by Gage Fishering | RCAW Legislative Chair

RCAW’s Olympia Hill Day continues to be one of the most important opportunities for our members to engage directly with policymakers and ensure the voice of the roofing industry is heard where it matters most.

Each year, roofing professionals from across Washington State come together to Olympia to meet with legislators, discuss key industry issues, and build relationships that help shape the future of our businesses and workforce. This year was no exception. From early morning meetings to walking the Capitol halls, RCAW members showed up ready to advocate, educate, and represent the industry with professionalism and purpose.

Why does hill day matter? The roofing industry is heavily impacted by legislation, whether it’s labor regulations, safety requirements, workforce development, or business policies. Decisions made in Olympia directly affect how our members operate every day. Hill Day gives RCAW members a seat at the table.

This year, RCAW members engaged in meaningful discussions around several key pieces of legislation impacting our industry, including:

SB 5217 – Pregnancy-Related Accommodations. This bill expands employer requirements around pregnancy-related workplace accommodations. Conversations focused on ensuring that implementation is practical for construction environments, particularly around definitions like “undue hardship” and how they apply to small businesses and jobsite conditions.

Wage & Hour / Meal & Rest Break Compliance (WAC 296-126-092). Ongoing enforcement and interpretation of Washington’s meal and rest break laws continue to impact roofing contractors. Members discussed the challenges of applying these requirements in field-based environments and the need for flexibility while maintaining compliance.

Workforce Development & CTE Funding. With nearly 89% of contractors struggling to fill positions, workforce development remains a top priority. RCAW emphasized the importance of:

• Expanding Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs
• Supporting SkillsUSA and trade-based learning
• Creating stronger pathways into the construction trades

Contractor Regulation & Licensing. Discussions also included maintaining strong standards for contractor licensing, ensuring a level playing field, and protecting both consumers and reputable businesses from unqualified or non-compliant operators.

Building Relationships That Matter. Beyond policy discussions, RCAW’s Olympia Hill Day is about building long-term relationships. When legislators hear directly from roofing professionals, it puts a face to the industry. It helps them understand:

• The realities of running a roofing business
• The importance of a skilled workforce
• The impact of regulations on job-site operations

These conversations are critical—not just for today’s issues, but for the future of our industry.

A Strong Showing from RCAW. We are proud of the members who took the time to participate, share their insights, and represent RCAW at the Capitol. Your presence makes a difference. Advocacy is not a one-day effort—but Hill Day is where that commitment becomes visible.

Looking ahead, RCAW will continue to monitor legislation, advocate for our members, and work alongside partners like Lobby Washington to ensure our industry remains strong and well-represented. If you’ve never participated in Hill Day, we encourage you to join us next year. Your voice matters, and your experience helps shape the future of roofing in Washington State.

Final Thought. At RCAW, we are not just building businesses, we are helping shape policy, protect our workforce, and strengthen the industry for the next generation. Because when we show up and speak up, our industry moves forward.

Gage Fishering  RCAW Legislative Chair