail theft networks that often operate across city and state lines. Supporters say a centralized approach would help law enforcement respond more effectively to increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), organized retail crime has evolved beyond traditional shoplifting. Criminal groups are now engaging in a range of activities, including digital and e-commerce fraud, phone scams, cargo theft, and supply chain disruptions. In its 2025 report on theft and violence, the federation found that more than half of surveyed retailers reported increases in several of these categories over the prior year, with phone scams and online fraud showing particularly sharp growth.
NRF has submitted formal statements in support of federal action and has emphasized the impact of organized retail crime on store safety, inventory losses, and consumer prices. The organization has encouraged the full House to consider the bill and urged the Senate to act if it advances.
For retailers, the legislation represents a potential step toward more consistent enforcement and better coordination across jurisdictions. As Congress continues to debate the proposal, the issue of organized retail crime remains a key policy topic for the retail industry nationwide.
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WR and public safety partners rally behind HB 2209 to address organized retail crime
This week, WR joined forces with public safety partners from the Washington Organized Retail Crime Association (WAORCA), Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA), and Northwest Grocery Retail Association (NWGRA) to testify in strong support of HB 2209 – ORC Sentence Enhancements.
At a high level, the bill would:
- Help law enforcement and prosecutors identify patterns of organized theft instead of treating each incident as a standalone case
- Strengthen coordination between retailers and law enforcement to support effective investigations
- Provide clearer tools to intervene earlier—before theft escalates into violence or repeated offenses
- Focus enforcement on organized, repeat criminal activity without sweeping in one-off or low-level incidents
During the public hearing in the House Community Safety committee, WR and its partners emphasized the importance of a targeted, practical approach that supports public safety while narrowly focusing on high theft and sophisticated ORC rings.
Leadership That Listens
WR extends special thanks to Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28), the prime sponsor of HB 2209, for her thoughtful leadership. Rep. Leavitt has taken the time to engage directly with retailers, asset protection professionals, and law enforcement to understand how ORC rings operate and where current law falls short. That collaboration shows in a bill that is focused, balanced, and responsive to the realities facing Washington communities.
What’s Next
HB 2209 was heard in the House Community Safety Committee. The next step is a committee vote to move the bill forward in the legislative process.
WR appreciates the strong partnership between retailers and public safety advocates on this issue and will continue working with lawmakers to advance solutions that protect workers, customers, and communities across Washington.
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TikTok x WR retail reception highlights the power of digital community and commerce
WR recently partnered with TikTok for their legislative reception spotlighting how digital platforms are helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive across Washington.
Attendees, which included lawmakers from both the House and Senate, had the opportunity to gain a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at how a social media platform like TikTok is supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship.
The reception spotlighted the powerful role TikTok plays in retail, particularly through its community-driven approach and the growth of TikTok Shop, which has become an accessible platform for entrepreneurs to sell their own products directly to consumers. For many small business owners, TikTok Shop has lowered traditional barriers to entry, allowing them to scale more quickly while maintaining control over their brand and customer relationships.
Guest speakers included Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-48), who spoke about the importance of innovation and small business growth to Washington’s economy, and Eva Endrikhovska, owner of Middle World Herbs, who shared her firsthand experience using TikTok to connect with customers and grow her business.
The TikTok x WR reception underscored how retail continues to evolve, and how digital platforms, when used thoughtfully, can empower entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and create new pathways for small business success.
WR appreciates the opportunity to elevate small business voices and looks forward to continuing conversations around innovation, technology, and the future of retail in Washington.
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New spike in lawsuits that challenge misleading email subject lines
Written by Retail TouchPoints
Posted on January 14, 2026
Email marketing is an undeniably popular and effective way for retailers to reach their customers. Emails drive massive amounts of website traffic. But as shown by a recent decision from the Washington Supreme Court construing the state’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act, email marketing is also driving a cottage industry of consumer class actions over allegedly “misleading” email subject lines – and the issue isn’t limited to Washington.
Similar verbiage is found in comparable laws in several states, including California and Florida. Significantly, because these suits are based on state consumer statutes that often contain a “per violation” penalty, potential exposure is catastrophic.
