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WashingtonSB 63092025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Providing for enhanced municipal permitting tools for high capacity transit projects.

Sponsored By: Marko Liias (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Faster permits for transit projects

Regional transit authorities can apply for land use and construction permits before they buy the property, if they notify the owner. They can also seek construction and technical permits before any local land use decision. Local governments may issue permits for work on property the authority does not own, but the authority must still secure property rights before work. Offices must accept these applications and use the normal 28‑day completeness review even without site ownership. Beginning January 1, 2028, building permit applications must be accepted even if the authority is not the owner; for projects over $5,000, the application must list the parcel or legal description, the owner’s contact, the prime contractor and registration, and either the lender or a payment bond.

Flexible local rules for rail

Local governments and regional transit authorities can use development agreements that set project standards tailored to transit facilities. These agreements cannot change Americans with Disabilities Act obligations. Rail transit facilities may exceed local height and setback limits when needed, while following local rules as much as practicable.

Simpler land splits for transit

When a regional transit authority buys part of a lot to build transit facilities, that land split is exempt from platting rules. This temporary exemption applies through January 1, 2028. Starting January 1, 2028, a permanent exemption takes effect.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • House

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 117 • No: 74

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House vote • 3/4/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 56 • No: 38 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 31 • No: 17 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/23/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 166, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026Senate

  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. Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/10/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    3/4/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026Senate

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

    3/4/2026Senate

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

    3/2/2026Senate

  13. LG - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    2/25/2026Senate

  16. LG - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/25/2026Senate

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

  18. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    2/17/2026Senate

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 31; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/13/2026Senate

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026Senate

  21. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2026Senate

  22. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/12/2026Senate

  23. WM - Majority; without recommendation.

    2/9/2026Senate

  24. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/9/2026Senate

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    2/9/2026Senate

Bill Text

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