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WashingtonHB 19582025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning the interstate bridge replacement toll bond authority.

Sponsored By: Jake Fey (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New funding authority for bridge replacement

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington’s transportation department can request up to $2.5 billion in bridge replacement bonds. The money supports design, land purchases, and construction of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River. The legislature must approve spending the net proceeds before the bonds can be sold. Proceeds are limited to the project and allowed financing costs, including temporary financing. The law does not itself approve that spending.

Bridge debt relies on continued tolls

Beginning July 27, 2025, toll money pays bridge bonds first; general obligation bonds also carry Washington’s full financial backing. If tolls fall short, pledged fuel taxes and vehicle fees cover payments, using the state’s motor vehicle fund share first. Other state and local transportation shares can be tapped only if that share is insufficient; repayment rules require reimbursement. At the transportation department’s request, the State Finance Committee can instead choose toll-only bonds after consulting transportation and tolling officials. The committee must find that this benefits the state; those bonds pledge no state credit, fuel taxes, or vehicle fees. The legislature commits to continued tolls and sufficient pledged revenues for repayment, but the law sets no household toll rate. Covered general obligation bonds have equal repayment priority with other state general obligation bonds pledging these revenues.

Stronger payment protections for bridge bondholders

Beginning July 27, 2025, a dedicated state account pays bridge bond principal, interest, and any premiums due. By June 30 each year, the State Finance Committee must certify the next fiscal year’s principal and interest needs. The committee can set bond terms covering maintenance, revenue priorities, payment coverage, reserves, and credit support. Transportation department approval is required for specified operating, management, insurance, financial management, and property disposal terms. Bondholders can ask a court to require transportation and tolling agencies to perform duties tied to eligible facilities and pledged funds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jake Fey

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 96 • No: 48

Senate vote • 4/23/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 13

House vote • 4/18/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 61 • No: 35 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/20/2025House

  2. Chapter 400, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  7. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/23/2025House

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

    4/23/2025House

  9. Read first time, rules suspended, and placed on second reading calendar.

    4/21/2025House

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 61; nays, 35; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/18/2025House

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/18/2025House

  12. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    4/18/2025House

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

    4/16/2025House

  14. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025House

  15. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/7/2025House

  16. Minority; do not pass.

    4/7/2025House

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

    4/7/2025House

  18. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/7/2025House

  19. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    2/12/2025House

  20. Prefiled for introduction.

    2/11/2025House

Bill Text

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