AARP Washington Advocacy Hub

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. We advocate for what is important to our members and give them a voice at the state and federal levels.

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND PROTECTION

State and local governments play an active role in protecting consumers. State laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive acts and practices are among the most effective tools in fighting consumer fraud and abuse. These policies and statutes provide remedies for consumers, encourage merchants to resolve disputes fairly, and deter misconduct.

• Crypto ATM - To crack down on crypto ATM scams, AARP will work with Washington's Department of Financial Institutions to pass legislation that would put some guardrails around using crypto ATMs. Crypto ATMs look and operate like bank ATMs and are found in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other spots across the state. Criminals use these kiosks to target victims who may be unfamiliar with how they work. We will work to implement consumer protection policies, such as requiring ATM operators to post warnings about potential fraud, limiting daily transaction amounts for new customers, and establishing a regulating agency within Washington state.
  
  • SUPPORT: SB 5280—AARP, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, and state law enforcement support this bill. Its primary focus is consumer protection measures that would establish daily transaction limits, cap transaction fees, require prominent fraud warning messages around and on the kiosk, and mandate a hard copy receipt of the transaction to provide law enforcement with a paper trail.
  • OPPOSE: HB 1268—The cryptocurrency industry supports this bill and scoffs at two of our main asks in our supported legislation: a reasonable daily transaction limit and a cap on transaction fees. We can’t let a bill through that is more favorable to the industry than it is to the consumer.
    

 

SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT SECURITY

A variety of strategies are needed to ensure financial security in retirement. A strong Social Security system and protection of pension promises are vital. In addition, all workers, regardless of industry, employment status, or occupation, need effective retirement plans and savings vehicles throughout their working lives that provide financial security and stability.

• Retirement Savings Bills (working title: Washington Saves) - Washington Saves was signed into law after the 2024 legislative session. It will allow employees to grow their retirement savings through additional contributions and investment performance. Accounts will be portable and remain with the worker if they change employers. Employers would perform a limited administrative function by processing payments of eligible employees to the program's third-party administrator through their existing payroll system. During the 2025 legislative session, we will begin building the infrastructure necessary to launch the program in 2027.

 

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES


Livable communities include essential features that allow residents of all ages and backgrounds to thrive. These include mixed-use zoning, safe and varied transportation options, and a diversity of housing types. Livable communities also have public spaces that benefit everyone. In addition, they provide access to essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, high-speed internet, and healthcare options. 

• SUPPORT (SB5110): Tribal Elder Tuition Waiver - Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and for many adults ages 50 and older, it is an essential part of how they choose to age. But finding access to affordable learning opportunities can be challenging. AARP supports this measure to provide tuition waivers for tribal elders 55 and older to attend community colleges and technical schools.
  
  
• SUPPORT: Senior Nutrition Program – Washington has underinvested in the food safety net for seniors and people with disabilities. Despite having more seniors and more seniors in poverty, our state budget hasn’t included any additional ongoing funding for critical food programs serving these communities in years. AARP supports an ask from Washington's Aging and Long-term Support Administration to include funding to provide meals to 18,000 seniors. (Budget ask: no bill number)
  
  
• SUPPORT: Multi-Sector Plan on Aging – Multi-Sector Plans on Aging serve as comprehensive, long-term state strategies to reshape infrastructure, services and public policy for their growing number of older residents. They bring together state agencies, businesses, nonprofits and local communities. AARP supports a budget ask to provide funding to advance collaboration with stakeholders and all state government sectors. This includes a report of the estimated 200 senior centers in the state. This would consist of current program offerings, budgets and communities served. (Budget ask: no bill number)
  
  
• SUPPORT: Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Disability - In 2013, AARP successfully advocated for creating this committee to develop strategies for the aging population. The legislature must approve funding each budget cycle to sustain and maintain the committee. (Budget ask: no bill number)

LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORT

The high cost of long-term services and supports (LTSS) causes many older adults to fear impoverishment, becoming a burden to their families, or both. There is limited insurance coverage to ease these fears. And as the baby boom generation ages, the need for services will increase. At the same time, there will be fewer family caregivers to provide such care. States can take interim steps to ensure that LTSS are affordable and fiscally sustainable to individuals and governments. These efforts can also enhance the financial security of individuals and their families from the potential risk of impoverishment.

 

HEALTH

AARP works on policies and legislation to promote and sustain individual and population health and improve healthcare by ensuring access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. Enabling the improvement of people’s health depends on systems that support healthy choices and provide everyone with affordable, high-quality care. To start, people should have access to care throughout their lives without regard to health, wealth, or location. Interventions and public policies at all levels of government can reduce barriers to healthy living and influence health outside formal medical care systems.

 

HOUSING

Housing is central to community and individual well-being. People of all ages and ability levels need safe, decent, and affordable housing that will enable them to continue living safely in their homes and communities as they get older, regardless of the size of their community. A large majority of older adults want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, but some are concerned that they will not be able to do so. Having a variety of housing options provides more choices in neighborhoods. Residents have a better chance of finding housing they can afford in a location that meets their needs.