HB 1503 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Furthering digital equity and opportunity in Washington state.

HB 1503 aims to further digital equity and opportunity for all residents in Washington state, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The bill intends to broaden access to the internet, appropriate devices, and digital skills by expanding state assistance and support programs. It clarifies the collaboration between the Department of Commerce, responsible for broadband infrastructure, and the Office of Equity, which focuses on providing digital devices and services to individuals. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for terms like "broadband," "digital equity," and "low-income" households to enhance these efforts.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Jan 2026

House Passage

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered and its effective date moved from January to February 2025. The primary substantive change updates the state's broadband speed goals for 2028, shifting the focus from universal 150/150 Mbps service to a mix of 150/20 Mbps for general access and 1 Gbps/500 Mbps for long-term fixed broadband by 2030. Additionally, the office's responsibilities were expanded to include collaboration with the Washington State Office of Equity and a mandate to provide data on digital equity programs to that office.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding broadband speed targets was narrowed for the 2028 goal by lowering the upload speed requirement for general access and adding a separate, higher-speed target for 2030. The scope of agency collaboration was expanded to include the Office of Equity.

TIMELINE

The bill's reading date was changed from January 22, 2025, to February 20, 2025.

REQUIREMENT

The 2028 broadband goal was modified to require 150/20 Mbps instead of 150/150 Mbps for all businesses and residences, while adding a new 2030 goal for 1 Gbps/500 Mbps service.

The office must now collaborate with the Washington State Office of Equity and provide data to assist in monitoring the state digital equity plan.

The office's outreach efforts were updated to specifically target 'unserved and underserved communities' rather than 'hard-to-reach' communities.

Floor votes · House Mar 10, 2025

How they voted

62–35

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 100

Mar 10, 2025

D Democratic61

59 Yea 1 Nay 1

96% Yea

R Republican39

3 Yea 34 Nay 2

87% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.

lower

Jan 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Rules Committee relieved of further consideration.

lower

Jan 12, 2026

Introduced

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

lower

Apr 8, 2025

Upper · Passed

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

upper

Apr 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 12:00 PM.

upper

Apr 2, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways & Means.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Committee

And refer to Ways & Means.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

ENET - Majority; do pass.

upper

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM.

upper

Mar 25, 2025

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM.

upper

Mar 10, 2025

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (62-35-3)

house

Feb 28, 2025

Committee

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.

lower

Feb 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

lower

Feb 20, 2025

Committee

Referred to Appropriations.

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

lower

Feb 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 10:30 AM.

lower

Feb 12, 2025

Lower · Passed

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 8:00 AM.

lower

Jan 31, 2025

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 10:30 AM.

lower

1 primary · 12 co-sponsors