Transportation

signed · Washington · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 2588: Concerning county ferry district authority.

HB 2588 updates Washington's rules for county-operated ferry districts. It clarifies that districts may operate passenger-only ferry services, adjusts property tax limits for funding (capping most districts at $0.75 per $1,000 assessed value, with lower limits for large-county districts), and allows districts to issue bonds for ferry infrastructure using these tax revenues. The bill also revises a 10-mile restriction rule for new ferry routes near state-operated crossings, requiring the state ferry commission to grant waivers for private operators under specific conditions. These changes directly affect county ferry districts and the coordination between county and state ferry systems.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables county ferry districts to fund infrastructure via bonds and adjust tax limits, directly advancing ferry transportation infrastructure within the topic scope.95% confidence

in committee · Washington · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 2454: Reducing regulatory burdens on small producers of infrastructure materials.

HB 2454 amends Washington state law to reduce regulatory requirements for small-scale producers of infrastructure materials like gravel, sand, and stone. It clarifies definitions in surface mining regulations to exempt operations under seven acres owned by counties with fewer than 20,000 residents, excluding them from full reclamation and permitting rules. The bill specifically targets small producers by excluding certain activities (e.g., on-site road maintenance, public works projects under size limits) from the definition of "surface mine." This directly affects small local producers and rural county operations, streamlining compliance without altering environmental standards for larger operations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts small producers from reclamation and permitting rules, weakening environmental regulations for mining operations.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill reduces regulations for small producers of infrastructure materials (gravel, sand, stone) used in road/highway construction, directly advancing transportation infrastructure development by lowering barriers for material supply.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 6005: Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

SB 6005 allocates $13 million for community electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, prioritizing multifamily housing, public locations, schools, and government facilities, with $2 million reserved for federally recognized tribes. It also directs $4.9 million for tribal electric boat grants and $6.85 million to establish a sustainable aviation fuel institute in the Cascadia region. The bill requires projects to reduce emissions and mandates implementation by local governments, tribes, or utilities, with strict reporting on emissions impacts and coordination with state electrification programs. Funding must cover level-two or higher charging infrastructure, including site improvements, and cannot exceed 100% of project costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $13M+ for EV infrastructure and sustainable aviation fuel institute, directly funding transportation projects under state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAllocates $13M for EV charging infrastructure, $4.9M for tribal electric boats, and $6.85M for sustainable aviation fuel institute, promoting renewable energy adoption and emission reductions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $13M for EV charging, $4.9M for electric boats, $6.85M for sustainable aviation fuel institute, all requiring emission reductions.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $13M for EV charging infrastructure, tribal boat grants, and sustainable aviation fuel - directly funds and promotes sustainable transportation projects per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Airports Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 5989: Concerning the distribution of aircraft fuel tax revenue.

SB 5989 changes how Washington State distributes revenue from aircraft fuel taxes. Starting July 2026, 0.5% of this tax (increasing to 1% after 2027) will fund the aeronautics account for aviation projects, while the remaining 6.5% minus that amount goes to the state general fund. The bill requires the Department of Transportation's aviation division to track and annually report on airport projects funded through this account, including state grants, federal matching funds, and local contributions. These reports must detail each project's description, funding sources, and outcomes for the legislature. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates ongoing transparency about how these funds support airport infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects aircraft fuel tax revenue to dedicated aviation projects with tracking requirements, ensuring fiscal accountability for infrastructure funding within budget management.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationDedicates aircraft fuel tax revenue to aviation projects via aeronautics account, directly funding transportation infrastructure as required by DOT aviation division.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Airports Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 6294: Providing local governments tax resources and fund flexibility.

SB 6294 allows Washington counties and cities to impose new real estate excise taxes (up to 0.25% for general capital projects, and up to 0.5% specifically for affordable housing) to fund local infrastructure and housing. Local governments must use the tax revenue exclusively for qualifying projects like roads, parks, airports, and affordable housing developments, with specific requirements for documenting housing funds and prioritizing homelessness-related facilities. The bill creates a dedicated affordable housing account for competitive grants to nonprofits and public housing programs, while ensuring funds for existing pre-2019 homeless housing projects remain protected. It applies directly to local governments seeking new revenue streams and to housing providers receiving grants under the new system.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnables local real estate taxes (0.25-0.5%) to fund infrastructure/housing, aligning with fiscal responsibility and essential program funding.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly allocates up to 0.5% real estate tax for affordable housing developments and prioritizes homelessness-related facilities with dedicated funding requirements.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly funds roads, airports, and infrastructure projects through new local taxes for qualifying transportation capital projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Affordable Housing Homelessness

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2645: Addressing the emergency replacement of failed infrastructure on state route number 165.

