WASHINGTON — While the start of the year is typically when most new laws go into effect, there a still a handful of others that won’t kick in until July 1.

That list covers a variety of territory, from toll roads to taxes, including:

More expensive tolls on SR 520

Tolls on the SR 520 bridge will go up by between 20 cents and $1.10 for drivers depending on the time of day. For prime commuting hours the increases are:

• 7-8 a.m. - $1.40 to $1.60
• 8-9 a.m. - $2.05 to $2.35
• 9-10 a.m. - $2.05 - $2.35
• 4-5 p.m. - $2.65 to $3.05
• 5-6 p.m. - $2.65 - $3.05
• 6-7 p.m. - $2.05 - $2.35

You can see the full breakdown of new toll rates at this link.

WA Cares tax

On July 1, workers begin contributing to the WA Cares Fund, the state’s new long-term care insurance program.

For those who are eligible, it provides a lifetime benefit of $36,500 to offset the costs of long-term care. It will pay for such things as meals, transportation, and wheelchairs and scooters. It can also be used to pay a family member to provide care. The program will start paying benefits on July 1, 2026.

To fund the program, a 0.58% payroll tax will be imposed on Washington workers — or 58 cents per $100. For someone who makes $50,000 annually, that’s about $290 a year. For someone who makes $150,000, it will cost about $870 a year.

You can read more about the tax here.

Washington drug possession law

When a temporary two-year-old law that criminalizes simple drug possession expires on July 1, a newly-approved more...

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