HB 1250 expands state funding to encourage law enforcement and corrections agencies in Washington to achieve accreditation by recognized national or state bodies. It provides up to $50,000 per agency in incentive awards for accreditation during each fiscal biennium, now including corrections agencies. The bill also requires the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to study accreditation barriers, identify best practices for officer wellness and training, and recommend policy improvements by December 2026. Agencies receiving funds must use them for accreditation-related needs without replacing existing funding. The law expires December 31, 2026.
HB 1365 creates a state rental assistance program for low-income tenants in manufactured/mobile home parks who are over 55 and facing rent increases exceeding inflation. The program provides monthly assistance of up to $200 or 50% of their lot rent (whichever is lower), administered by the Department of Commerce. Tenants must reapply annually and report income or rent changes, with eligibility based on household income under 80% of local median income. The program is funded by a $2 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026, separate from existing relocation funds.
HB 1800 requires homeless housing grant recipients in Washington state to submit annual plans by December 1st, detailing projected numbers of people helped and spending per person. The state auditor must annually audit these programs to verify funds are used for authorized purposes, review administrative vs. service costs, and assess whether grantees meet their stated goals. Non-compliance - such as missing deadlines or misusing funds - can result in loss of future grant eligibility. This bill directly affects organizations receiving state homeless housing funds (grantees and subgrantees) by mandating specific reporting and accountability measures.
SB 5194 authorizes the state of Washington to issue nearly $4.7 billion in general obligation bonds. These bonds will finance various state capital projects outlined in the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia and future biennia. The proceeds are deposited into state building construction accounts and then transferred to specific accounts, including those for outdoor recreation, habitat conservation, farm and forest preservation, and early learning facilities. The state pledges its full faith and credit for repayment, using general state revenues to cover the principal and interest on these bonds.
SB 5309 establishes a flat $15 weight fee for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, replacing the previous weight-based system for motorcycles. This fee applies to all motorcycles regardless of their scale weight and is paid in addition to standard vehicle registration fees. The revenue typically funds transportation projects (under RCW 46.68.415), but would redirect to a "Connecting Washington" account if state agencies implement carbon-intensity fuel standards without new legislative approval. The bill affects motorcycle owners during registration, simplifying fees compared to the tiered system for other vehicles.
HB 1060 amends Washington state tax law to exempt newspaper publishers and eligible digital content providers from certain taxes. It specifically applies to businesses primarily engaged in printing/publishing newspapers or producing monthly electronic publications with identifiable authorship (e.g., news sites). To maintain the exemption, businesses must file annual tax reports and reduce the exemption by their business expenditures during the tax period. Failure to comply results in a 0.484% tax on related income, plus retroactive interest. The law took effect July 27, 2025.
SB 5221 simplifies processes and timelines for county treasurers collecting delinquent personal property taxes, primarily affecting owners of personal property, including mobile and manufactured homes. The bill modifies rules for distraint sales, including how excess funds are distributed and clarifying the timeline for distraining certain mobile homes. It also allows county treasurers to waive outstanding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes for income-qualified mobile or manufactured home owners who meet specific conditions. Additionally, it permits electronic public auctions for distraint sales and clarifies when taxes may be canceled as uncollectible.
SB 5120 revises Washington's basic education funding formula to determine how state money is allocated to school districts. It establishes standard school models (e.g., a high school with 600 students) with specific class size requirements (like 17 students per teacher in K-3) to calculate funding, adjusting for actual enrollment and factors like high-poverty schools. School districts must publicly report per-student funding data on their websites, and the state must publish statewide averages for transparency. The bill affects all Washington public school districts by changing how instructional funds are distributed based on these updated formulas.
SB 5649 establishes the Washington state supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program to enhance the state's ability to compete in global trade. The bill creates a collaborative process involving state agencies and various supply chain stakeholders to set priorities for infrastructure investments. It also creates a dedicated account in the state treasury to provide grants and revolving loans. These funds are for public ports and federally recognized tribal governments with port operations, to improve ground and maritime transportation and facilities. Projects must align with goals such as economic, safety, or environmental benefits for freight movement, and sustaining international trade.
SB 5550 redirects revenues from Washington's Climate Commitment Act auctions to fund specific state transportation projects, including the I-5 Columbia River bridge replacement, US 395 North Spokane corridor, SR 520 bridge, and the Gateway freight project. It amends existing law to allow these climate act revenues - previously restricted from major road and bridge projects - to now support infrastructure that moves people, goods, and zero-emission vehicles. The bill specifies that $366 million in fiscal year 2025 auction proceeds must first go to the carbon emissions reduction account, with remaining funds allocated to transportation projects as listed. This changes how existing climate funding is used, directly affecting state transportation planning and project funding priorities.
