Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 4 D cosponsors

HB 2251 — Concerning climate commitment act accounts.

Last action — Effective date 7/1/2027.

  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 05, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson (Democratic) on March 25, 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 78% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 4 sponsors

    1 primary, 3 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (4 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

1152 added · 1154 removed

Plain-language change summary

The revised version of House Bill 2251 updates how state revenue from carbon auctions is allocated. It specifies that in a year when projected revenue exceeds $513 million, $359 million must be directed to the carbon emissions reduction account, but it removes the requirement for remaining auction proceeds to go towards other climate-related accounts. This change simplifies the funding process, allowing for a more focused investment in carbon reduction efforts, which is crucial for addressing climate change effectively.

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H-3268.1 SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2251 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By House Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Fitzgibbon, Gregerson, Parshley, and Thomas) READ FIRST TIME 02/03/26.
H-2685.2 HOUSE BILL 2251 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By Representatives Fitzgibbon, Gregerson, Parshley, and Thomas Prefiled 01/05/26.
Read first time 01/12/26.
Referred to Committee on Appropriations.
1 SHB 2251 adjusted by the fiscal growth factor as defined in RCW 43.135.025, as described in RCW 70A.65.100(7)(a);
1 HB 2251 adjusted by the fiscal growth factor as defined in RCW 43.135.025, as described in RCW 70A.65.100(7)(b);
2 SHB 2251 (k) The expansion of clean manufacturing capacity in communities across Washington, including related community investments such as transportation, municipal service delivery, and technology investments, with an emphasis on communities in greatest need of job creation and economic development and potential for commute reduction;
2 HB 2251 (k) The expansion of clean manufacturing capacity in communities across Washington, including related community investments such as transportation, municipal service delivery, and technology investments, with an emphasis on communities in greatest need of job creation and economic development and potential for commute reduction;
3 SHB 2251 (s) Clean water investments that improve resilience from climate impacts.
3 HB 2251 (s) Clean water investments that improve resilience from climate impacts.
4 SHB 2251 (4) Projects or activities funded from the account must meet high labor standards, including:
4 HB 2251 (4) Projects or activities funded from the account must meet high labor standards, including:
5 SHB 2251 combined heat and power, district energy, on-site renewables such as solar and wind power, and less emissions-intensive fuel sources;
5 HB 2251 combined heat and power, district energy, on-site renewables such as solar and wind power, and less emissions-intensive fuel sources;
6 SHB 2251 recent baseline climate commitment act forecast projects $1,000,000,000 or more for the biennium in total revenue to the state.
6 HB 2251 recent baseline climate commitment act forecast projects $1,000,000,000 or more for the biennium in total revenue to the state.
7 SHB 2251 (n) Healthy forest investments to improve resilience from climate impacts.
7 HB 2251 (n) Healthy forest investments to improve resilience from climate impacts.
8 SHB 2251 (4) Moneys in the account must be spent in a manner that is consistent with scientific assessment of current and future climate risks such as those encompassed in the state's current climate resilience strategy developed under chapter 70A.05 RCW.
8 HB 2251 (4) Moneys in the account must be spent in a manner that is consistent with scientific assessment of current and future climate risks such as those encompassed in the state's current climate resilience strategy developed under chapter 70A.05 RCW.
9 SHB 2251 eligible to participate only after receiving a notice of approval by the department.
9 HB 2251 eligible to participate only after receiving a notice of approval by the department.
10 SHB 2251 winning bidders and transfer the auction proceeds to the state treasurer for deposit as follows:
10 HB 2251 winning bidders and transfer the auction proceeds to the state treasurer for deposit as follows:
(((i) $359,117,000 per year must first be deposited into the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240;
(a) During a fiscal year in which, as of the first auction of that fiscal year, the department's most recent baseline climate commitment act forecast projects total revenue to the state for that fiscal year of $513,117,000 or more:
and (ii) the remaining auction proceeds to the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
(i) $359,117,000 per year must first be deposited into the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240;
(e) The deposits into the carbon emissions reduction account pursuant to (a) through (d) of this subsection must not exceed $5,200,000,000 over the first 16 fiscal years and any remaining auction proceeds must be deposited into the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
((and)) (ii) ((the remaining auction proceeds to the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
