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WashingtonHB 24962025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council.

Sponsored By: Chris Stearns (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tribes gain input on energy projects

Washington’s energy siting council must offer government-to-government consultation within 90 days after receiving a facility certification application. This covers federally recognized tribes with resources, rights, or interests protected by federal treaty, law, or executive order in the project area. Consultation follows the application review timeline and begins once tribes have enough information to assess impacts. Tribes can suggest ways to avoid or reduce harm and request attendance by as many council members as practical. Before reporting to the governor, the council gives tribes its consultation summary; tribes have 30 days to request corrections or submit their own summary for inclusion.

Tribal talks exempt from public meetings

Government-to-government tribal consultation in Washington’s energy siting process is exempt from the usual public-meeting requirements. Enough council members to form a quorum can attend without making the consultation a public meeting. Members must not deliberate, give assurances, or make commitments during the consultation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Stearns

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Tomiko Santos

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 67

House vote • 3/9/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 71 • No: 24 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 70 • No: 24 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/30/2026House

  2. Chapter 244, 2026 Laws.

    3/30/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/30/2026legislature

  4. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 71; nays, 24; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/9/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/9/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/28/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    2/28/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/24/2026House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/23/2026House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/20/2026House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    2/20/2026House

  16. ENET - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/20/2026House

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

    2/17/2026House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 70; nays, 24; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/13/2026House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026House

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2026House

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

    2/12/2026House

  22. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/4/2026House

  23. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/2/2026House

  24. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/2/2026House

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

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