Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 9 D cosponsors

HB 2496 — Concerning tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council.

Last action — Effective date 6/11/2026.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 15, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson (Democratic) on March 30, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 82% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 9 sponsors

    1 primary, 8 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (9 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 3 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

66 added · 70 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment to House Bill 2496 clarifies the process for government-to-government consultations with tribes regarding proposed energy facilities. Previously, the bill required the chair and designated staff to offer consultations upon receiving an application but emphasized the need for a coordination of full council attendance during those consultations. Now, it focuses on allowing tribes to provide information about their resources or rights that may be affected, aiming to avoid or mitigate negative impacts. This change matters because it strengthens the role of tribal input in energy projects, ensuring their concerns are addressed more effectively.

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H-3342.1 SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2496 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By House Environment & Energy (originally sponsored by Representatives Stearns, Ramel, Parshley, Simmons, Santos, Doglio, Ormsby, Hill, and Pollet) READ FIRST TIME 02/04/26.
H-2845.1 HOUSE BILL 2496 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By Representatives Stearns, Ramel, Parshley, Simmons, Santos, Doglio, Ormsby, Hill, and Pollet Read first time 01/15/26.
Referred to Committee on Environment & Energy.
1 SHB 2496 (ii) Alternative energy resource facilities;
1 HB 2496 (ii) Alternative energy resource facilities;
2 SHB 2496 (4) Applications for certification of energy facilities made prior to July 15, 1977, shall continue to be governed by the applicable provisions of law in effect on the day immediately preceding July 15, 1977, with the exceptions of RCW 80.50.071 which shall apply to such prior applications and to site certifications prospectively from July 15, 1977.
2 HB 2496 (4) Applications for certification of energy facilities made prior to July 15, 1977, shall continue to be governed by the applicable provisions of law in effect on the day immediately preceding July 15, 1977, with the exceptions of RCW 80.50.071 which shall apply to such prior applications and to site certifications prospectively from July 15, 1977.
((The)) Upon the receipt of an application for certification, the chair and designated staff must offer to conduct government-to-government consultation to address issues of concern raised by such a tribe.
The ((chair)) council and designated staff must offer to conduct government-to-government consultation to address issues of concern raised by such a tribe.
As part of the consultation process, and upon request of the tribe to meet with the full council, consultation shall include as many members of the council as can be arranged.
The goal is to coordinate the full council's attendance.
The goal of the consultation process is ((to identify)) for the tribe to provide information regarding tribal resources or rights potentially p.
The goal of the consultation process is ((to identify)) for the tribe to provide information regarding tribal resources or rights potentially affected by the proposed energy facility ((and to seek)), as well as ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects on tribal resources or rights.
3 SHB 2496 affected by the proposed energy facility ((and to seek)), as well as ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects on tribal resources or rights.
((The chair must provide regular updates on the consultation to the council throughout the application review p.
((The chair must provide regular updates on the consultation to the council throughout the application review process.)) The report from the council to the governor required in RCW 80.50.100 must include a summary of the government-to-government consultation process that complies with RCW 42.56.300, including the issues and proposed resolutions.
3 HB 2496 process.)) The report from the council to the governor required in RCW 80.50.100 must include a summary of the government-to-government consultation process that complies with RCW 42.56.300, including the issues and proposed resolutions.
or (b) that portion of a meeting during which the p.
or (b) that portion of a meeting during which the governing body is planning or adopting the strategy or position to be taken by the governing body during the course of any collective bargaining, professional negotiations, or grievance or mediation p.
4 SHB 2496 governing body is planning or adopting the strategy or position to be taken by the governing body during the course of any collective bargaining, professional negotiations, or grievance or mediation proceedings, or reviewing the proposals made in the negotiations or proceedings while in progress;
4 HB 2496 proceedings, or reviewing the proposals made in the negotiations or proceedings while in progress;
5 SHB 2496
5 HB 2496
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Action History

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

  2. Chapter 244, 2026 Laws.

  3. Governor signed.

  4. Delivered to Governor.

  5. President signed.

  6. Speaker signed.

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

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

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

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

  15. Minority; do not pass.

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

  17. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 10:30 AM.

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

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

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  21. 1st substitute bill substituted (ENVI 26).

