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WashingtonHB 13022025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning utility connection charge waivers.

Sponsored By: Julio Cortes (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Lower hookup fees for affordable housing

Municipal utilities can waive one-time connection (tap-in or hookup) charges for eligible housing. Properties must be owned or developed by, or for, a nonprofit, a public development authority, a housing authority, or a local agency that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing. The waiver also covers certain limited partnerships and LLCs listed in RCW 84.36.560(7)(f)(ii) and (iii). Utilities may choose to offer waivers; the law does not set dollar amounts.

Lose eligibility? Repay waived hookup fees

If a property got a connection fee waiver under this law and later stops meeting the rules, the waiver ends. All waived connection charges become due right away, and payment is required to keep utility service.

Hookup fee waivers for industrial symbiosis

Municipal utilities can waive one-time connection charges for properties used for industrial symbiosis. Projects must show real cuts in resource use or greenhouse gases and deliver long-term community benefits. Utilities may offer these waivers, but they are not required and no specific savings are set.

Cities must run and fund hookup-fee waivers

When a city or town waives or delays utility tap-in, connection, or hookup fees, it must do so through a program set by ordinance. This applies to low-income people, qualifying housing providers (emergency, transitional, supportive, or affordable housing), and groups using property for industrial symbiosis. Any waived connection charges must be paid from named funds like general funds, grants, or other identified revenues.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Springer

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie Barnard

    Republican • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 23

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/15/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 76 • No: 21 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/13/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 93 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/23/2026House

  2. Chapter 127, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/23/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/23/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/20/2026House

  12. ENET - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

    1/16/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 76; nays, 21; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    1/15/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/15/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on third reading.

    1/13/2026House

  17. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026House

  18. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.

    4/27/2025House

  19. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/15/2025House

  20. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  21. ENET - Majority; do pass.

    3/21/2025House

  22. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

    2/14/2025House

  23. Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/13/2025House

  24. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2025House

  25. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2025House

Bill Text

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