PRIA Logo™
WashingtonSB 63542025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Advancing transportation electrification by expanding access to electric vehicles already being sold in Washington and increasing associated funding.

Sponsored By: Marko Liias (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

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

Electric car rebates for vulnerable buyers

Beginning October 1, 2026, Washington’s Department of Commerce must create instant rebates that lower electric vehicle purchase or lease costs. Only people meeting Washington’s legal definition of vulnerable populations qualify. Rebates depend on approved funding; the law sets no rebate amount and guarantees no payment. Through December 31, 2036, $25 from each qualifying dealer or lessor title fee is split between two accounts. The electric vehicle account gets 35% ($8.75) for rebates, while the multimodal transportation account gets 65% ($16.25).

Direct sales for qualifying electric carmakers

Beginning June 11, 2026, qualifying carmakers can run Washington dealerships and provide or arrange financing, leasing, and service. They must be U.S.-incorporated, make only battery electric vehicles, and never have entered a dealer franchise agreement. They need a Washington service facility as of January 1, 2026, and at least 300 Washington registrations before that date. Their dealerships can sell only their own new makes or lines not sold new by licensed independent franchise dealers. They cannot distribute vehicles for a manufacturer barred from acting as a dealer, or become majority-owned or controlled by one.

Higher title fees for vehicle buyers

Beginning October 1, 2026, title applications for dealer or lessor retail sales and leases cost $40. This covers new and used vehicles through December 31, 2036. After that date, the fee is $15; all other title applications cost $15. From each $40 fee, $5 follows existing state distribution rules and $10 goes to the transportation nickel account.

Licensing checks and penalties for carmakers

Beginning June 11, 2026, carmakers using the new electric vehicle sales permission must keep a Washington dealer license. They must submit a sworn statement confirming eligibility with each application and renewal. Washington must revoke the license within 30 days after eligibility is lost. The state must also deny dealer licenses when issuing them causes covered businesses or related people to break dealer laws. Manufacturers barred from acting as dealers and ineligible for the ownership exemption face $10,000 per covered Washington retail sale or lease; buyers do not pay this penalty.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Curtis King

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 14

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 47 • No: 2

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 84 • No: 9 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/24/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 186, 2026 Laws.

    3/24/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/24/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/13/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 47; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/12/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 84; nays, 9; absent, 0; excused, 5.

    3/11/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/11/2026Senate

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

    3/11/2026Senate

  13. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/9/2026Senate

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/9/2026Senate

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

    3/9/2026Senate

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

    3/9/2026Senate

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/9/2026Senate

  18. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    3/4/2026Senate

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/3/2026Senate

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026Senate

  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/3/2026Senate

  22. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/3/2026Senate

  23. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026Senate

  24. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026Senate

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation