WashingtonHB 15112025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning Washington state ferries captains.

Sponsored By: Lisa Parshley (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Ferry captains are top authority

Beginning July 27, 2025, the captain is the top authority on a Washington State Ferry while in command. The captain must ensure safe navigation and the safety of crew and passengers. The captain must follow international, federal, and state laws and agency policies. The captain directs crew performance, operations, training, security, and environmental protection, and oversees arrivals, departures, and all vessel operations.

New bargaining rules for ferry captains

By August 31, 2025, captains in the masters and pilots unit may vote to join a combined masters, mates, and pilots unit. If a majority vote yes, the Public Employees’ Labor Relations Commission certifies the combined unit, effective July 1, 2026. Starting with negotiations for the 2027–2029 biennium, the employer bargains with the combined unit’s representative; if not certified, it bargains with the captains‑only unit’s representative. If a captains‑only unit exists, it has its own contract. Contracts may not extend the term of an existing contract or include terms that conflict with this section.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
Dave Paul
Democratic • House
Joe Fitzgibbon
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Mari Leavitt
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 93 • No: 3 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

Effective date 7/27/2025.
4/7/2025House
Chapter 24, 2025 Laws.
4/7/2025House
Governor signed.
4/7/2025legislature
Delivered to Governor.
4/2/2025legislature
President signed.
3/31/2025legislature
Speaker signed.
3/31/2025legislature
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
3/26/2025House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/26/2025House
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/21/2025House
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/19/2025House
TRAN - Majority; do pass.
3/17/2025House
First reading, referred to Transportation.
3/6/2025House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 2.
3/4/2025House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/4/2025House
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/28/2025House
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/11/2025House
LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.
2/7/2025House
LAWS - Majority; do pass.
2/7/2025House
First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.
1/22/2025House
Introduced
1/22/2025House

Bill Text

Session Law
4/10/2025
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/2/2025
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/22/2025
HTML PDF

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