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

  23. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

  24. Minority; without recommendation.

  25. Minority; do not pass.

  26. ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

  27. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 1:30 PM.

  28. Public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 1:30 PM.

  29. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 8 co-sponsors · 142 not signed on · 44 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (8)

Not signed on (142)

142 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 142 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#16)

Passed 71 Yea · 24 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 142301
Democrat 57102
Total 712403
% of votes cast 72%24%0%3%
How each member voted (98)
Member Party Vote
Adam Bernbaum Democrat Yea
Adison Richards Democrat Yea
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Alex Ramel Democrat Yea
Alicia Rule Democrat Yea
Amy Walen Democrat Yea
April Berg Democrat Yea
Beth Doglio Democrat Yea
Brandy Donaghy Democrat Yea
Brianna Thomas Democrat Yea
Chipalo Street Democrat Yea
Chris Stearns Democrat Yea
Cindy Ryu Democrat Yea
Clyde Shavers Democrat Yea
Dan Bronoske Democrat Yea
Darya Farivar Democrat Yea
Dave Paul Democrat Yea
David Hackney Democrat Yea
Davina Duerr Democrat Yea
Debra Entenman Democrat Yea
Debra Lekanoff Democrat Yea
Edwin Obras Democrat Yea
Gerry Pollet Democrat Yea
Greg Nance Democrat Not Voting
Jake Fey Democrat Yea
Jamila Taylor Democrat Yea
Janice Zahn Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Nay
Joe Fitzgibbon Democrat Yea
Joe Timmons Democrat Yea
Julia Reed Democrat Yea
Kristine Reeves Democrat Yea
Larry Springer Democrat Yea
Lauren Davis Democrat Yea
Laurie Jinkins Democrat Yea
Lillian Ortiz-Self Democrat Yea
Lisa Callan Democrat Yea
Lisa Parshley Democrat Yea
Liz Berry Democrat Yea
Mari Leavitt Democrat Yea
Mary Fosse Democrat Yea
Melanie Morgan Democrat Yea
Mia Gregerson Democrat Yea
Monica Jurado Stonier Democrat Yea
My-Linh Thai Democrat Yea
Natasha Hill Democrat Yea
Nicole Macri Democrat Yea
Osman Salahuddin Democrat Yea
Roger Goodman Democrat Yea
Sharlett Mena Democrat Yea
Sharon Tomiko Santos Democrat Yea
Sharon Wylie Democrat Yea
Shaun Scott Democrat Yea
Shelley Kloba Democrat Yea
Steve Bergquist Democrat Yea
Steve Tharinger Democrat Not Voting
Strom Peterson Democrat Yea
Tarra Simmons Democrat Yea
Timm Ormsby Democrat Yea
Zach Hall Democrat Yea
Alex Ybarra Republican Yea
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
Andrew Engell Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Yea
Brian Burnett Republican Nay
Carolyn Eslick Republican Yea
Chris Corry Republican Yea
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
David Stuebe Republican Yea
Deb Manjarrez Republican Yea
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Nay
Gloria Mendoza Republican Yea
Hunter Abell Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jeremie Dufault Republican Yea
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Not Voting
John Ley Republican Nay
Joshua Penner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Yea
Mark Klicker Republican Yea
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Matt Marshall Republican Nay
Michael Keaton Republican Yea
Mike Steele Republican Nay
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Rob Chase Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Yea
Skyler Rude Republican Yea
Stephanie Barnard Republican Yea
Stephanie McClintock Republican Nay
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Nay
Tom Dent Republican Nay
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#12)

Passed 30 Yea · 19 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 30000
Republican 01900
Total 301900
% of votes cast 61%39%0%0%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Claire Wilson Democrat Yea
Claudia Kauffman Democrat Yea
Deborah Krishnadasan Democrat Yea
Derek Stanford Democrat Yea
Drew Hansen Democrat Yea
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Yea
Jesse Salomon Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
John Lovick Democrat Yea
June Robinson Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Liz Lovelett Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Noel Frame Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Yea
Sharon Shewmake Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
T'wina Nobles Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Victoria Hunt Democrat Yea
Yasmin Trudeau Democrat Yea
Chris Gildon Republican Nay
Curtis King Republican Nay
Drew MacEwen Republican Nay
Jeff Holy Republican Nay
Jeff Wilson Republican Nay
Jim McCune Republican Nay
John Braun Republican Nay
Judy Warnick Republican Nay
Keith Goehner Republican Nay
Keith Wagoner Republican Nay
Leonard Christian Republican Nay
Mark Schoesler Republican Nay
Matt Boehnke Republican Nay
Nikki Torres Republican Nay
Paul Harris Republican Nay
Perry Dozier Republican Nay
Phil Fortunato Republican Nay
Ron Muzzall Republican Nay
Shelly Short Republican Nay