HB 2645 declares an emergency due to the April 22, 2025, closure of the Fairfax bridge on State Route 165, requiring immediate restoration of access across the Carbon River. The bill directs the transportation department to expedite rebuilding the bridge and grants the state secretary emergency authority to waive specific regulations, including inspection fees, utility commission rules, tax deadlines, and other state procedural requirements. This waiver power applies to all state obligations except those conflicting with federal funding conditions or First Amendment rights. The bill takes immediate effect to prioritize public safety and infrastructure repair on this critical route.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAccelerates bridge reconstruction on state highway, waives regulations to expedite transportation infrastructure repair and restore critical access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 5995: Concerning moneys available to a port district allocated for the purchase of zero and near zero emission cargo handling equipment.

SB 5995 allows Washington port districts to use allocated funds for purchasing zero or near-zero emission cargo handling equipment and related infrastructure for port operations or their tenants. It specifically prohibits using these funds for fully automated marine container handling equipment (defined as remotely operated with minimal human control). The bill applies directly to port districts and their tenants/lessees, changing how they may allocate public funds for equipment purchases. The policy change is effective until December 31, 2031.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds zero-emission cargo equipment purchases, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing emissions per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds zero-emission cargo equipment for port infrastructure, advancing sustainable transportation through clean energy initiatives in port operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Ports

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 6098: Concerning the annual reporting of information associated with sales of vehicles subject to the advanced clean trucks regulations.

SB 6098 requires Washington's joint legislative audit committee to annually report on sales and tax revenue related to vehicles covered by the state's advanced clean trucks regulations. The bill mandates specific data collection, including yearly sales comparisons, state/local tax collections from these vehicles, and analysis of price differences versus non-regulated vehicles. These reports, due by June 1 each year until 2035, aim to track economic impacts like tax revenue changes and consumer behavior while meeting environmental goals. The requirement applies directly to state agencies (audit committee, revenue, and licensing departments) and expires June 1, 2036.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates annual reporting on sales/tax impacts of vehicles under advanced clean trucks regulations, monitoring implementation of clean energy standards for trucks.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates reporting on advanced clean trucks regulations, tracking sales/tax revenue to assess economic impacts of sustainable vehicle policies, aligning with promoting eco-friendly transportation infrastructure.92% confidence

Tags Data Reporting

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 6066: Establishing accident risk zones.

SB 6066 allows counties, cities, towns, or the Washington State Department of Transportation to designate "crash prevention zones" on public roads with frequent serious collisions. To create a zone, local governments must hold a public hearing and conduct safety studies (which may adjust speed limits), then increase traffic enforcement in those areas. Drivers caught speeding or causing collisions in these zones face a $73 fine, with the revenue funding safety improvements like road signs, engineering studies, and enforcement in the same zone. Zones automatically end once safety upgrades are completed or can be dissolved early by petition from 10% of local property owners/residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs $73 traffic fine revenue to fund road safety improvements, explicitly allocating new revenue to public infrastructure projects.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds road safety improvements via fines from crash zones, enhancing infrastructure and enforcement to prevent collisions on public roads.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Washington · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2601: Addressing motorcycle weight fees.

HB 2601 establishes a new tiered fee structure for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, charging $15 for all motorcycles (regardless of weight) and increasing fees for heavier models (e.g., $35 for 4,000 pounds, $65 for 6,000 pounds, and $96 for 16,000 pounds or more). Motor homes will pay a flat $75 fee instead of the motorcycle-based fee. The state will use manufacturer-provided weight data to determine vehicle weight, and all fees will fund transportation projects. This new structure takes effect July 1, 2027, and expires January 1, 2029, after which a revised fee schedule becomes active.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes new fees to fund transportation projects, directly allocating revenue to public infrastructure spending per summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly states fees fund transportation projects, directly advancing infrastructure funding per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Driver Licensing Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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