(f) For fiscal year 2038 and each year thereafter, upon completion and verification of the auction results, the financial p.
(e) The deposits into the carbon emissions reduction account pursuant to (a) through (d) of this subsection must not exceed $5,200,000,000 over the first 16 fiscal years and any remaining auction proceeds must be deposited into the climate investment p.
11 SHB 2251 services administrator shall notify winning bidders and transfer the auction proceeds to the state treasurer for deposit as follows:
11 HB 2251 account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
(i) 50 percent of the auction proceeds to the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240;
(f) For fiscal year 2038 and each year thereafter, upon completion and verification of the auction results, the financial services administrator shall notify winning bidders and transfer the auction proceeds to the state treasurer for deposit as follows:)) $144,000,000 per year must then be deposited in the climate commitment act operating account created in section 1 of this act;
and (ii) the remaining auction proceeds to the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280)) (a) First, each fiscal year an amount must be deposited in the climate commitment act operating account created in section 1 of this act as follows:
(iii) $10,000,000 per year must then be deposited in the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280;
and (iv) the remaining auction proceeds for each fiscal year must be deposited into the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act.
(b) During a fiscal year in which, as of the first auction of that fiscal year, the department's most recent baseline climate commitment act forecast projects total revenue to the state for that fiscal year of less than $513,117,000:
(i) First, an amount must be deposited in the climate commitment act operating account created in section 1 of this act as follows:
The department must calculate this amount for every fiscal year and communicate it to the state treasurer, the office of financial management, and legislative staff.
The department must calculate this amount for every fiscal year and communicate it to the state treasurer as needed, though it is only to be used for a transfer amount when the criteria in this subsection (7)(b) are met;
(b) The remaining auction proceeds each fiscal year after the distribution in (a) of this subsection must be deposited as follows:
and (ii) for the remaining auction proceeds in that fiscal year, the proceeds of each auction must be distributed 50 percent ((of the auction proceeds)) to the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240((;
(i) 68 percent to the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240.
and (ii) the remaining auction proceeds to the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250 and the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280)), 32 percent to the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act, 17 percent to the climate commitment act operating account created in section 1 of this act, and one percent to the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
When total revenue to the carbon emissions reduction account under this subsection reaches a maximum of $359,117,000 for the fiscal year, revenue under this subsection (7)(b)(i) is instead deposited into the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act;
(8) The department shall adopt by rule provisions to guard against bidder collusion and minimize the potential for market manipulation.
(ii) 15 percent to the climate commitment act operating account created in section 1 of this act.
When total revenue to the climate commitment act operating account under (a) and (b)(ii) of this subsection reaches a maximum of $80,000,000 for the fiscal year, revenue under this subsection (7)(b)(ii) is instead deposited into the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act;
(iii) Two percent to the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280.
When total revenue to the air quality and health disparities improvement account under this subsection reaches a maximum of $10,000,000 for the fiscal year, revenue under this subsection (7)(b)(iii) is instead deposited into the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act;
and (iv) 15 percent to the climate commitment act capital account created in section 2 of this act.
(8) The department shall adopt by rule provisions to guard against bidder collusion and minimize the potential for market p.
12 SHB 2251 manipulation.
bidding strategy;
bidding p.
12 HB 2251 strategy;
(10) Any cancellation or restriction approved by the department under subsection (8) of this section may be permanent or for a specified number of auctions and the cancellation or restriction imposed is not exclusive and is in addition to the remedies that may p.
(10) Any cancellation or restriction approved by the department under subsection (8) of this section may be permanent or for a specified number of auctions and the cancellation or restriction imposed is not exclusive and is in addition to the remedies that may be available pursuant to chapter 19.86 RCW or other state or federal laws, if applicable.
13 SHB 2251 be available pursuant to chapter 19.86 RCW or other state or federal laws, if applicable.
p.
