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WashingtonHB 24262025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Improving efficiency in appeals to the pollution control hearings board.

Sponsored By: Adam Bernbaum (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More options for pollution permit appeals

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's Pollution Control Hearings Board can use alternative hearing panels for permit appeals. All parties must consent, and the board must unanimously approve. Options include a qualified administrative appeals judge or a panel including a qualified land use or shorelines board member. A single qualified member of any of these three boards can also hear the appeal. Judges must meet legal qualifications, and board members must meet required experience or training standards. Selection must prioritize efficient use of administrative resources. Outside these alternatives, a majority remains required for official board action, and the board can act with one vacant position. The board keeps its state-capitol office but can hold hearings elsewhere in Washington.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adam Bernbaum

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Joel McEntire

    Republican • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/18/2026House

  2. Chapter 98, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker 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.

    2/23/2026House

  11. ENET - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026House

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

    2/13/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/11/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026House

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

    2/6/2026House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House

  17. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/29/2026House

  18. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/29/2026House

  19. ENVI - Majority; do pass.

    1/29/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

    1/13/2026House

  21. Introduced

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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