WashingtonHB 22722025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Updating terminology related to ski areas and winter sports activities.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More ski devices follow rider safety rules

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington extends rider conduct rules to tramways, aerial lifts, surface lifts, tows, and conveyors. Riders must not throw objects, interfere with safe operation, or cross uphill tracks outside designated locations. Skiers must use designated lift boarding areas, avoid deliberate harm, and not place objects that could cause falls. Existing rules still require people to stay within their ability, control speed and direction, and avoid equipment. Downhill skiers have the primary duty to avoid collisions; people on foot or sliding devices are responsible for collisions. Skiing outside open trails or runs within the ski area's boundary makes users responsible for resulting injuries or losses. Operators remain liable for trail conditions caused by their negligence, but not otherwise. People boarding tramways, lifts, or tows are presumed capable; operators and attendants are not liable for failing to instruct when instructions are followed. Boarding those devices without permission is trespassing.

Ski operators face broader safety rules

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's safety rules expressly cover aerial tramways, aerial lifts, surface lifts, tows, and conveyors. Owners and operators must provide and maintain safe facilities and equipment to protect riders, workers, and the public. Operators of these winter-sports devices must carry liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence. Tramways operated without charge and closed to the general public are exempt, except those run by schools, ski clubs, or similar groups. Covered operators are not common carriers, so their safety duties do not impose that legal status.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Zach Hall
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
April Berg
Democratic • House
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Dan Bronoske
Democratic • House
Janice Zahn
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Mari Leavitt
Democratic • House
Shelley Kloba
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Effective date 6/11/2026.
3/11/2026House
Chapter 23, 2026 Laws.
3/11/2026House
Governor signed.
3/11/2026legislature
Delivered to Governor.
3/5/2026legislature
Speaker signed.
3/4/2026legislature
President signed.
3/4/2026legislature
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
3/3/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/3/2026House
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
2/27/2026House
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
2/24/2026House
LGV - Majority; do pass.
2/23/2026House
First reading, referred to Local Government.
2/12/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.
2/10/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/10/2026House
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/6/2026House
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
1/27/2026House
ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.
1/22/2026House
ENVI - Majority; do pass.
1/22/2026House
First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.
1/12/2026House
Prefiled for introduction.
1/6/2026House

Bill Text

Session Law
3/12/2026
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/6/2026
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/12/2026
HTML PDF

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