Transportation (Transportation Funding)

in committee · Washington · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2601: Addressing motorcycle weight fees.

HB 2601 establishes a new tiered fee structure for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, charging $15 for all motorcycles (regardless of weight) and increasing fees for heavier models (e.g., $35 for 4,000 pounds, $65 for 6,000 pounds, and $96 for 16,000 pounds or more). Motor homes will pay a flat $75 fee instead of the motorcycle-based fee. The state will use manufacturer-provided weight data to determine vehicle weight, and all fees will fund transportation projects. This new structure takes effect July 1, 2027, and expires January 1, 2029, after which a revised fee schedule becomes active.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes new fees to fund transportation projects, directly allocating revenue to public infrastructure spending per summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly states fees fund transportation projects, directly advancing infrastructure funding per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Driver Licensing Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 22, 2026

HB 2592: Directing the deposit of the proceeds from taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account.

HB 2592 directs that taxes collected on aircraft fuel must be deposited directly into the state's aeronautics account, rather than other designated funds. This bill specifically amends Washington’s tax code (RCW 82.21.030) to redirect proceeds from the aircraft fuel tax - defined under RCW 82.42.010 - to the aeronautics account, as established in RCW 82.42.090. The policy change affects entities purchasing or selling aircraft fuel within Washington, ensuring these tax revenues fund aviation-related programs. It does not alter the tax rate or create new taxes, only specifies where existing aircraft fuel tax revenue is allocated. This is a technical adjustment to existing tax code, not a new funding mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects aircraft fuel tax revenue to dedicated aeronautics account, ensuring targeted funding for aviation programs per RCW amendments.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRedirects aircraft fuel tax proceeds to aeronautics account, directly funding aviation infrastructure within transportation sector per RCW 82.42.090.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Revenue Airports Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2126: Providing an exemption for taxes on fuel used in school buses.

HB 2126 would exempt school districts in Washington state from paying taxes on fuel used in school buses. The bill amends state tax codes to specifically add school buses (operated per education laws) to the list of exempt fuel uses, directly affecting public school districts. This change would reduce operating costs for schools by eliminating a tax on fuel for all school bus operations within the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts school districts from fuel tax, reducing public school operating costs - direct tax relief for essential public services per tax policy indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts school districts from fuel tax, reducing operational costs and increasing available funds for education infrastructure and programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts school bus fuel tax, reducing operational costs for public school transportation services, directly supporting transportation infrastructure funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax School Transportation Public Transit Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 5858: Providing pupil transportation safety net funding for special passengers.

SB 5858 creates a new state funding program to cover extra transportation costs for school districts serving students with specific needs. It provides reimbursements for documented excess costs beyond regular transportation funding when serving three groups: students requiring transportation as part of their special education plan, homeless students under federal law, and foster youth. Districts must report these excess costs and the specific services causing them, and funding comes from state appropriations - not basic education funds. Charter and tribal schools are also eligible for these reimbursements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state funding program for school transportation costs, increasing government spending on public services for vulnerable students.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state funding for transportation costs serving special education, homeless, and foster youth students, directly advancing educational access and support for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds school transportation costs for special needs students, homeless youth, and foster youth through state reimbursement program, directly advancing transportation services for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation Special Education Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5309: Concerning motor vehicle weight fees applicable to motorcycles.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes flat $15 motorcycle fee funding transportation projects under RCW 46.68.415, directly allocating revenue to public infrastructure without defunding or tax increases.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes $15 motorcycle registration fee funding transportation projects per RCW 46.68.415, directly advancing transportation funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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signed · Washington · Senate May 20, 2025

SB 5161: Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

SB 5161 establishes the transportation budget for Washington State for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, allocating funds to various state agencies for infrastructure and services. It appropriates specific amounts from designated accounts to cover employee compensation, capital projects, and operational expenses across multiple state departments. Key provisions include funding for road maintenance and programs designed to increase opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses in the transportation sector. Additionally, the bill funds a tribal electric boat grant program and supports a sustainable aviation fuel institute.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for transportation infrastructure and operations, directly implementing budgetary appropriations for public services per fiscal management guidelines.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates funds for road maintenance and transportation infrastructure projects per summary, directly advancing transportation funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5726: Establishing new sources of transportation revenue based on motor vehicle use of public roadways.

SB 5726 establishes a per-mile road usage fee to replace declining fuel tax revenue as vehicles become more fuel-efficient. It creates a voluntary program for electric/hybrid vehicles (starting July 2027) and mandates the fee for all vehicles by 2035, phased in based on fuel economy (e.g., all EVs required starting 2029, internal combustion engines with ≥40 MPG required starting 2031). The fee replaces existing registration and electrification fees for enrolled vehicles, maintaining current revenue levels for road maintenance and transportation systems. The bill explicitly requires privacy protections for location data collected under the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new mileage-based fee to replace declining fuel tax revenue, ensuring stable transportation funding and promoting fiscal responsibility without increasing taxpayer burden.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhases in road usage fees for low-efficiency vehicles and mandates EVs by 2029, incentivizing cleaner transportation and reducing emissions.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes per-mile fee to replace declining fuel tax revenue, ensuring continued funding for transportation infrastructure maintenance as vehicle efficiency increases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Revenue Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1008: Concerning county local roads.

HB 1008 creates a dedicated funding program to improve county local roads (defined as roads not federally classified as arterial or collector) by establishing a "county local road trust account" within the motor vehicle fund. The bill requires counties to prioritize projects addressing overburdened communities, environmental health disparities, access to community facilities, and road safety, while mandating counties provide matching funds. Eligible projects include road reconstruction, bridge replacements, fish passage removal, and pedestrian facilities, with joint planning required for projects near cities or state highways. Counties diverting road levies (except those under 8,000 population) lose eligibility for these funds, and the program takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates dedicated funding for county road improvements, prioritizes safety/access projects, and mandates matching funds for infrastructure upgrades per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1579: Providing adequate and predictable student transportation.

HB 1579 requires Washington school districts to report detailed transportation data for specific student groups, including those with special education needs, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or attending skill centers. It mandates the state superintendent to develop a new funding model by 2028 that addresses unique challenges in rural and urban districts, and establishes a $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs. The bill directly affects school districts and the students in these four priority groups by changing how transportation funding is calculated and reported. Districts must submit quarterly reports on mileage, ridership, and costs, with funds for homeless students limited to their specific transportation needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs and mandates new state funding model development, directly allocating public funds for student transportation services.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new funding model for transportation, establishes $400 flat rate for homeless students, and requires data reporting to address access for vulnerable student groups in K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes $400 flat rate for homeless student transportation and mandates new funding model addressing district transportation needs, directly funding student transportation services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation Special Education Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5026: Dedicating the state sales tax on motor vehicles for transportation.

SB 5026 redirects a growing portion of Washington’s vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation funding. Starting in 2026, 16.66% of tax revenue from all new and used vehicle sales (including private-party sales) will fund transportation, increasing by 16.66% each year until 2031, when 100% will be dedicated to this purpose. The bill excludes certain vehicles like farm tractors, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and bicycles from this tax allocation. This policy change affects all vehicle buyers and sellers in Washington, with the tax revenue directly supporting transportation infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation funding, increasing dedicated allocation annually from 2026-2031, strengthening transportation budget priorities.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRedirects vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation funding, increasing annually to support infrastructure projects per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Roads & Highways Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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