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WashingtonSB 61322025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Authorizing a narrow modification to indebtedness limits for select inland port districts to ensure continued eligibility for federal funding for rail, power, and other critical public infrastructure improvements.

Sponsored By: Judy Warnick (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Bond sales rules and 50-year terms

Port bonds must be issued and sold under chapter 39.46 RCW. General port bonds may run for up to 50 years.

Extra debt for certain project areas

A port that creates an increment area under chapter 39.114 RCW can borrow an extra 0.25% without a vote for public improvements in that program. This applies only if, in the year the area is adopted, the district’s assessed value is $6–$7 billion and the area’s value is under $150 million.

More airport debt for small ports

Ports with under $200 million in taxable value that operate a municipal airport can add airport capital debt equal to 0.125% of taxable value without a vote. With approval from three-fifths of voters, they can add 0.375% more for airport work. If voters approve, total port debt for all purposes cannot exceed 1.25% of taxable value.

More borrowing for small port districts

Ports that had under $800 million in taxable value in 1991 can borrow up to 0.375% of taxable value. Before using this, the port must adopt a harbor or industrial plan and get a long-term finance plan approved by the Department of Commerce. The money must buy or build a facility with a lease of at least 5 years. Loans under this authority cannot run longer than 25 years. The Department of Commerce is not liable for its review or approval.

Port debt limits and voter approval

The law sets a base debt limit for each port district at 0.25% of its taxable property value, counting nonvoter debt. With approval from three-fifths of voters at a port election, a port can raise its total debt limit to 0.75%.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Judy Warnick

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/20/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 121, 2026 Laws.

    3/20/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/20/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/6/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026Senate

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

    3/4/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/26/2026Senate

  11. Committee relieved of further consideration.

    2/26/2026Senate

  12. LG - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/25/2026Senate

  13. LG - Majority; do pass.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. Referred to Transportation.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    2/16/2026Senate

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

    2/11/2026Senate

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026Senate

  18. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/6/2026Senate

  19. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/30/2026Senate

  20. LGV - Majority; do pass.

    1/29/2026Senate

  21. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    1/14/2026Senate

  22. Introduced

    1/14/2026Senate

Bill Text

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