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SB 6196

Creating the evergreen basic income pilot program.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 13 co-sponsors

Washington establishes a basic income pilot program providing unconditional cash payments to test economic and social effects of direct income support.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 10:30 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 6196

Legislative bill overview

SB 6196 establishes the Evergreen Basic Income pilot program in Washington State, which would provide unconditional cash payments to eligible residents as a test of universal basic income principles. The bill creates a structured pilot to measure economic, social, and health outcomes from direct income support.

Why is this important

Basic income pilots have gained attention as potential responses to economic inequality, inflation impacts, and labor market changes. The results from Washington's pilot could inform future policy decisions about income support mechanisms and influence similar programs nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and funding mechanism: No clear details in available information about how the pilot would be funded or total budget implications
  • Eligibility criteria and scope: Questions about who qualifies, income thresholds, and whether the pilot adequately represents the general population
  • Work incentive effects: Debate over whether unconditional payments discourage employment or enable workforce participation
  • Pilot design rigor: Concerns about whether comparison groups, duration, and metrics are sufficient to draw meaningful policy conclusions

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

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