(11) The department shall design allowance auctions so as to allow, to the maximum extent practicable, linking with external greenhouse gas emissions trading programs in other jurisdictions and to facilitate the transfer of allowances when the state's program has entered into a linkage agreement with other external greenhouse gas emissions trading programs.
13 HB 2251 (11) The department shall design allowance auctions so as to allow, to the maximum extent practicable, linking with external greenhouse gas emissions trading programs in other jurisdictions and to facilitate the transfer of allowances when the state's program has entered into a linkage agreement with other external greenhouse gas emissions trading programs.
Investments that meet the requirement of this subsection (1)(b) may include a letter of support from an Indian tribe, funding p.
Investments that meet the requirement of this subsection (1)(b) may include a letter of support from an Indian tribe, funding provided to or requested by an Indian tribe, a formal resolution of an Indian tribe, or similar expressions of support from an Indian p.
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14 SHB 2251 provided to or requested by an Indian tribe, a formal resolution of an Indian tribe, or similar expressions of support from an Indian tribe.
14 HB 2251 tribe.
(2) Moneys in the account may be used for ((either)) operating budget, capital budget, or transportation budget purposes((, or p.
(2) Moneys in the account may be used for ((either)) operating budget, capital budget, or transportation budget purposes((, or both)).
15 SHB 2251 both)).
Moneys in the account may not be used for projects that would violate tribal treaty rights or result in significant long-term p.
Moneys in the account may not be used for projects that would violate tribal treaty rights or result in significant long-term damage to critical habitat or ecological functions.
15 HB 2251 damage to critical habitat or ecological functions.
(iii) The methods by which overburdened communities and vulnerable populations were identified by the agency and an explanation of the outcomes of those identification processes, p.
(iii) The methods by which overburdened communities and vulnerable populations were identified by the agency and an explanation of the outcomes of those identification processes, including the geographic location impacted by the expenditure where p.
16 SHB 2251 including the geographic location impacted by the expenditure where relevant, and the geographic boundaries of overburdened communities identified by the agency;
16 HB 2251 relevant, and the geographic boundaries of overburdened communities identified by the agency;
p.
(1) Any civil penalty provided in RCW 18.104.155, 70A.15.3160, 70A.205.280, 70A.230.080, 70A.300.090, 70A.20.050, 70A.245.040, p.
17 SHB 2251 (1) Any civil penalty provided in RCW 18.104.155, 70A.15.3160, 70A.205.280, 70A.230.080, 70A.300.090, 70A.20.050, 70A.245.040, 70A.245.050, 70A.245.070, 70A.245.080, 70A.245.130, 70A.245.140, 70A.65.200, 70A.430.070, 70A.455.090, 70A.500.260, 70A.505.110, 70A.555.110, 70A.560.020, 70A.208.230, 70A.565.030, 86.16.081, 88.46.090, 90.03.600, 90.46.270, 90.48.144, 90.56.310, 90.56.330, and 90.64.102 and chapter 70A.355 RCW shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the penalty from the department or the local air authority, describing the violation with reasonable particularity.
17 HB 2251 70A.245.050, 70A.245.070, 70A.245.080, 70A.245.130, 70A.245.140, 70A.65.200, 70A.430.070, 70A.455.090, 70A.500.260, ((70A.505.110,)) 70A.555.110, 70A.560.020, 70A.208.230, 70A.565.030, 86.16.081, 88.46.090, 90.03.600, 90.46.270, 90.48.144, 90.56.310, 90.56.330, and 90.64.102 and chapter 70A.355 RCW shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the penalty from the department or the local air authority, describing the violation with reasonable particularity.
(4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within 30 days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon request of the department, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county, or of any county in which the violator does business, to p.
(4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within 30 days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon request of the department, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county, or of any county in which the violator does business, to recover the penalty.
18 SHB 2251 recover the penalty.
If the amount of the penalty is not paid to the authority within 30 days after it becomes due and payable, the p.
If the amount of the penalty is not paid to the authority within 30 days after it becomes due and payable, the authority may bring an action to recover the penalty in the superior court of the county of the authority's main office or of any county in which the violator does business.
18 HB 2251 authority may bring an action to recover the penalty in the superior court of the county of the authority's main office or of any county in which the violator does business.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, each year or biennium, as appropriate, when allocating funds from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, the ((natural climate solutions)) p.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, each year or biennium, as appropriate, when allocating funds from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, the ((natural climate solutions)) climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270)) section 2 of this act, ((the climate investment account created in p.
