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WashingtonHB 12932025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning litter.

Sponsored By: Mark Klicker (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Thicker plastic bag rule delayed

The 4 mil minimum thickness for reusable film bags takes effect January 1, 2028. Until then, stores and bag makers do not need to meet that thickness rule. This delay stands unless the Legislature changes the law in 2026.

Small littering brings a fine

Dropping or tossing up to one cubic foot of litter is a class 2 civil infraction. You can be cited and pay a fine. This is on top of any driving-related litter fine.

What you pay for store bags

You pay bag fees at checkout. Until December 31, 2025, stores charge $0.08 for each paper bag and each reusable film bag. Starting January 1, 2026, paper bags stay $0.08 and reusable film bags cost $0.12. Through December 31, 2027, if a reusable film bag is 4 mils or thicker, stores also charge an extra $0.04 that goes to the state litter and recycling fund.

Stores must show and tax bag fees

Stores keep the money from pass-through bag charges, but not the separate 4-cent penalty. The pass-through charge counts as a taxable retail sale. Stores must list all bag charges and penalties on customer receipts.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark Klicker

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Barkis

    Republican • House

  • April Connors

    Republican • House

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

  • Mary Dye

    Republican • House

  • Michelle Valdez

    Republican • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 261 • No: 29

House vote • 4/27/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 98 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 27 • No: 20 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 46 • No: 2 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/6/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 90 • No: 7 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/17/2025House

  2. Chapter 312, 2025 Laws.

    5/17/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/17/2025legislature

  4. Passed final passage; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/27/2025House

  5. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/27/2025House

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    4/27/2025legislature

  7. Speaker signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  8. President signed.

    4/27/2025legislature

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 27; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/26/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/26/2025House

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/26/2025House

  12. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    4/26/2025House

  13. Rules suspended.

    4/26/2025House

  14. Senate receded from amendments.

    4/26/2025Senate

  15. House refuses to concur in Senate amendments. Asks Senate to recede from amendments.

    4/23/2025House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/15/2025House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/15/2025House

  18. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/15/2025House

  19. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/9/2025House

  20. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) by Environment, Energy & Technology.

    4/8/2025House

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  22. Referred to Ways & Means.

    4/2/2025House

  23. And refer to Ways & Means.

    4/1/2025House

  24. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/1/2025House

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    4/1/2025House

Bill Text

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