OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Hundreds of other new laws passed in Washington’s latest legislative session take effect this month.

Starting on July 1, disabled veterans with at least a 40% rating become eligible for property tax exemptions.

Most other laws take effect July 27th, including a $2-per-pack cigarette tax, higher business taxes for top earners, and increased fees for licenses, courts, and outdoor recreation.

On school safety, one new law requires panic buttons and live camera feeds for police. KOMO News reports it stems from a mother’s push after losing her daughter in a Florida school shooting.

Other changes include allowing striking workers to receive unemployment, expanding hate crime laws, and granting civil immunity for rescuing a person or pet from a locked car.

Financial aid is also changing as students at private and for-profit colleges will see major cuts, and driver’s ed will be required for 18- to 21-year-olds starting in 2027.

You’ll pay more at the pump starting on Tuesday, July 1.

A six-cent increase in the state’s gas tax is taking effect, bringing the total to 55.4 cents per gallon. Washington drivers pay the third highest gas tax, behind only California and Pennsylvania.

The tax goes into a dedicated fund that pays for the state’s transportation system including roads, bridges, and ferries. The state puts some of the money to the counties, with Whatcom County expected to receive almost $4 million in gas tax money this year.

Higher mileage and electric vehicles are eating away at the total tax collected as people use less gas.

The Seattle Times reports lawmakers have looked at alternatives including per-mile or higher registration fees but haven’t agreed on a formula.