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WashingtonHB 19062025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Increasing transparency and consumer protection in water system rates.

Sponsored By: Steve Tharinger (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Multi-year water rates with low-income help

Beginning January 1, 2027, water companies can file multi‑year rate plans. The utilities commission approves them and sets each year’s rates. It can order refunds if planned assets are not in service by the rate date. In approved plans, up to 5% of the annual revenue requirement can fund low‑income bill help or special rates. Other customers may share these costs depending on the plan.

Advance notice before your water system sells

Before a sale, your water system must notify the county, nearby districts, and adjacent systems. Customers must get mailed or posted notice at least 90 days before the sale. The notice must include a good‑faith estimate of future capital work and likely rate changes. The utilities commission checks that these notices went out before it approves a change of control.

Water systems must keep safe water flowing

Group A public water systems must keep a safe, reliable water supply at all times. They must investigate problems and take needed corrective action.

Stronger rules on how water rates rise

The utilities commission sets rules for how companies include cost of capital in rates. The rules count outside funding for projects. Companies must follow their approved water system plans, with emergency health waivers. The rules promote rate smoothing and consider whether customers got notice. They also consider system size when judging planning.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Steve Tharinger

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Clyde Shavers

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 234 • No: 3

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 94 • No: 2 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/16/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 91 • No: 1 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/28/2026House

  2. Chapter 237, 2026 Laws.

    3/28/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/28/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 94; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/3/2026House

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026House

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

    3/3/2026House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  14. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/2/2026House

  15. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/25/2026House

  16. And refer to Ways & Means.

    2/24/2026House

  17. ENET - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026House

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

    2/18/2026House

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 6.

    2/16/2026House

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/16/2026House

  21. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    2/16/2026House

  22. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/14/2026House

  23. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/9/2026House

  24. APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/9/2026House

  25. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

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