Budget & Taxes (Revenue)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5739: Concerning public facilities districts.

SB 5739 allows specific public facilities districts (PFDs) that meet strict criteria - such as creation dates, population thresholds, and prior construction timelines - to impose a small sales and use tax (up to 0.037%) to fund regional centers like community facilities. The tax, collected from residents and businesses within the district, must be deducted from state tax collections and can only be used for qualifying regional center projects. Districts may increase the tax rate in 0.001% increments if state revenue data shows a net loss exceeding 0.50%, but total tax cannot exceed 0.037% and must be matched with other public or private funding. This bill amends existing tax authority for PFDs created under Washington’s chapters 35.57 and 36.100, focusing on funding regional centers rather than new policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes specific PFDs to impose a new small sales tax (up to 0.037%) to fund public facilities, directly advancing budget/tax policies through targeted revenue allocation for community projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5645: Transferring extraordinary revenue collections from the estate tax to the developmental disabilities community services account.

SB 5645 redirects excess estate tax revenue to support community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting in fiscal year 2026, 50% of estate tax collections above $600 million annually must be transferred to the developmental disabilities community services account. This creates a permanent funding source to expand independent living supports, as the bill aims to address past shortfalls in reliable revenue for these services. The transfer must occur within 60 days of the state confirming revenue exceeds the $600 million threshold.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects excess estate tax revenue to fund developmental disabilities community services, creating a permanent funding source for essential programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1994: Encouraging local support of communities that host renewable energy through changes in tax policy.

HB 1994 allows Washington counties to seek voter approval for a new excise tax on large renewable energy facilities (solar, wind, or battery storage with 50+ megawatts capacity), directly affecting counties that adopt it and the facility operators who pay the tax. The tax rate varies by technology and facility operational date (e.g., $4,000-$4,500 per megawatt for solar, $800-$6,300 for wind), adjusted annually for inflation. Counties must clearly state how tax revenue will be used in ballot measures, and the tax expires after 30 years unless renewed by voters. This creates a new tax policy framework in state law to support communities hosting renewable projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates county-level excise tax on renewable facilities to fund community projects, directly aligning with 'funds essential programs' in tax policy and fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates tax on renewable facilities but mandates revenue funding for community projects, directly encouraging local support for renewable energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables renewable energy expansion by funding community support via tax revenue from large facilities, aligning with clean energy promotion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Sales Tax Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1867: Allowing counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax for the purpose of developing affordable housing, subject to the will of the voters.

HB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new local tax (0.5% real estate excise) to fund affordable housing programs, directly advancing public service funding through dedicated fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a dedicated funding mechanism (0.5% real estate tax) exclusively for affordable housing development targeting low/moderate-income residents and those with special needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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signed · Washington · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1408: Establishing funding for community preservation and development authorities approved through RCW 43.167.060.

HB 1408 establishes a new funding stream for community preservation and development authorities in Washington. It requires 30% of state sales tax revenue from qualifying large stadiums or arenas (with specific seat capacity and facility size requirements) to be deposited into community development accounts starting January 1, 2026. The funds are split equally between operating and capital subaccounts to support local projects addressing economic vitality, safety, and housing needs in communities affected by major public facilities. The bill mandates biennial reporting by these authorities and expires January 1, 2037.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 30% of stadium sales tax revenue to community development funds for housing/safety projects, advancing public funding allocation per tax revenue stream.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates stadium tax revenue to community funds specifically for housing needs in local projects addressing housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Community Development Property Development

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1730: Directing the deposit of the proceeds from taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account.

HB 1730 directs all tax revenue generated from aircraft fuel (as defined in state law) to be deposited into the state's aeronautics account, rather than other designated funds. This bill specifically amends existing tax code sections to mandate this funding stream for aviation-related programs and infrastructure. The change affects how Washington State allocates existing tax proceeds from aircraft fuel sales, ensuring these funds exclusively support aeronautics activities. It does not alter the tax rate or impose new taxes on aircraft fuel. The bill focuses solely on redirecting existing revenue to the aeronautics account, as specified in RCW 82.42.090.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing aircraft fuel tax revenue exclusively to aeronautics programs, ensuring dedicated funding for aviation infrastructure without altering tax rates or rates.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRedirects aircraft fuel tax revenue to aeronautics account, funding aviation infrastructure within transportation. Explicitly allocates existing tax proceeds for aviation programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Airports

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5285: Incentivizing cities and counties to increase employment of commissioned law enforcement officers.

SB 5285 would allow Washington cities and counties to impose a 0.10% sales tax to fund additional commissioned law enforcement officers. Jurisdictions must use the revenue solely for hiring officers unless their current officer-to-population ratio exceeds the national average (calculated using FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data), in which case funds can support broader criminal justice programs like domestic violence services or homelessness initiatives. The bill targets Washington's high violent crime rates and low officer staffing - ranking last in the nation for officers per capita - by creating a dedicated funding stream for local law enforcement expansion. It requires jurisdictions to report staffing data annually and mandates that tax revenue directly supports law enforcement employment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes local 0.10% sales tax to fund law enforcement officers, directly increasing government spending on public safety through new tax revenue.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds additional law enforcement officers and permits related criminal justice programs, directly advancing public safety and officer staffing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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signed · Washington · House May 20, 2025

HB 2077: Establishing a tax on certain business activities related to surpluses generated under the zero-emission vehicle program.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new tax on ZEV credit profits, with revenue reinvested into programs, aligning with funding public initiatives per topic indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTax on ZEV credit surpluses funds clean energy programs, advancing renewable energy infrastructure per bill's reinvestment intent.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentTax on ZEV credit profits reduces manufacturer incentive to exceed ZEV requirements, weakening program effectiveness despite revenue reinvestment into environmental programs.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill taxes ZEV credit profits and reinvests revenue to promote zero-emission vehicles, a sustainable transportation initiative.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Electric Vehicles

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1887: Creating a data broker registry for the purpose of imposing a data broker severance tax.

HB 1887 requires data brokers - businesses that collect, aggregate, and sell Washington residents' personal information without consent - to register annually with the Department of Licensing starting in 2026. It defines "brokered personal data" broadly (including names, addresses, biometric details, and social security numbers) and exempts consumer reporting agencies, financial institutions under federal law, and services providing public business info or health/safety alerts. Data brokers must submit basic contact details and pay an annual registration fee, with the revenue intended to fund state programs. The bill aims to create transparency about this industry while generating state revenue from a growing business model.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new data broker severance tax, creating direct revenue stream for state budget without targeting individuals.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates data brokers selling personal information without consent via registration and severance tax, directly strengthening data privacy protections as defined in the bill's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Revenue Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2043: Concerning transportation resources.

HB 2043 addresses Washington's transportation funding challenges by creating new revenue sources to replace declining fuel tax income. It responds to rising construction costs and reduced fuel tax revenue caused by more fuel-efficient vehicles. The bill aims to ensure reliable funding for roads, transit, and infrastructure that support residents' mobility and the state's economic growth. It does not specify exact funding methods but targets multiple revenue streams to maintain transportation system service levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new revenue sources to replace declining fuel tax income, ensuring reliable transportation funding through multiple revenue streams to maintain infrastructure spending.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates new revenue streams to maintain transportation funding for roads, transit, and infrastructure, ensuring continued support for mobility and economic growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Transportation Funding

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