HB 2343 requires publicly owned game farms in Washington (like those operated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife) to obtain water quality permits under the state's concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) program, which they currently avoid. It mandates these facilities to implement specific manure pollution prevention plans, groundwater monitoring, and reporting protocols - similar to private farms - when housing over 5,000 game birds. The bill explicitly includes pheasants and similar game birds in CAFO regulations and ensures public facilities meet the same water quality standards as private operations to prevent nitrate contamination of drinking water wells. This aligns public game farm management with existing environmental protections for private agricultural operations.
HB 1742 creates a state Center for Sustainable Urban Design within the Department of Ecology to advance environmentally sustainable urban planning and architecture in Washington's cities. The center will coordinate design competitions (like one for a fire-damaged former beverage manufacturing site near the Capitol), award grants for projects reducing pollution (e.g., stormwater runoff, urban heat islands), and promote practices like green building and biophilic design. It directly affects first-class cities and urban developers by providing resources and policy guidance for projects meeting specific environmental and health criteria. The center must prioritize projects demonstrating measurable benefits, such as improved air quality, biodiversity, and reduced energy use, through competitive grant and design processes.
This bill gives Washington state agencies and local governments authority to remove abandoned or hazardous vessels (like those sunk, obstructing waterways, or endangering property) after a 7-day notice period. It directly affects vessel owners who leave boats unattended and local entities managing aquatic lands. Key provisions require authorities to prioritize environmentally sound disposal, sell vessels at auction if possible, and use sale proceeds first to cover removal costs, environmental damages, and administrative fees before addressing liens. The law also establishes clear procedures for owners to contest removal decisions or costs through hearings.
HB 1043 extends the state's commute trip reduction tax credit program for employers and property managers until 2035. This program allows eligible entities to claim a tax credit for providing financial incentives to employees who use alternative commuting methods like ride-sharing, public transportation, car-sharing, or non-motorized transport. The bill changes the credit calculation so that the full amount paid to or on behalf of an employee, up to $60 per employee annually, can be credited (previously 50%). It also reduces the maximum credit a single entity can claim per fiscal year from $100,000 to $50,000.
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.
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.
HB 1293 aims to reduce litter and plastic waste across Washington State, affecting individuals and retail establishments. The bill enhances penalties for littering, reclassifying offenses and establishing mandatory clean-up restitution payments based on the volume of litter. It also delays the requirement for reusable plastic carryout bags to be thicker and increases the pass-through charge for these bags. Furthermore, the bill imposes a new penalty on retailers for selling thicker plastic bags, directing these funds to a waste reduction and litter control account.
Senate Bill 5033 establishes requirements for sampling and testing biosolids for PFAS chemicals in Washington state. It directs the Department of Ecology to issue guidance on PFAS sampling for facilities that generate biosolids by July 2026. These facilities will then be required to conduct quarterly PFAS chemical testing of their biosolids from January 2027 to June 2028, submitting the results to the department. Septic tank sludge is excluded from these specific sampling requirements. Based on the collected data, the Department of Ecology must report to the legislature by July 2029 with a summary of PFAS levels and recommendations for future actions.
HB 1670 increases public transparency regarding sewage spills in Washington state, directly affecting the Department of Ecology, wastewater operators, and the public who rely on clean water. By July 1, 2026, it mandates the Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website. This website will display notices of reported sewage spills, including details such as the estimated volume, treatment level, location, and the date and time of the incident. The Department must update the site with final spill information and design it to be accessible for people with limited English proficiency.
Senate Bill 5284 aims to improve Washington's solid waste management and increase recycling rates, which have remained static. It establishes an extended producer responsibility program for consumer packaging and paper products. Under this program, producers are required to fund and manage the lifecycle of these materials, from design to end-of-life. The goal is to make convenient and affordable curbside recycling more widely available to residents, particularly those in rural and multifamily areas, by building upon existing waste and recycling infrastructure.
