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WashingtonHB 17742025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Modifying allowable terms for the lease of unused highway land.

Sponsored By: Jake Fey (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Help paying community lease processing costs

Washington's transportation department can help when it finds an applicant cannot reasonably pay all or part of lease-processing costs. It can use only state money specifically set aside for that purpose. The law does not provide a specific funding amount or guarantee help. If that money is unavailable, the department must request enough in its budget submission for the next legislative session.

Nonprofit land leases need legislative approval

Community nonprofits face an extra approval step when leasing unused highway property for community projects. Washington's transportation department must submit proposed leases to legislative transportation committees as part of its budget request. The leases must receive approval in a transportation funding law. Temporary-use leases lasting no more than five years, including renewals, are exempt.

Community land leases offer savings and limits

Washington's transportation department can lease highway land, buildings, and air space not currently needed for highway use. Eligible renters include public agencies, special purpose districts, federally recognized tribes, the State Historical Society, and community-based nonprofits. Uses include housing and related services, emergency shelters, transitional and supportive housing, tiny-home villages, parks, plazas, recreation, salmon habitat, and transit. Community benefits can replace or supplement cash rent, but renters must maintain and secure the property. The department can require additional money or other support. It weighs benefits to vulnerable and overburdened communities, people served, other feasible rental uses, and applicants' qualifications and finances. Leases must specify allowed uses, remedies for misuse, insurance, appropriate liability protection, and applicable liability responsibilities. They must follow local zoning and federal transportation, historic-site, and recreation protections. Community leases cannot occupy state-highway rights-of-way or endanger infrastructure or travelers. For local transit agencies' bus shelters with advertising, the department can charge only for commercial space, not noncommercial shelter space. By December 1 each year, the department must report active leases, community uses, and lease terms to legislative transportation committees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jake Fey

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Dan Bronoske

    Democratic • House

  • Dave Paul

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Springer

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Morgan

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 76

House vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 67 • No: 30 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 29 • No: 19 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 70 • No: 27 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/17/2025House

  2. Chapter 298, 2025 Laws.

    5/17/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/17/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 67; nays, 30; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/22/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/22/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/15/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/15/2025House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    4/15/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/11/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/8/2025House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    4/8/2025House

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

    4/8/2025House

  17. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    3/6/2025House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 70; nays, 27; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2025House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025House

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

    2/28/2025House

  22. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/20/2025House

  24. Minority; do not pass.

    2/20/2025House

  25. TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/20/2025House

Bill Text

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