19 SHB 2251 climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270)) section 2 of this act, ((the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250,)) or the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280, or administering grants or programs funded by the accounts, agencies shall conduct an environmental justice assessment consistent with the requirements of RCW 70A.02.060 and establish a minimum of not less than 35 percent and a goal of 40 percent of total investments that provide direct and meaningful benefits to vulnerable populations within the boundaries of overburdened communities through:
19 HB 2251 RCW 70A.65.250,)) or the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280, or administering grants or programs funded by the accounts, agencies shall conduct an environmental justice assessment consistent with the requirements of RCW 70A.02.060 and establish a minimum of not less than 35 percent and a goal of 40 percent of total investments that provide direct and meaningful benefits to vulnerable populations within the boundaries of overburdened communities through:
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, state agencies allocating funds or administering grants or programs from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, the ((natural climate solutions)) climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270)) section 2 of this act, ((the climate investment account created in p.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, state agencies allocating funds or administering grants or programs from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, the ((natural climate solutions)) climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270)) section 2 of this act, ((the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250,)) or the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280, must:
20 SHB 2251 RCW 70A.65.250,)) or the air quality and health disparities improvement account created in RCW 70A.65.280, must:
p.
(a) Report ((annually)) biennially to the environmental justice council created in RCW 70A.02.110 regarding progress toward meeting environmental justice and environmental health goals;
20 HB 2251 (a) Report ((annually)) biennially to the environmental justice council created in RCW 70A.02.110 regarding progress toward meeting environmental justice and environmental health goals;
(1) The environmental justice council created in RCW 70A.02.110 must provide recommendations to the legislature, agencies, and the p.
(1) The environmental justice council created in RCW 70A.02.110 must provide recommendations to the legislature, agencies, and the governor in the development and implementation of the program established in RCW 70A.65.060 through 70A.65.210, and the programs p.
21 SHB 2251 governor in the development and implementation of the program established in RCW 70A.65.060 through 70A.65.210, and the programs funded from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, and the ((natural climate solutions)) climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270, and the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250)) section 2 of this act.
21 HB 2251 funded from the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240, the climate commitment act operating account created in ((RCW 70A.65.260)) section 1 of this act, and the ((natural climate solutions)) climate commitment act capital account created in ((RCW 70A.65.270, and the climate investment account created in RCW 70A.65.250)) section 2 of this act.
p.
(g) Provide recommendations to implementing agencies for meaningful consultation with vulnerable populations, including community engagement plans under RCW 70A.65.020 and 70A.65.030;
22 SHB 2251 (g) Provide recommendations to implementing agencies for meaningful consultation with vulnerable populations, including community engagement plans under RCW 70A.65.020 and 70A.65.030;
and p.
and (h) Recommend how to support public participation through capacity grants for participation.
22 HB 2251 (h) Recommend how to support public participation through capacity grants for participation.
p.
(((j))) (i) Creating a price ceiling and associated mechanisms as provided in RCW 70A.65.160;
23 SHB 2251 (((j))) (i) Creating a price ceiling and associated mechanisms as provided in RCW 70A.65.160;
and p.
and (((k))) (j) Providing for the allocation of allowances to emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries pursuant to RCW 70A.65.110.
23 HB 2251 (((k))) (j) Providing for the allocation of allowances to emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries pursuant to RCW 70A.65.110.
p.
Sec.
24 SHB 2251 Sec.
(1) All covered and opt-in entities are required to submit compliance instruments in a timely manner to meet the entities' compliance obligations and shall comply with all requirements for monitoring, reporting, holding, and transferring emission allowances and other provisions of this chapter.
p.
24 HB 2251 (1) All covered and opt-in entities are required to submit compliance instruments in a timely manner to meet the entities' compliance obligations and shall comply with all requirements for monitoring, reporting, holding, and transferring emission allowances and other provisions of this chapter.
p.
(8) An electric utility or natural gas utility must notify its retail customers and the environmental justice council in published p.
25 SHB 2251 (8) An electric utility or natural gas utility must notify its retail customers and the environmental justice council in published form within three months of paying a monetary penalty under this section.
