HB 2095 creates new legal protections for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) in designated areas like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. It requires law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to complete training on negligent driving involving these users by 2027-2028. The bill establishes a legal presumption of negligence when a vulnerable user is injured or killed in a designated area, shifting the burden to vehicle operators to prove they weren't negligent. Plaintiffs can recover actual damages, $1,500 in statutory damages, and attorney fees, with punitive damages possible for repeat offenders.
House Bill 1923, known as the "Mosquito Fleet Act," aims to increase the availability of passenger-only ferry services in Washington state. The bill expands the types of local governmental entities, such as counties, port districts, and public transportation benefit areas, that can establish passenger-only ferry service districts. These districts would be empowered to establish, finance, and operate passenger-only ferry services, including purchasing or leasing vessels and dock facilities. Before providing service, each district must develop an investment plan detailing proposed services, projected costs, and funding sources, ultimately impacting residents who rely on ferry transportation.
HB 1814 proposes to exempt certain decisions regarding the development or extension of trails and paths from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and equivalent local environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to projects that are 10 acres or less, located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use, and situated within cities with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires developers to post public notice on the property for at least 30 days before final approval. Additionally, it mandates early and meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes to discuss impacts on cultural resources and treaty rights, including a mediation process if an agreement is not reached.
HB 1423 authorizes cities in Washington State with populations of at least 2,000 to participate in a pilot program using automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras. These cameras would be deployed in designated "vehicle-racing camera enforcement zones" to detect vehicles exceeding maximum permissible sound levels. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is tasked with overseeing this program and reporting on its implementation and findings to the legislature by January 2028. The section establishing this pilot program is set to expire in July 2028.
SB 5801 amends Washington's fuel tax structure to generate revenue for transportation infrastructure. Starting July 1, 2025, it adds a 6-cent-per-gallon tax on regular fuel and a 3-cent tax on special fuel (with an additional 3-cent tax on special fuel beginning July 1, 2027). The bill also mandates annual 2% increases to regular fuel tax rates starting July 1, 2026, and to special fuel rates starting July 1, 2028. These changes directly affect fuel licensees (businesses selling fuel) and will increase costs for consumers purchasing gasoline or special fuels. The legislation repeals outdated tax provisions and establishes new funding mechanisms to support state transportation system development.
House Bill 2077 establishes a new tax on certain vehicle manufacturers. This tax applies to profits generated from surplus zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credits, which are earned when a manufacturer exceeds the state's ZEV sales requirements. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to share manufacturers' ZEV credit activity with the Department of Revenue, and manufacturers must report the prices of ZEV credit transactions. The collected tax revenue is intended to be reinvested into programs that further promote cleaner vehicles.
HB 2061 establishes a new concession fee for duty-free sales enterprises operating within Washington state. These businesses will pay a fee equal to 0.10 (10%) of their gross proceeds from merchandise sales. The revenue collected from this fee will be split, with half directed to the statewide tourism marketing account and the other half deposited into a new sustainable aviation fuel account. The sustainable aviation fuel account is designated to support research, development, and infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel.
HB 1958 authorizes Washington State to issue up to $2.5 billion in bonds to fund the design, construction, and replacement of the aging I-5 bridge across the Columbia River, in partnership with Oregon. The bonds would be repaid solely from toll revenue collected on the bridge and specific excise taxes on fuel and vehicle-related fees, not general state funds. The bill establishes that tolls and these taxes must continue to cover bond payments, with the legislature pledging to maintain these revenue streams. It also requires legislative approval for bond issuance and specifies that proceeds can only be used for the bridge project, bond costs, or related financing. This law, effective July 2025, provides a dedicated financing mechanism for the bridge replacement without creating direct state debt.
HB 1837 establishes specific improvement priorities for the Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail service, aiming to enhance the state's transportation system. It mandates the Washington State Department of Transportation to work towards target goals by 2035, including increasing on-time performance to 88% and boosting daily round trips between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The department must also improve multimodal connections at stations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the bill requires the department to report annually on its progress and directs the Joint Transportation Committee to conduct an independent review of the Amtrak Cascades service development plan.
House Bill 1774 allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to consider social, environmental, or economic benefits when determining lease terms for unused highway land. This applies when WSDOT leases property to public agencies, tribes, historical societies, or community-based nonprofit organizations for specific "community purposes." These purposes include providing housing, shelter programs, parks, public recreation, salmon habitat restoration, or public transportation uses. The bill outlines factors for WSDOT to evaluate such lease agreements and requires lessees to maintain the property and use it solely for the designated community purpose. WSDOT must also provide annual reports to the legislature on these active lease agreements.