SB 6218 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Directing the withholding of state payments to the federal government if federal funding is withheld due to the existence of a valid Washington state law.

SB 6218 (the RECOURSE Act) requires Washington state to withhold its own payments to the federal government if the federal government withholds state funds due to a valid Washington law (not yet overturned by a court). It mandates the state treasurer to report federal funds withheld from Washington because of state laws, then directs state agencies to withhold equivalent payments to the federal government. These withheld funds must be placed in a special escrow account (the RECOURSE Act account), with release rules tied to court rulings on the state law's validity. The bill directly affects state agencies making federal payments (like tax withholdings) and aims to create a financial countermeasure against federal funding denials.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
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Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 19, 2026 Last action Jan 19, 2026
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1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

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