Transportation (Transportation Funding)

signed · Washington · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2711: Concerning transportation resources.

HB 2711 adjusts Washington State's motor vehicle fuel tax structure, directly affecting fuel licensees (gas stations, distributors) and fuel suppliers. It adds new tax rates, including 6 cents per gallon for regular fuel starting July 2025 and 3 cents per gallon for special fuel starting July 2027, while creating automatic annual 2% increases for both regular and special fuel taxes beginning July 2026. The bill specifies detailed calculations for these annual adjustments, requiring the state treasurer to recalculate rates each July 1 based on prior tax rates and rounding to the nearest thousandth of a dollar. It also clarifies when fuel taxes apply, such as when fuel is removed from terminals, entered into the state, or sold to unlicensed entities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases motor vehicle fuel tax rates with automatic annual hikes, directly raising tax revenue for state budget.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases fuel taxes (6¢/gal regular, 3¢/gal special) with automatic annual 2% hikes, directly generating revenue for transportation infrastructure funding per tax structure adjustments.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Transportation Funding

signed · Washington · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 6260: Implementing efficiencies and programming changes in public education.

SB 6260 establishes a reimbursement system for school districts to replace student transportation vehicles, requiring the superintendent to set annual payments based on vehicle category, lifetime, and inflation. It also mandates a statewide online "high school and beyond plan" platform for all students by 2020-21, requiring features like translation support, automatic academic data integration, and student privacy controls. The bill directs the superintendent to select a vendor by June 2024 and develop a full implementation plan by October 2024, including cost estimates and professional development. These changes directly affect school districts, students, and educators by altering transportation funding and creating a standardized digital tool for college/career planning.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReimburses school districts for transportation vehicles and mandates a statewide student planning platform with translation, data integration, and privacy features - advancing access and infrastructure.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates student privacy controls and a statewide platform with translation/data integration, directly advancing data privacy and digital access in education technology.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds replacement of student transportation vehicles (school buses), directly supporting a specific transportation need within education infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education School Transportation Transportation Funding

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 5987: Addressing the emergency replacement of failed infrastructure on state route number 165.

This bill declares an emergency due to the permanent closure of the Fairfax bridge on State Route 165 (April 22, 2025) and directs the state transportation department to restore access as quickly as possible. It grants the transportation secretary emergency authority to waive specific regulations - including liability rules, inspection fees, utility commission requirements, and tax deadlines - to expedite rebuilding the bridge. This applies to the replacement project on SR 165 and requires the secretary to provide practical notice to the governor, legislative leaders, and local governments. The bill directly affects state transportation agencies, local governments along SR 165, and contractors working on the bridge replacement. It does not address the unrelated climate funding provisions in Section 2 of the bill text.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill declares emergency for Fairfax bridge repair on SR 165, authorizing expedited restoration of transportation infrastructure through regulatory waivers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 6335: Revising the responsibilities of the state transportation commission.

SB 6335 revises the duties of Washington State's Transportation Commission to clarify its role in developing transportation policy and planning. It updates the commission's responsibilities to require annual public input summaries submitted to lawmakers by December 1st and aligns its work with six state policy goals: preservation, safety, stewardship, mobility, economic vitality, and environmental protection. The bill removes outdated requirements (like a fixed 2010 plan deadline) and strengthens coordination between state, regional, and local transportation planning. These changes directly affect how the commission develops statewide transportation strategies and how state agencies measure progress toward transportation goals. The policy framework now mandates that all transportation planning must prioritize preservation and safety while tracking measurable outcomes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly lists 'environmental protection' as one of six mandatory policy goals for the Transportation Commission, requiring alignment with this objective in transportation planning.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill updates Transportation Commission duties to strengthen policy planning, safety, mobility, and environmental protection under state goals, requiring annual public input summaries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 6132: Authorizing a narrow modification to indebtedness limits for select inland port districts to ensure continued eligibility for federal funding for rail, power, and other critical public infrastructure improvements.

SB 6132 allows select inland port districts meeting specific property value thresholds (total taxable value of $6-7 billion, with an increment area valued under $150 million) to borrow an additional 0.25% of their taxable property value for rail, power, and other critical public infrastructure projects. This targeted adjustment modifies existing debt limits in RCW 53.36.030 to maintain eligibility for federal infrastructure funding that would otherwise be lost under current caps. The bill requires districts to have established an increment area under state law and use funds exclusively for qualifying public improvements. It does not require voter approval for this additional borrowing capacity, directly affecting qualifying port districts seeking federal infrastructure support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesModifies debt limits to maintain federal infrastructure funding eligibility, enabling targeted borrowing for public projects without tax increases or defunding.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds rail infrastructure projects to maintain federal transportation funding eligibility, directly advancing transportation infrastructure improvements per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Ports Rail Transportation Funding

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 6225: Authorizing bonds for transportation funding.