Recent Proliferation of Deceptive Email Subject Line Lawsuits
Over the past few months, putative class action lawsuits over allegedly deceptive email subject lines have spiked. Many of these lawsuits take issue with subject lines creating a false sense of urgency because the underlying promotions actually extended beyond those deadlines.
For example, in the Washington case, plaintiffs challenged subject lines such as “Today Only!” and “Three Days Only!”, arguing the sales weren’t actually ending on the date promoted in the email. Other suits are further derivatives of “false pricing” lawsuits, seeking relief for email headings advertising a discount when in fact the reference price has not been the prevailing price within the past 90 days.
Not surprisingly, we’ve seen a majority of these cases filed in California. Some of them are under California’s consumer protection law, but others reference Washington’s law. Suits have been filed in both state and federal courts. Because similar laws exist in multiple states, a single email blast has the potential to generate suits in multiple jurisdictions seeking nationwide relief, most likely in consumer-friendly venues such as California, Washington or Oregon.
Deceptive Email Laws
Washington’s and Florida’s laws actually have the same prohibition for emails containing “false or misleading information in the subject line” and similar $500 per email penalties. California bans email subject lines that are “likely to mislead” recipients “about a material fact regarding the contents or subject matter of the message.”
The reason for the similarities among states is that these statutes were enacted as state-specific versions of the federal CAN-SPAM Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing Act) enacted in 2003. While much has changed in the world of ecommerce since then, many of these statutes remain on the books, providing fertile ground for creative lawyers.
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WR connects with Everett Chamber and Port of Everett at chamber luncheon
Last Wednesday, WR’s Rose Gundersen attended the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon at the historic APEX in downtown Everett, joining approximately 80 civic and business leaders from across the community. The event marked the Chamber’s one-year anniversary, following its launch in response to strong interest from local businesses and civic leaders in a dedicated, city-focused organization. The Everett Chamber works to connect businesses of all sizes while supporting networking, advocacy, and economic vitality throughout the city. WR is excited to build a new partnership with the Everett Chamber to connect with local employers and celebrate the Chamber’s rapid growth and early success.
During the luncheon, Gundersen also met with Glen Bachman, a commissioner with the Port of Everett, which is a WR member. Bachman shared updates on the Port’s plans to expand retail and commercial activity along the Everett waterfront as part of its broader redevelopment efforts. The Port’s vision includes creating new retail, dining, and destination spaces designed to strengthen the local economy and attract both residents and visitors.
The enthusiasm and collaboration on display at the luncheon highlighted the strong momentum underway in Everett. WR looks forward to continued collaboration with both the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Everett as they work to support a connected, vibrant, and growing business community in the region.
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Preparing Washington retailers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ fast approaching, Washington retailers have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world, and it’s never too early to prepare. SeattleFWC26 is leading efforts to ensure our state is ready not just logistically, but inclusively and responsibly.
A key step is Seattle’s new Inclusion Training Initiative, designed to help businesses and frontline employees create welcoming, respectful experiences for visitors from around the globe. This training focuses on cultural awareness, accessibility, and customer engagement—critical tools as international attention turns to Washington. Learn more at seattlefwc26.org.
Small businesses can also take advantage of the Small Business Readiness Playbook, developed in partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee. The playbook offers practical guidance on staffing, safety, marketing, and operations to help businesses prepare for mega-event demand. The guide is available at seattlechamber.com.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and prevention is another essential part of readiness. Large-scale international events can increase trafficking risks, making awareness and training vital. SeattleFWC26, in partnership with BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking), aims to train 2,500 individuals through the BEST Basics program. WR encourages retailers, especially in hospitality, retail, and transportation, to get involved.
As planning continues for the Olympia–Lacey Fan Zone, preparing our business community today will help ensure Washington shines on the world stage tomorrow. Together, we can welcome the world safely, inclusively, and responsibly.
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WR diversity statement
WR is committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment in which these principles can thrive.
We value all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability, and that is the foundation of our commitment to those we serve.
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Alesha Shemwell, Interim CEO — 360.200.6450 — Email
Crystal Leatherman, Dir of Policy & Government Affairs — 360.200-6453 — Email
Rose Gundersen, State and Local Gov't Affairs Associate — 360.200.6452 — Email
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