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WashingtonHB 24362025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters.

Sponsored By: Debra Lekanoff (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Oil tankers face Washington navigation limits

Beginning June 11, 2026, the law sets navigation and tug-escort rules for oil tankers in specified Washington waters. Tankers over 125,000 deadweight tons need U.S. Coast Guard authorization to travel east of the Discovery Island light–New Dungeness light line. Tankers from 40,000 to 125,000 deadweight tons need tug escorts in covered waters, including Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The tugs’ combined shaft horsepower must be at least 3,000 or 5% of the tanker’s deadweight tons, whichever is greater. The law also includes a Rosario Strait and connected eastern waterways rule dated September 1, 2020. It requires 2,000 combined shaft horsepower for tankers between 5,000 and 40,000 deadweight tons and covered oil-carrying barges over 5,000 deadweight tons. Refueling vessels and general cargo deck barges are exempt from that smaller-vessel rule; the Board of Pilotage Commissioners can adjust or suspend it by rule. Empty vessels, including those carrying only ballast, do not need tug escorts. Tankers rated below 40,000 deadweight tons at construction or reconstruction, as listed in Lloyd’s Register, are exempt from RCW 88.16.170 and 88.16.180.

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

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/16/2026House

  2. Chapter 64, 2026 Laws.

    3/16/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/16/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/10/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  7. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  8. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/5/2026House

  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/27/2026House

  12. Minority; do not pass.

    2/27/2026House

  13. TRAN - Majority; do pass.

    2/27/2026House

  14. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    2/13/2026House

  15. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/11/2026House

  16. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026House

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

    2/10/2026House

  18. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/4/2026House

  19. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/2/2026House

  20. ENVI - Majority; do pass.

    2/2/2026House

  21. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

    1/13/2026House

  22. Introduced

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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