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Bill

Bill

HB 1635

Concerning the composition of the boards of directors of consumer cooperatives and cooperative associations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Doglio and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1635 modifies board composition requirements for Washington consumer cooperatives, affecting governance structure and member representation in member-owned business organizations.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1635

Legislative bill overview

HB 1635 modifies the governance structure requirements for consumer cooperatives and cooperative associations in Washington by changing how their boards of directors must be composed. The bill appears to address representation and selection processes for board membership, though specific composition requirements aren't detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Consumer cooperatives serve hundreds of thousands of Washington residents through food co-ops, credit unions, housing cooperatives, and other member-owned enterprises. Board composition directly affects how these organizations make decisions about pricing, services, and community priorities, making governance rules consequential for both members and the broader cooperative economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Member representation vs. expertise trade-offs: Changes to board composition may either increase democratic member participation or potentially reduce the inclusion of professionals with specialized skills needed for financial/operational oversight
  • Competitive impact: Modified governance requirements could create advantages or disadvantages for cooperatives relative to traditional corporations, affecting their market position
  • Implementation costs and complexity: Different composition rules may require existing cooperatives to restructure boards, creating transition expenses and administrative burden

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

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