WA HB1517

Imposes a $2 tax on retail sales of smart wireless devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.) with a selling price exceeding $250, effective June 1, 2025

Deposits 70% of revenue into the state digital equity account and transfers 30% quarterly to a new learning device and technology account for K-12 and higher education technology programs

Addresses digital inequity affecting aging populations (27% of state by 2040, with 41% of those over 65 not using internet), approximately 530,000 veterans, 26.5% of residents in rural areas, and 1.13 million foreign-born residents with limited English proficiency

Creates the learning device and technology account in the state treasury to fund digital skills training, device distribution, and broadband access programs across school districts and community colleges

Requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to complete an effectiveness study by June 1, 2030, reviewing device distribution, technology support staffing, digital skills classes, and progress on reducing the digital divide across 39 counties and 29+ federally recognized tribes