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WashingtonHB 19032025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Establishing a statewide low-income energy assistance program.

Sponsored By: Sharlett Mena (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More energy help for low-income households

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington creates a statewide energy assistance program run by the Department of Commerce. Eligible low-income households get help through utilities that voluntarily join and are accepted; immigration status does not affect eligibility. Aid targets energy costs of 6% of household income, with more help for households needing the most assistance. Assistance depends on approved state funding and must start within 14 months after funding is approved. Every Washington electric utility must ensure low-income households have access to an energy assistance program, subject to available funding. State aid cannot replace utilities’ required assistance or cause them to reduce existing yearly support. The statewide program cannot be funded through utility surcharges or collections from utilities. The program and these rules expire June 30, 2035.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sharlett Mena

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Darya Farivar

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Tomiko Santos

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 72

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 70 • No: 26 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 35 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/14/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 60 • No: 33 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/30/2026House

  2. Chapter 252, 2026 Laws.

    3/30/2026House

  3. Governor partially vetoed.

    3/30/2026legislature

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 70; nays, 26; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 35; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/6/2026House

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

    3/6/2026House

  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  16. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) by Environment, Energy & Technology.

    3/2/2026House

  17. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  18. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/25/2026House

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

    2/24/2026House

  20. And refer to Ways & Means.

    2/24/2026House

  21. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/24/2026House

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/24/2026House

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

    2/17/2026House

  24. Third reading, passed; yeas, 60; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 5.

    2/14/2026House

  25. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/14/2026House

Bill Text

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