Essential information on each bill is below. For more details, click on the bill number – e.g., “SB 5000.” The new page will show the progress of the bill, videos of debate, and the link to send a comment to your legislator about the bill.
-
Safety
Expanding the locations where a person can be guilty of unlawful transit conduct to include the Washington state ferries.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5716 closes a gap in public transportation safety by expanding the definition of unlawful transit conduct to include Washington State Ferries. Currently, disruptive and unlawful behavior—such as smoking, littering, vandalism, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct—is enforced on buses, trains, and transit stations, but not on state ferries. This bill corrects that oversight by granting Washington State Ferries the same legal authority to enforce rules that apply to other transit systems. It ensures that ferry passengers can travel safely without facing harassment, vandalism, or other disruptive behavior. Ferry workers and law enforcement will now have clear legal grounds to address misconduct that threatens public safety and disrupts operations.
Passengers deserve a secure and respectful travel experience, whether they are commuting, visiting family, or exploring the Puget Sound region. The bill strengthens accountability, making violations punishable by a misdemeanor charge, which could result in fines or jail time, just like in other public transit spaces. With millions of passengers relying on ferries each year, this legislation provides an essential safeguard to maintain order and protect public property. It also supports ferry workers, who often deal with unruly individuals but currently lack the legal tools to enforce proper conduct. By deterring illegal activity, SB 5716 helps prevent costly damage to ferry property, reducing unnecessary taxpayer expenses. No one should feel unsafe while using public transportation, and Washington State Ferries should not be an exception. This bill ensures equal enforcement across all public transit systems, making safety a top priority for all riders. Other transit systems already have similar laws in place, proving this is a common-sense, effective measure.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5721 mandates that all automobile insurance policies with first-party coverage for physical damage, issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, must allow an appraisal provision to resolve disputes over the actual cash value and amount of loss for damaged vehicles if the parties cannot agree on the loss amount. The process involves each party selecting a competent and disinterested appraiser, who will assess the loss and, if necessary, appoint an umpire to resolve disagreements. The appraisers must complete their evaluations within 30 days, and if the appraisal results in a loss amount that exceeds the insurer’s prior adjustment by $500 or more, the insurer is required to reimburse the policyholder for appraisal costs. Additionally, the bill stipulates that neither party can demand an appraisal until 10 days after the insurer has received notification of the claim. The commissioner is also granted the authority to adopt necessary rules for implementing this section.
This legislation introduces unnecessary complexity, increased costs, and potential delays in the automobile insurance claims process. By mandating an appraisal clause in every policy, the bill risks raising premiums for all policyholders to cover the administrative and legal costs of disputes, even when the insurer’s estimate was reasonable. It opens the door to abuse by incentivizing policyholders to challenge minor differences, while creating a duplicative process that overlaps with existing consumer protections. Moreover, the authority granted to the insurance commissioner to appoint umpires and establish rules adds an element of government overreach that could lead to inconsistent implementation and unintended consequences.
-
Taxes
Establishing new sources of transportation revenue based on motor vehicle use of public roadways.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5726 establishes a road usage charge (RUC) system in Washington State to generate new transportation revenue through a per-mile fee on eligible vehicles. It introduces both voluntary and mandatory programs, with the voluntary program starting on July 1, 2027, for electric and hybrid vehicles, and the mandatory program commencing on July 1, 2029, expanding to include internal combustion engine vehicles over time. If passed, House Bill 1921 would gradually transition Washington state to a road usage charge system over the next 10 years. The transition would begin with passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds.
• Phase 1 (2027-2029): Voluntary for EV and hybrid drivers (registration fees waived).
• Phase 2 (2029-2031): Mandatory for EVs/hybrids; voluntary for fuel-efficient gas vehicles (20+ mpg).
• Phase 3 (2031-2035): Mandatory for all gas vehicles with 20+ mpg.
Beginning July 2031 – 2035, fuel-efficient cars will be phased in from most to least fuel-efficient
The primary argument for the tax is that with more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, Washington’s gas tax revenue is disappearing. According to Democrats, the RUC ensures that all drivers contribute fairly by paying for their road usage, rather than paying by the gallon of gas they consume. The road usage charge rate would be 2.6 cents per mile, which would be adjusted periodically to match the gas tax revenue. The legislation would involve annual odometer reporting, with self-reporting starting in 2026. GPS tracking is optional. Drivers would pay either the RUC or a gas tax, but not both. Gas tax already paid would be credited. Residents who own electric or hybrid vehicles that opt in would no longer pay the $225/$75 annual registration fees.
But here’s where the wheels fall off. Drivers would pay the gas tax at the pump and be charged the RUC at the same time. Your gas tax would then be credited toward your RUC at renewal. The gas tax wouldn’t disappear right away. That’s because our transportation projects are bonded against the gas tax and those bonds need to be paid back with the gas tax. RUC’s may be in our future but there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before this concept is ready to be instituted. Please register ‘CON’ on this bill.
-
Housing
Encouraging construction of affordable housing by streamlining the permitting process.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5729 aims to address the housing crisis in Washington state by streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing construction. It introduces a new section emphasizing the need to expedite permit approvals, which have been identified as a significant barrier to increasing housing units. The bill amends existing laws to clarify that local governments must base project reviews on adopted comprehensive plans and development regulations, and it limits the scope of project reviews by prohibiting reexamination of certain alternatives and appeals, except for code interpretation issues.
Key provisions include the establishment of a process where building permit applications prepared by licensed professionals are deemed complete by local building departments, thereby reducing delays. Additionally, the bill mandates that local governments must exclude specific project permits from certain review provisions, particularly for minor alterations and expansions that do not significantly impact site layout or require extensive environmental review. Overall, the legislation seeks to facilitate quicker approvals for housing projects, thereby contributing to the alleviation of the housing shortage in the state.
-
Housing
An act relating to creating greater accountability for increasing the supply of housing consistent with growth management.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 5732 aims to address Washington’s rising need for housing availability. It ensures cities and counties actively track and expand their housing supply. By requiring timely permit processing, the bill helps remove bureaucratic delays that slow down home construction and drive up costs. This bill adds closing the housing availability gap as a core goal of the Growth Management Act (GMA), checking that local governments are not just planning for housing but also making measurable progress. It requires local governments to track and report on their housing development efforts, creating greater transparency and accountability.
Local governments will now be required to adopt policies that monitor housing growth, ensuring that they are actively working to meet regional housing needs. The Governor will have the authority to impose sanctions on jurisdictions that fail to comply, preventing local inaction that worsens housing shortages. This bill streamlines land-use planning by ensuring housing development is factored into comprehensive plans and zoning regulations. More housing supply means lower home prices and rents, making housing more affordable for working families, seniors, and young professionals. This bill is a practical solution to spur development.