WashingtonHB 24362025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters.

Sponsored By: Debra Lekanoff (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tug escorts and size limits in Puget Sound

The law limits very large oil tankers in these waters. Tankers over 125,000 deadweight tons cannot go east of the Discovery Island–New Dungeness line unless the U.S. Coast Guard approves it under 33 C.F.R. 165.1303. Oil tankers 40,000 to 125,000 deadweight tons in Puget Sound must have tug escorts. The tugs must have at least 3,000 total horsepower or 5% of the tanker’s deadweight, whichever is more. Beginning September 1, 2020, in Rosario Strait and waters to the east, smaller tankers and oil barges must have escorts. Tankers 5,000–40,000 deadweight tons and articulated tug barges or towed oil vessels over 5,000 deadweight tons must have at least 2,000 total tug horsepower. Empty ships (in ballast or unladen) do not need escorts. Fueling (bunkering) vessels and towed cargo deck barges are exempt from the Rosario rule. The state pilotage board may adjust or pause escort rules by regulation.

Who counts as a tanker or barge

The law explains which vessels these rules cover. An articulated tug barge is a tank barge joined to a tug with hinged gear at the stern. An oil tanker is a self-powered deep-draft oil ship, and it does not include an articulated tug barge. A waterborne vessel counts if it can carry 10,000 gallons or more of oil for uses other than its own fuel. A towed general cargo deck barge carries cargo on deck. A tanker assigned under 40,000 deadweight tons when built or rebuilt is exempt from two separate pilotage rules (RCW 88.16.170 and 88.16.180) if this is shown in Lloyd’s Register of Ships.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Debra Lekanoff
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
Chris Stearns
Democratic • House
Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House
Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Strom Peterson
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 140 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 1 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Effective date 6/11/2026.
3/16/2026House
Chapter 64, 2026 Laws.
3/16/2026House
Governor signed.
3/16/2026legislature
Delivered to Governor.
3/10/2026legislature
President signed.
3/9/2026legislature
Speaker signed.
3/6/2026legislature
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/5/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.
3/5/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/5/2026House
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/2/2026House
Minority; without recommendation.
2/27/2026House
Minority; do not pass.
2/27/2026House
TRAN - Majority; do pass.
2/27/2026House
First reading, referred to Transportation.
2/13/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.
2/11/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/11/2026House
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/10/2026House
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/4/2026House
ENVI - Majority; do pass.
2/2/2026House
ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.
2/2/2026House
First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.
1/13/2026House
Introduced
1/13/2026House

Bill Text

Session Law
3/18/2026
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/11/2026
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/13/2026
HTML PDF

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