Official roll call →

3rd Reading & Final Passage (#32)

Passed 70 Yea · 24 Nay · 4 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 122303
Democrat 58101
Total 702404
% of votes cast 71%24%0%4%
How each member voted (98)
Member Party Vote
Adam Bernbaum Democrat Yea
Adison Richards Democrat Yea
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Alex Ramel Democrat Yea
Alicia Rule Democrat Yea
Amy Walen Democrat Yea
April Berg Democrat Yea
Beth Doglio Democrat Yea
Brandy Donaghy Democrat Yea
Brianna Thomas Democrat Yea
Chipalo Street Democrat Yea
Chris Stearns Democrat Yea
Cindy Ryu Democrat Yea
Clyde Shavers Democrat Yea
Dan Bronoske Democrat Yea
Darya Farivar Democrat Yea
Dave Paul Democrat Yea
David Hackney Democrat Yea
Davina Duerr Democrat Yea
Debra Entenman Democrat Yea
Debra Lekanoff Democrat Yea
Edwin Obras Democrat Yea
Gerry Pollet Democrat Yea
Greg Nance Democrat Yea
Jake Fey Democrat Yea
Jamila Taylor Democrat Yea
Janice Zahn Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Nay
Joe Fitzgibbon Democrat Yea
Joe Timmons Democrat Yea
Julia Reed Democrat Yea
Kristine Reeves Democrat Yea
Larry Springer Democrat Yea
Lauren Davis Democrat Yea
Laurie Jinkins Democrat Yea
Lillian Ortiz-Self Democrat Yea
Lisa Callan Democrat Yea
Lisa Parshley Democrat Yea
Liz Berry Democrat Yea
Mari Leavitt Democrat Yea
Mary Fosse Democrat Yea
Melanie Morgan Democrat Yea
Mia Gregerson Democrat Yea
Monica Jurado Stonier Democrat Yea
My-Linh Thai Democrat Yea
Natasha Hill Democrat Yea
Nicole Macri Democrat Yea
Osman Salahuddin Democrat Yea
Roger Goodman Democrat Yea
Sharlett Mena Democrat Yea
Sharon Tomiko Santos Democrat Yea
Sharon Wylie Democrat Yea
Shaun Scott Democrat Yea
Shelley Kloba Democrat Yea
Steve Bergquist Democrat Yea
Steve Tharinger Democrat Not Voting
Strom Peterson Democrat Yea
Tarra Simmons Democrat Yea
Timm Ormsby Democrat Yea
Zach Hall Democrat Yea
Alex Ybarra Republican Yea
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
Andrew Engell Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Yea
Brian Burnett Republican Nay
Carolyn Eslick Republican Not Voting
Chris Corry Republican Not Voting
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
David Stuebe Republican Yea
Deb Manjarrez Republican Yea
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Nay
Gloria Mendoza Republican Yea
Hunter Abell Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jeremie Dufault Republican Yea
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Nay
John Ley Republican Nay
Joshua Penner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Yea
Mark Klicker Republican Yea
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Matt Marshall Republican Nay
Michael Keaton Republican Yea
Mike Steele Republican Nay
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Rob Chase Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Yea
Skyler Rude Republican Yea
Stephanie Barnard Republican Yea
Stephanie McClintock Republican Nay
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Nay
Tom Dent Republican Not Voting
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

energy
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 2496?
HB 2496 is sponsored by Gerry Pollet (Democrat), Natasha Hill (Democrat), Timm Ormsby (Democrat), Beth Doglio (Democrat), Sharon Tomiko Santos (Democrat), Tarra Simmons (Democrat), Lisa Parshley (Democrat), Alex Ramel (Democrat), and Chris Stearns (Democrat).
What is the current status of HB 2496?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 15, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 2496?
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