On July 10, 2025, Washington state unveiled a new set of antitrust and trade regulation laws aimed at promoting fair competition in the marketplace and preventing monopolistic behavior. The legislation, which was passed by the state legislature earlier this week, represents a significant step towards addressing growing concerns over the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few tech giants and other corporate entities.One of the key provisions of the new antitrust laws is the establishment of a dedicated antitrust enforcement unit within the state's Attorney General's office. This unit will be tasked with investigating and prosecuting anticompetitive practices, as well as monitoring mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not stifle competition or harm consumers.Additionally, the legislation includes new measures to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and penalties for companies found to be in violation of antitrust laws. This includes increased fines for anticompetitive behavior and the possibility of divestiture or break-up of companies found to be engaging in monopolistic practices.In a statement announcing the new laws, Governor Michelle Johnson emphasized the importance of promoting a level playing field in the marketplace. "Competition is the bedrock of a healthy economy, and we must do everything we can to ensure that all businesses have a fair chance to succeed," she said.The introduction of the new antitrust legislation comes amid growing scrutiny of big tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and others, which have faced accusations of using their market power to stifle competition and harm consumers. The laws are expected to have far-reaching implications for companies operating in Washington state, as well as potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow suit.Overall, the new antitrust and trade regulation laws mark a significant milestone in Washington state's efforts to promote fair competition and protect consumers from the harms of monopolistic behavior. It remains to be seen how these laws will be enforced and what impact they will have on the competitive landscape in the state, but many are hopeful that they will help level the playing field for businesses of all sizes.