Access, tax and training bills pass

OLYMPIA — A set of three bills designed to keep essential functions of the state running during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies passed the state legislature unanimously Jan. 22.

They are:

• House Bill 1056 establishes that governing bodies may meet remotely in an emergency and requires public access

• House Bill 1095 exempts businesses from paying taxes on emergency assistance grants from the state or federal government

• House Bill 1007 allows social workers to receive their training virtually

All three were brought forward with bipartisan support from their respective committees...