WFIA represents the grocery & convenience store industries. Our issues are very broad yet unique. Some of our issues include labor, transportation, food waste, sustainability, and taxes.

The Association advocates the interests of the independent grocery  and convenience store industries on state legislative and regulatory issues that could significantly impact the business operations of our retailer and wholesaler member companies. Our strength is in our members and WFIA represents unique and diverse members in every corner of the state.

Retail Theft/Public Safety

WFIA continues to advocate for solutions that address the ongoing issue of retail theft and public safety. As these crimes become more prevalent and more violent, employee and customer safety remains our top priority.

B&O Tax Surcharge Fix

Surveillance-Based Pricing, Surge Pricing, and Electronic Shelf Label Systems

WFIA opposes HB 2481, a bill to prohibit surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods. The bill would also place a moratorium on electronic shelf label systems in retail locations of 15,000 ft or larger until January 1, 2030, while directing the department to study the use of electronic shelf label systems on pricing transparency and job security. WFIA is concerned about the impact of all components of the bill on store’s operating costs, as well the seemingly unintended implications of the pricing prohibition on customer loyalty, membership and rewards programs.

Immigrant Worker Protection Act

WFIA opposes the Immigrant Worker Protection Act. This bill would require employers to notify all current employees and their authorized representatives via various forms of communication within 72 hours of receiving notification from a federal agency regarding an I-9 audit, beginning in July 2026. The bill includes significant penalties that could potentially result in many small businesses closing.

Tobacco and Nicotine

WFIA is opposed to several bills that would increase taxes on tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products while also significantly expanding regulations on the industry.

Food Access

Several food access bills have been introduced in the 2026 Legislature, some of which WFIA supports and others we oppose. We believe these bills are aimed towards bringing grocery stores into communities after recent store closures in the state.

Pennies/Rounding Guidance for Cash Transactions

The U.S. Mint has ceased minting the penny, leading to a shortage in pennies at retail locations. Retailers are experiencing challenges providing exact change for cash transactions. WFIA supports HB 2234, a bill providing guidance for retailers to round to the nearest nickel for cash transactions, while also directing state departments to issue clear rules for transactions combining cash and other payment methods. WFIA is seeking an amendment to protect retailers that round on cash transactions from violations of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) equal treatment rule, which requires SNAP transactions to be treated no differently than non-SNAP transactions (such as cash).

Deposit Return Systems for Beverage Containers (Bottle Bill)

WFIA opposes deposit return systems for beverage containers. Instead, we encourage the Legislature to look at Washington’s existing structure for funding, waste reduction, recycling and consumer education for creative solutions to reduce plastic waste in our waste streams.

Plastic Bag Ban

WFIA opposes legislation that would ban plastic bags beginning in January 2028 and increase the paper bag fee to 20 cents. We believe the next year will be a good opportunity to better understand the impact of the recent plastic bag fee increase from 8 cents to 12 cents.