SB 6225 authorizes $3.4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund preservation of Washington State’s existing transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Proceeds will come exclusively from state fuel excise taxes and vehicle-related fees (like license fees), which are pledged to repay the bonds. The funds will be deposited into a new "Preserve Washington Account" within the motor vehicle fund, restricted to infrastructure preservation projects that extend the life of existing assets. The bill ensures bond repayment priority over other uses of these tax revenues and amends existing laws to clarify funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUses existing fuel excise taxes and vehicle fees to fund infrastructure preservation, directing current tax revenue toward essential public works within fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes $3.4B in bonds from fuel taxes for road/bridge preservation, directly funding infrastructure preservation projects per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 6240: Allocating a portion of hazardous substance tax revenues derived from aviation fuel to aircraft noise and air quality mitigation.

SB 6240 redirects a portion of Washington's aviation fuel tax - specifically the amount exceeding $1.48 per barrel - to fund aircraft noise and air quality mitigation projects. This affects aviation fuel users (like airlines and airports) who pay the tax, with funds deposited into a new state account created by the bill. The key mechanism amends tax code to require 15% of the aviation fuel tax revenue above the $1.48 threshold to flow into this dedicated account. These funds will support state programs addressing noise pollution and air quality near airports. The bill does not change tax rates but reallocates existing revenue for targeted environmental mitigation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing aviation fuel tax revenue (15% above $1.48/barrel) to fund environmental mitigation projects, using tax proceeds for public service funding without new taxes.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects aviation fuel tax revenue to fund aircraft noise and air quality mitigation projects, directly addressing pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRedirects aviation fuel tax revenue to fund airport noise/air quality mitigation projects, directly supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance and environmental compliance for aviation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Air Quality Airports Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 2306: Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

HB 2306 allocates supplemental transportation funding for Washington's 2025-2027 budget, primarily directing $18 million from the carbon emissions reduction account toward electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It prioritizes projects in multifamily housing, public locations, schools, and government facilities, requiring grantees to be local governments, tribes, or utilities. Specific allocations include $6.85 million for a sustainable aviation fuel initiative and $2 million for Snohomish County’s Paine Field research center. The bill mandates reporting on fund usage and coordination with state electrification programs, with tribal governments eligible for dedicated tribal electric boat grants.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAllocates $18M from carbon emissions account for EV charging infrastructure and $6.85M for sustainable aviation fuel, directly funding renewable energy infrastructure and reducing emissions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $18M from carbon emissions reduction account to EV infrastructure and sustainable aviation fuel, promoting clean energy and emissions reduction.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $18M for EV charging infrastructure, advancing electric vehicle technology adoption through targeted funding.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $18M for EV charging infrastructure in public locations/schools and funds sustainable aviation fuel, directly advancing transportation infrastructure funding and sustainable transit initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Climate Change Airports Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 6005: Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.

SB 6005 allocates $13 million for community electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, prioritizing multifamily housing, public locations, schools, and government facilities, with $2 million reserved for federally recognized tribes. It also directs $4.9 million for tribal electric boat grants and $6.85 million to establish a sustainable aviation fuel institute in the Cascadia region. The bill requires projects to reduce emissions and mandates implementation by local governments, tribes, or utilities, with strict reporting on emissions impacts and coordination with state electrification programs. Funding must cover level-two or higher charging infrastructure, including site improvements, and cannot exceed 100% of project costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $13M+ for EV infrastructure and sustainable aviation fuel institute, directly funding transportation projects under state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAllocates $13M for EV charging infrastructure, $4.9M for tribal electric boats, and $6.85M for sustainable aviation fuel institute, promoting renewable energy adoption and emission reductions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $13M for EV charging, $4.9M for electric boats, $6.85M for sustainable aviation fuel institute, all requiring emission reductions.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $13M for EV charging infrastructure, tribal boat grants, and sustainable aviation fuel - directly funds and promotes sustainable transportation projects per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Airports Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 5989: Concerning the distribution of aircraft fuel tax revenue.

SB 5989 changes how Washington State distributes revenue from aircraft fuel taxes. Starting July 2026, 0.5% of this tax (increasing to 1% after 2027) will fund the aeronautics account for aviation projects, while the remaining 6.5% minus that amount goes to the state general fund. The bill requires the Department of Transportation's aviation division to track and annually report on airport projects funded through this account, including state grants, federal matching funds, and local contributions. These reports must detail each project's description, funding sources, and outcomes for the legislature. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates ongoing transparency about how these funds support airport infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects aircraft fuel tax revenue to dedicated aviation projects with tracking requirements, ensuring fiscal accountability for infrastructure funding within budget management.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationDedicates aircraft fuel tax revenue to aviation projects via aeronautics account, directly funding transportation infrastructure as required by DOT aviation division.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Airports Transportation Funding

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