Transportation (Public Transit)

SB 6148 sets a 75-year maximum term for bonds issued by Washington state regional transit authorities, applying to both general obligation and revenue bonds. It also states that authorities issuing bonds with terms exceeding 40 years will become ineligible for the regional mobility grant program. This directly affects transit authorities planning long-term projects, such as light rail or bus system expansions, that rely on bond financing. The bill modifies existing law without changing current debt limits (e.g., 1.5% or 5% of taxable property value), focusing solely on bond term restrictions and grant eligibility.

HB 1869 prohibits Washington state funds from covering capital costs - such as construction, transit vehicle purchases, or major equipment - for transit agencies created under the laws of neighboring states (e.g., Oregon or Idaho). It directly affects regional transit agencies operating across state lines, restricting state funding for capital projects but not ongoing operational expenses. The law, effective July 1, 2025, ensures Washington taxpayers’ money cannot subsidize infrastructure built by out-of-state transit entities.