25 HB 2251 form within three months of paying a monetary penalty under this section.
p.
(xi) Chapter 80.04 RCW;
26 SHB 2251 (xi) Chapter 80.04 RCW;
(xiii) Chapter 80.70 RCW;
p.
26 HB 2251 (xiii) Chapter 80.70 RCW;
((During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, salmon habitat and climate resilience projects funded from the natural climate solutions account created in RCW 70A.65.270 that went through the application and prioritization p.
((During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, salmon habitat and climate resilience projects funded from the natural climate solutions account created in RCW 70A.65.270 that went through the application and prioritization process before July 1, 2023, are exempt from the preapplication requirements under this subsection.)) p.
27 SHB 2251 process before July 1, 2023, are exempt from the preapplication requirements under this subsection.)) (a) The preapplication process must include the applicant notifying the department of archaeology and historic preservation, the department of fish and wildlife, and all affected federally recognized tribes within the project area.
27 HB 2251 (a) The preapplication process must include the applicant notifying the department of archaeology and historic preservation, the department of fish and wildlife, and all affected federally recognized tribes within the project area.
p.
(3) If any funding decision, program, project, or activity that may impact tribal resources, including tribal cultural resources, p.
28 SHB 2251 (3) If any funding decision, program, project, or activity that may impact tribal resources, including tribal cultural resources, archaeological sites, sacred sites, fisheries, or other rights and interests in tribal lands and lands within which a tribe or tribes possess rights reserved by federal treaty, statute, or executive order is funded from the accounts created in ((RCW 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260, and 70A.65.270)) sections 1 and 2 of this act without such a consultation with an affected federally recognized tribe, the affected federally recognized tribe may request that all further action on the decision, program, project, or activity cease until meaningful consultation is completed.
28 HB 2251 archaeological sites, sacred sites, fisheries, or other rights and interests in tribal lands and lands within which a tribe or tribes possess rights reserved by federal treaty, statute, or executive order is funded from the accounts created in ((RCW 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260, and 70A.65.270)) sections 1 and 2 of this act without such a consultation with an affected federally recognized tribe, the affected federally recognized tribe may request that all further action on the decision, program, project, or activity cease until meaningful consultation is completed.
(6) After the meeting identified in subsection (5) of this section has occurred, the governor or an elected tribal leader of a p.
(6) After the meeting identified in subsection (5) of this section has occurred, the governor or an elected tribal leader of a federally recognized tribe may call for the state and tribe or tribes to enter into formal mediation, except that a federally recognized p.
29 SHB 2251 federally recognized tribe may call for the state and tribe or tribes to enter into formal mediation, except that a federally recognized tribe may choose to opt out of the mediation.
29 HB 2251 tribe may choose to opt out of the mediation.
(9) The requirements of this section apply to local governments that receive funding from the accounts created in ((RCW 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260, and 70A.65.270)) sections 1 and 2 of this act, where that p.
(9) The requirements of this section apply to local governments that receive funding from the accounts created in ((RCW 70A.65.250, 70A.65.260, and 70A.65.270)) sections 1 and 2 of this act, where that funding is disbursed to project and program applicants.
30 SHB 2251 funding is disbursed to project and program applicants.
Where requested, the governor's office of Indian affairs must provide p.
Where requested, the governor's office of Indian affairs must provide training and other technical assistance to local government agencies as they implement the consultation requirements of this section.
30 HB 2251 training and other technical assistance to local government agencies as they implement the consultation requirements of this section.
(i) Property or economic damage, as described under RCW 76.04.760(3) (a), (c), and (d), suffered by the claimant as a result of the prescribed fire or cultural burn;
31 SHB 2251 (i) Property or economic damage, as described under RCW 76.04.760(3) (a), (c), and (d), suffered by the claimant as a result of the prescribed fire or cultural burn;
31 HB 2251 (ii) Reasonable costs authorized for reimbursement by the department under RCW 76.04.475, related to the prescribed fire or cultural burn;
(ii) Reasonable costs authorized for reimbursement by the department under RCW 76.04.475, related to the prescribed fire or cultural burn;
(c) Guidelines and any rules adopted under this section must be made publicly available on the websites of the office of risk management and the department.
32 SHB 2251 (c) Guidelines and any rules adopted under this section must be made publicly available on the websites of the office of risk management and the department.
