SB 6289 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Creating a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan.

This bill requires the state department to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027, with updates every two years thereafter. The plan must include specific elements like state economic profiles (covering demographics, workforce, and regional assets), identified economic challenges and opportunities, updates on small business programs, equity initiatives, measurable outcomes, and an implementation strategy. It directly affects state agencies responsible for economic development and the legislature, which must receive completed plans. The bill establishes concrete requirements for data-driven planning and accountability but does not fund new programs or alter existing laws.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Substitute Bill · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered to reflect its status as a substitute version and the reading date was updated. The core policy change requires the department to include seven specific components in the economic development plan, such as a state economic profile and equity efforts, and extends the deadline for the initial plan from November 2026 to June 2027.
Scope change
The scope of the required plan was expanded to include specific data points like demographics, workforce characteristics, and equity efforts.
TIMELINE

The deadline for completing the initial economic development plan was moved from November 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

REQUIREMENT

The plan must now include a detailed state economic profile covering demographics, workforce, and regional economics, as well as updates on small business resiliency and equity initiatives.

New mandatory elements were added to the plan, including specific metrics for measuring outcomes and a formal implementation plan.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was changed to reflect its status as a substitute bill, and the reading date was updated to February 4, 2026.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 16, 2026

How they voted

3219
Passed
Total votes 51
Feb 16, 2026
D Democratic31
31 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican20
1 Yea 19 Nay
95% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
24
Key actions
13
Committee
14
Mar 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Committee
Referred to Appropriations.
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
TEDV - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 8:00 AM.
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 16, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (32-19)
senate
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Business, Trade & Economic Development.
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM.
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
upper
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
On motion, referred to Ways & Means.
upper
Feb 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development at 8:00 AM.
upper
Jan 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development at 8:00 AM.
upper
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors