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Bill

SB 6213

Concerning naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 1 co-sponsor

The bill tightens labeling and use limits on asbestos, lowers the threshold to 0.25%, and strengthens required inspections and management planning for facilities handling asbestos-

First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.
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Bill Summary · SB 6213

Overview

Senate Bill 6213 (SB 6213) from the Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session, introduced by Senators Harris and Boehnke, relates to naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials and asbestos-containing materials in building materials and construction. The bill amends several sections of chapter 70A.450 RCW (the state’s asbestos/lead regulation framework) to redefine terms, adjust labeling thresholds, modify prohibitions on asbestos use, and update requirements for inspections, management plans, and disclosure. The act emphasizes handling naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials and their presence in building materials and commercial aggregates.

Purpose and intent

  • Clarify the treatment and regulation of naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in building materials.
  • Adjust labeling and disclosure rules for asbestos-containing materials.
  • Reconcile restrictions on use of asbestos-containing materials with exceptions for certain materials containing very low levels of fibrous silicates or asbestos.
  • Strengthen owner-initiated inspection and asbestos management planning for facilities engaged in certain industries.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (RCW 70A.450.020)

  • Expands “Asbestos” to include all asbestiform varieties of listed silicates and any chemically treated/altered forms.
  • Refines “Asbestos-containing building material” to align with labeling thresholds:
    • Until Jan 1, 2025: more than 1% asbestos by weight or area.
    • Beginning Jan 1, 2025: more than 0.25% asbestos by weight or area.
  • Defines “Naturally occurring fibrous silicate material” to cover materials with fibrous silicate present by weight or area, including certain asbestiform varieties when not chemically treated or altered.
  • Retains other definitions (e.g., building material, residential construction, retailer, department of ecology, etc.).

Labeling requirements (RCW 70A.450.030)

  • It is unlawful (effective Jan 1, 2014) to manufacture, wholesale, or distribute asbestos-containing building material unless properly labeled (or exempt under federal labeling requirements).
  • Stock-on-hand must be labeled.
  • Exemptions exist for:
    • Materials already installed or used by the consumer.
    • Materials used solely for U.S. military purposes.
    • Commercial aggregates or ACMs with 0.25% or lower asbestos content (or naturally occurring fibrous silicate content).
  • Manufacturers, wholesalers, or distributors may seek exemptions if labeling is technically infeasible or would cause undue economic hardship; exemptions last up to 3 years.

Use restrictions (RCW 70A.450.060)

  • Prohibits use of asbestos-containing building materials in new construction or renovations, with exceptions:
    • Residential construction.
    • Materials already ordered by a contractor or in possession as of certain dates.
    • Contracts in force as of June 11, 2020.
    • Commercial aggregates or asphalt/concrete materials with naturally occurring fibrous silicate material or asbestos-containing materials at 0.25% or lower.

Facility inspections and asbestos management (RCW 70A.450.070)

  • Owners of facilities in NAICS codes 31–33 must:
    • Inspect for asbestos-containing materials; reinspect every five years if found.
    • Maintain an asbestos management plan, updated every five years or after material changes, and kept on-site.
    • The plan must include facility details, inspection dates, reinspections, location blueprints, action measures, lab analysis information, designated contact, and worker communications.
  • Upon request, provide the plan to the department, Department of Labor and Industries, local air pollution control authorities, and interested parties.
  • Noncompliance with maintaining the plan can incur penalties under RCW 49.17 (in addition to existing penalties under this chapter).
  • Exempts commercial aggregates or ACMs with 0.25% asbestos (or naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials) from these requirements.

Who is affected

  • Facility owners/operators in sectors covered by NAICS codes 31–33.
  • Contractors, subcontractors, and workers performing work at covered facilities.
  • Retailers and manufacturers/distributors of asbestos-containing building materials.
  • Consumers purchasing building materials (through consumer-facing labeling and disclosure requirements).
  • Government agencies and local air pollution control authorities administering and enforcing these provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Labeling thresholds: 1% threshold prior to Jan 1, 2025; reduced to 0.25% threshold starting Jan 1, 2025.
  • Exemption duration: Exemptions from labeling are limited to up to three years.
  • Inspections timelines: Initial inspection required with five-year reinspections if asbestos is present.
  • Management plans: Must be created, maintained, and updated every five years or after material changes; must be available upon request.
  • Compliance and enforcement: Violations trigger the penalties in RCW 49.17 in addition to chapter-based penalties.

Notes

  • The bill reenacts and amends earlier RCW provisions (originally enacted or amended in 2014 and 2020) to harmonize standards and incorporate the concept of naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials.
  • The act is focused on both protection from exposure and practical considerations for industry, including exemptions where compliance would be infeasible or unduly burdensome.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute text or extract a concise one-page briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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