PRIA Logo™
WashingtonHB 25882025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning county ferry district authority.

Sponsored By: Joe Timmons (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Voters control higher new ferry taxes

Ferry districts created after June 11, 2026, need voter approval for property taxes above $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value. A majority of district voters voting on the measure must approve it at a general or special election. This requirement does not apply in counties with at least 1.5 million residents. Levy ceilings remain $0.75 per $1,000 generally and $0.075 per $1,000 in counties with at least 1.5 million residents. The law does not itself set a tax rate or guarantee a tax reduction.

County ferries gain more service options

Beginning June 11, 2026, county ferry districts can build, buy, run, and maintain ferries and wharves without a passenger-only limit. Districts can use authorized property-tax money and general obligation bonds for ferry service, vessels, and related terminals. County district ferry service is also exempt from the 10-mile restriction near state ferry crossings. That exception is not limited to passenger-only service. The law expands local options but does not require any particular route or guarantee household savings.

Countywide ferry districts add resident oversight

Beginning June 11, 2026, new county ferry districts must cover the whole county, including cities and towns. Counties must hold a public hearing, find a public interest, and promptly appoint five county residents to an advisory committee. At least three members represent frequent ferry users, and two represent other county areas; members serve without pay. Initial terms are staggered, later terms last four years, and at least one federally recognized tribal member is encouraged. A county switching from a county-owned ferry system can designate its existing local ferry advisory committee instead.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Debra Lekanoff

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 76

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 56 • No: 40 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 30 • No: 17 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 73 • No: 19 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/24/2026House

  2. Chapter 187, 2026 Laws.

    3/24/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/24/2026legislature

  4. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Passed final passage; yeas, 56; nays, 40; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  7. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  8. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 17; absent, 1; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/6/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  13. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026House

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  15. TRAN - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/2/2026House

  16. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  17. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    2/17/2026House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 73; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 6.

    2/13/2026House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026House

  20. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/13/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  22. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/9/2026House

  24. Minority; do not pass.

    2/9/2026House

  25. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation