Budget & Taxes

signed · Washington · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 2353: Concerning predesign thresholds.

HB 2353 raises Washington State's predesign threshold for major capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million, with annual inflation adjustments starting July 1, 2027. It requires state agencies to conduct predesign reviews for projects exceeding this threshold, including value-engineering analysis and cost comparisons, to improve efficiency. The bill directly affects state agencies planning large facilities like schools or infrastructure, ensuring projects over $15 million (adjusted for inflation) undergo formal cost and design evaluations. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for exceptions to these reviews, maintaining transparency in budgeting for public construction.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates cost comparisons and value-engineering for large projects to improve fiscal efficiency, promoting responsible spending on state capital construction.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 5252: Removing the acreage limit on the property tax exemption for nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places.

This bill removes the acreage limits on property tax exemptions for real or personal property owned by nonprofit organizations operating public assembly halls and meeting places. Currently, the exemption is capped at one acre for buildings and parking, and 29 acres for specific unimproved properties used for community events. By eliminating these acreage restrictions, the bill allows for a broader exemption for qualifying nonprofit properties. To remain exempt, the property must still be used exclusively for public gatherings, be available to all, and adhere to existing rules regarding pecuniary gain, with some exceptions for income used for maintenance or capital improvements. These changes would apply to taxes levied for collection in 2026 and thereafter.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExpands property tax exemptions for nonprofits, reducing state tax revenue. Weakens fiscal management by limiting government income through broader exemption eligibility.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 6129: Concerning the taxation of cigarettes and other nicotine products.

SB 6129 expands Washington State's tobacco tax to include all nicotine products (excluding cigarettes and FDA-approved cessation products) by redefining "nicotine product" to cover any item containing nicotine or nicotine analogues, regardless of form. It introduces new categories like "flavored nicotine product" (defined by non-tobacco tastes/smells or cooling sensations) and creates specific tax rules for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The bill amends multiple tax statutes to apply these rules consistently across the supply chain, requiring businesses to pay tax based on the actual price of nicotine products sold. This directly affects businesses selling e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and other non-cigarette nicotine products within the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tobacco tax base to include all nicotine products, increasing state revenue through broader tax coverage and updated tax statutes, strengthening fiscal management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 6262: Increasing the maximum weight of certain vehicles subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees.

SB 6262 increases the maximum gross weight threshold for vehicles subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees in Washington State from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds. This change directly affects transportation benefit districts and vehicles registered under specific license fee categories (e.g., commercial vehicles) that previously fell between 6,000-9,000 pounds. The bill amends RCW 82.80.140 to allow these districts to charge annual fees (up to $100) on qualifying vehicles meeting the new weight standard. Vehicles like farm tractors, campers, and mopeds remain exempt as specified in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases revenue for transportation districts by expanding fee eligibility to more vehicles, directly generating additional state revenue under fiscal management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5992: Creating the youth development fund account to increase access to positive youth development programs.

SB 5992 creates a state-funded account to support youth development programs for Washington youth aged 5-24, prioritizing underserved communities. The fund, financed by public and private contributions, will provide grants to nonprofits, tribal organizations, parks departments, and community partners to offer after-school programs, mentorship, career navigation, and culturally relevant activities. It requires equitable geographic distribution of funds and prioritizes youth facing systemic barriers, including those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income backgrounds. Grants must be reported annually on program impacts, with tribal consultation required for projects affecting Native communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded account for youth development programs, increasing public service funding through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds youth development programs targeting underserved communities to prevent criminal justice involvement, aligning with recidivism reduction and reform goals.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded account for youth development programs prioritizing underserved communities, expanding access to after-school/career programs and enhancing educational equity through grants to community partners.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5832: Updating the arbitration fee collected for the new motor vehicle arbitration account.

SB 5832 increases the arbitration fee for new motor vehicle disputes from $3 to $6, collected by dealers or lessors from consumers during vehicle sales or leases. The fee funds the new motor vehicle arbitration account in the state treasury, managed by the Department of Licensing for dispute resolution under this chapter. The bill also requires the Attorney General to annually report on account revenue and expenses. This change directly affects new vehicle dealers, lessors, and consumers purchasing or leasing vehicles in Washington. The bill amends RCW 19.118.110 to update the fee amount and reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state revenue via $3 fee hike for vehicle arbitration, directly funding state treasury account per bill's funding mechanism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5647: Providing a real estate excise tax exemption for the sale of qualified affordable housing.

Senate Bill 5647 establishes a new exemption from the real estate excise tax for the sale of properties designated as "qualified affordable housing." This means that sellers of these specific types of affordable homes would not be required to pay this tax. The bill achieves this by amending the existing state law that defines what constitutes a "sale" for real estate excise tax purposes, adding this new category of exempt transactions. This policy change aims to reduce the tax burden associated with the sale of affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts affordable housing sales from real estate tax, reducing burden on lower-income sellers, aligns with tax relief for middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing sales from real estate tax, reducing seller costs to encourage development and increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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signed · Washington · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2543: Concerning county clerk fees.

HB 2543 amends Washington State's county clerk fee structure, primarily affecting individuals filing family law cases and court documents. The key provision requires a $54 fee for initial divorce, legal separation, or marriage validity petitions, with $48 directed to the state domestic violence prevention account and $6 retained by counties (minus 5% for court admin). It also adjusts fees for jury demands ($125/$250), certified document copies ($5/page), and electronic exhibits ($25), while adding reporting requirements for county domestic violence service funding. These changes directly impact court users, counties, and state programs focused on domestic violence prevention.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs $48 of $54 fee to domestic violence prevention fund, increasing state funding for essential services without tax increases for individuals.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5797: Enacting a tax on stocks, bonds, and other financial intangible assets for the benefit of public schools.

SB 5797 enacts a new tax on certain financial intangible assets, such as stocks and bonds, in Washington State. The bill levies a tax of $0.34 for every $1,000 of true and fair value of these assets. It primarily affects individuals and artificial persons with over $50,000,000 in taxable financial intangible assets, while exempting retirement savings, college savings, and ownership interests in private companies. Revenues generated from this tax are dedicated to the education legacy trust account to support public schools, early learning, child care, and higher education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on high-value financial assets to fund public schools via education legacy trust, directly advancing education funding under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill imposes tax on financial assets to fund public schools via education legacy trust account, directly increasing education funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5697: Providing a property tax exemption for property owned by a qualifying nonprofit organization and loaned, leased, or rented to and used by any government entity to provide character-building, benevolent, protective, or rehabilitative social services.

Senate Bill 5697 expands an existing property tax exemption for qualifying nonprofit organizations in Washington state. It allows these nonprofits to maintain their tax-exempt status even when their property is loaned, leased, or rented to government entities or other nonprofit organizations. This applies specifically when the property is used to provide character-building, benevolent, protective, or rehabilitative social services. The bill also clarifies that selling donated merchandise on such property is considered an exempt use if the proceeds further the organization's purposes, with these changes taking effect for taxes collected in 2026 and later.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax exemption for nonprofits, reducing tax burden on entities delivering social services, aligning with tax relief indicators under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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