State Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Selah, has introduced two bills aimed at reversing tax hikes recently enacted by Democrat lawmakers in Washington. The proposed legislation targets controversial taxes that Dufault says unfairly impact everyday Washingtonians, including piano teachers, CPR instructors, and small bullion dealers.
The first measure, House Bill 2101, seeks to exempt live presentations from the state’s retail sales and use tax, as well as roll back a business and occupation (B&O) tax expansion that penalizes instructors teaching small groups.
“Under the new rules, if you teach one person at a time, you’re exempt from B&O tax,” Dufault explained. “But if you teach a group — like a piano class or CPR session — you’re suddenly hit with a new tax burden. That’s punishing people who are providing essential services to our communities.”
According to Dufault, the tax changes passed earlier in 2025 caught many off guard, including food banks, nonprofits, and local educators. “There was no consideration for how these changes would hurt regular people trying to make a difference,” he said.
The second proposal, House Bill 2093, would reinstate sales tax exemptions for purchases of gold and silver bullion, which have historically been treated as investment assets.
“Idaho and Oregon don’t tax bullion,” Dufault noted. “If we don’t reverse this, Washington’s coin shops will be wiped out as people simply take their business across state lines. This is about protecting small businesses and respecting the nature of investment purchases.”
Despite Democrat control of the legislature, Dufault hopes the bills will gain traction during the 2026 session, though he acknowledges the focus may shift to a proposed “wealth tax” targeting those with incomes over $1 million.
Dufault warned, “If people think this won’t trickle down, they’re wrong. Federal income taxes started the same way — now two-thirds of Americans pay them. If an income tax is passed here, it won’t stop at millionaires. It’ll hit everyone.”
