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WashingtonSB 56622025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the waiver of municipal utility connection charges for certain properties.

Sponsored By: Marcus Riccelli (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Pay waived hookup fees if use changes

Beginning July 27, 2025, if a property got a waiver and later stops qualifying, the waiver ends. All previously waived connection charges become due right away. The owner must pay to keep utility service. This can create a sudden lump-sum cost.

No utility hookup fees for affordable housing

Beginning July 27, 2025, municipal utilities can waive one-time utility connection fees and hookup costs. This applies to properties run or built by nonprofits, public development authorities, housing authorities, or local agencies. The housing must be emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing. The law also defines these housing types and what counts as a connection charge, so utilities and developers know what qualifies.

Funding rules and county covenant option

Beginning July 27, 2025, when utilities waive connection charges, they must cover the cost with general funds, grants, or other revenue. In large counties east of the Cascades (population over 500,000), a utility can allow a waiver without those funds if a covenant is recorded. The covenant must cap prices, set household income limits, and be recorded with the county auditor. If the property is later converted to a non-qualifying use, the owner must pay the then-current connection charges.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Member 27504

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 151 • No: 43

Senate vote • 4/21/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 39 • No: 9

House vote • 4/9/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 64 • No: 33 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/19/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 351, 2025 Laws.

    5/19/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/19/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/24/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 39; nays, 9; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/21/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/21/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 64; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/9/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025Senate

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

    4/9/2025Senate

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

    4/8/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/31/2025Senate

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/26/2025Senate

  15. HOUS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/26/2025Senate

  16. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/26/2025Senate

  17. First reading, referred to Housing.

    3/7/2025Senate

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/5/2025Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025Senate

  20. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/5/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2025Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/21/2025Senate

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/20/2025Senate

  24. LGV - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    2/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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