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WashingtonHB 19802025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities.

Sponsored By: Janice Zahn (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Private transportation providers get clearer access procedures

The law encourages local authorities to create applications for private transportation providers seeking access to reserved public transit facilities. Creating this process is optional and requires transit provider approval. Any process must list unavailable facilities and explain the criteria used to rule them out. Local authorities and transit providers are encouraged to agree on reasonable facility use whenever practical. These procedures do not guarantee access or bypass the separate transit-only lane pilot requirements.

Employer shuttles gain limited highway access

Washington highway authorities can reserve highway facilities, lanes, or ramps for employer shuttles when this improves road use or saves energy. Shuttles must serve employees on regular, fixed routes, seat at least eight passengers, and meet yearly department certification rules. They must display the employer’s name or logo on both sides, and their use cannot disrupt safe, reliable public transit. Authorities can bar shuttles when average transit speeds fall below 45 miles per hour at least 90% of peak hours and fail department standards. For limited-access highways, these conditions must last two straight months; the high-occupancy lane rule has no two-month requirement.

Employer shuttles get paid transit-lane trials

Local authorities in Washington counties with more than 2 million people can authorize two-year employer-shuttle pilots beginning before 2035. Paid permits allow access only to transit-only lanes that also let vehicles reach neighboring businesses. Transit providers must approve the pilots and set safety, reliability, and efficiency standards with local authorities and transit labor representatives. Pilots must address vehicle markings, administration, monitoring, and enforcement. Permit fees first cover issuance costs; extra money funds lane upkeep and improvements under transit provider plans, without replacing general maintenance funding. Local authorities must report yearly with transit provider coordination and transit labor input; meeting the standards is a shared responsibility. Permits must be revoked if any standard fails and remain revoked until lane conditions meet all standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • April Berg

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Springer

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Sam Low

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 242 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/15/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/17/2026House

  2. Chapter 81, 2026 Laws.

    3/17/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/17/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/27/2026House

  12. TRAN - Majority; do pass.

    2/27/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    1/19/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    1/15/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/15/2026House

  16. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    1/15/2026House

  17. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    1/15/2026House

  18. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on third reading.

    1/13/2026House

  19. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026House

  20. By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.

    4/27/2025House

  21. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    3/7/2025House

  22. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2025House

  23. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025House

  24. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/5/2025House

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

    3/4/2025House

Bill Text

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