32 HB 2251 (6) This section does not limit the ability of a person to assert a claim for damages arising from a prescribed fire under any other law.
(6) This section does not limit the ability of a person to assert a claim for damages arising from a prescribed fire under any other law.
(2) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section and RCW 76.13.100, 76.13.110, 76.13.140, and 76.13.160 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
33 SHB 2251 (2) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section and RCW 76.13.100, 76.13.110, 76.13.140, and 76.13.160 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
33 HB 2251 (a) "Forestry riparian easement" means an easement covering qualifying timber granted voluntarily to the state by a qualifying small forestland owner.
(a) "Forestry riparian easement" means an easement covering qualifying timber granted voluntarily to the state by a qualifying small forestland owner.
(i) A forestland owner as defined in RCW 76.09.020 whose interest in the land and timber is in fee or who has rights to the timber to p.
(i) A forestland owner as defined in RCW 76.09.020 whose interest in the land and timber is in fee or who has rights to the timber to be included in the forestry riparian easement that extend at least 40 years from the date the completed forestry riparian easement application associated with the easement is submitted;
34 SHB 2251 be included in the forestry riparian easement that extend at least 40 years from the date the completed forestry riparian easement application associated with the easement is submitted;
p.
(ii) An entity that has harvested from its own lands in this state during the three years prior to the year of application an average timber volume that would qualify the owner as a small harvester under RCW 84.33.035;
34 HB 2251 (ii) An entity that has harvested from its own lands in this state during the three years prior to the year of application an average timber volume that would qualify the owner as a small harvester under RCW 84.33.035;
p.
(4) The department is authorized and directed to accept and hold in the name of the state of Washington forestry riparian easements granted by qualifying small forestland owners covering qualifying timber and to pay compensation to the landowners in accordance with p.
35 SHB 2251 (4) The department is authorized and directed to accept and hold in the name of the state of Washington forestry riparian easements granted by qualifying small forestland owners covering qualifying timber and to pay compensation to the landowners in accordance with this section.
35 HB 2251 this section.
The legislature recognizes that there is not readily available market transaction evidence of value for easements of the p.
The legislature recognizes that there is not readily available market transaction evidence of value for easements of the nature required by this section, and thus establishes the methodology provided in this subsection to ascertain the value for forestry riparian easements.
36 SHB 2251 nature required by this section, and thus establishes the methodology provided in this subsection to ascertain the value for forestry riparian easements.
(b) The small forestland owner office, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, is responsible for assessing the volume of qualifying timber.
p.
36 HB 2251 (b) The small forestland owner office, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, is responsible for assessing the volume of qualifying timber.
p.
(c) Upon donation or payment of compensation, the department may record the easement.
37 SHB 2251 (c) Upon donation or payment of compensation, the department may record the easement.
(i) A standard version of a forestry riparian easement application as well as all additional documents necessary or advisable to create the forestry riparian easements as provided for in this section;
p.
37 HB 2251 (i) A standard version of a forestry riparian easement application as well as all additional documents necessary or advisable to create the forestry riparian easements as provided for in this section;
p.
(vii) A method to determine timber that is qualifying timber because it is rendered uneconomic to harvest by the rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 and 76.09.370;
38 SHB 2251 (vii) A method to determine timber that is qualifying timber because it is rendered uneconomic to harvest by the rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 and 76.09.370;
and (ix) Consistent with RCW 76.13.180, a method to collect reimbursement from landowners who received compensation for a forestry riparian easement and who, within the first 10 years after receipt of compensation for a forestry riparian easement, sells the land on which an easement is located to a nonqualifying landowner.
and p.
38 HB 2251 (ix) Consistent with RCW 76.13.180, a method to collect reimbursement from landowners who received compensation for a forestry riparian easement and who, within the first 10 years after receipt of compensation for a forestry riparian easement, sells the land on which an easement is located to a nonqualifying landowner.
p.
NEW SECTION.
39 SHB 2251 NEW SECTION.
(2) RCW 70A.65.260 (Climate commitment account) and 2025 c 424 s 974, 2023 c 475 s 939, 2022 c 179 s 17, & 2021 c 316 s 29;
p.
39 HB 2251 (2) RCW 70A.65.260 (Climate commitment account) and 2025 c 424 s 974, 2023 c 475 s 939, 2022 c 179 s 17, & 2021 c 316 s 29;
40 SHB 2251
40 HB 2251
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Action History

  1. Effective date 7/1/2027.

  2. Chapter 219, 2026 Laws.

  3. Governor signed.

  4. Delivered to Governor.

  5. President signed.

  6. Speaker signed.

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 54; nays, 40; absent, 0; excused, 4.

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 34; nays, 14; absent, 0; excused, 1.

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  14. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

  16. Minority; do not pass.

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

  18. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.

  19. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 2:30 PM.

  20. Referred to Transportation.

  21. And refer to Transportation.

  22. Minority; without recommendation.

  23. Minority; do not pass.

  24. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

  25. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

  26. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.

  27. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

  28. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 1.

  29. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  30. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  31. 2nd substitute bill substituted (TR 26).

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

  33. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

  34. Minority; without recommendation.

  35. Minority; do not pass.

  36. TR - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

  37. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.

  38. Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 10:30 AM.

  39. Referred to Transportation.

  40. Minority; without recommendation.

  41. Minority; do not pass.

  42. APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

  43. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

  44. Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

  45. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

  46. Prefiled for introduction.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 3 co-sponsors · 147 not signed on · 56 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (3)

Not signed on (147)

147 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 147 →

"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 (#2)

Passed 54 Yea · 40 Nay · 4 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 03701
Democrat 54303
Total 544004
% of votes cast 55%41%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 Nay
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 Nay
Mary Fosse Democrat Not Voting
Melanie Morgan Democrat Not Voting
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 Nay
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
Andrew Engell Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Nay
Brian Burnett Republican Nay
Carolyn Eslick Republican Nay
Chris Corry Republican Nay
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
David Stuebe Republican Nay
Deb Manjarrez Republican Nay
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Nay
Gloria Mendoza Republican Nay
Hunter Abell Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jeremie Dufault Republican Nay
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Not Voting
John Ley Republican Nay
Joshua Penner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Nay
Mark Klicker Republican Nay
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Matt Marshall Republican Nay
Michael Keaton Republican Nay
Mike Steele Republican Nay
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Rob Chase Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Nay
Skyler Rude Republican Nay
Stephanie Barnard Republican Nay
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 (#32)

Passed 34 Yea · 14 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 30000
Republican 41401
Total 341401
% of votes cast 69%29%0%2%
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 Yea
Drew MacEwen Republican Nay
Jeff Holy Republican Nay
Jeff Wilson Republican Not Voting
Jim McCune Republican Nay
John Braun Republican Nay
Judy Warnick Republican Nay
Keith Goehner Republican Yea
Keith Wagoner Republican Nay
Leonard Christian Republican Nay
Mark Schoesler Republican Yea
Matt Boehnke Republican Nay
Nikki Torres Republican Nay
Paul Harris Republican Nay
Perry Dozier Republican Nay
Phil Fortunato Republican Yea
Ron Muzzall Republican Nay
Shelly Short Republican Nay

Official roll call →

3rd Reading & Final Passage (#15)

Passed 56 Yea · 41 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 03800
Democrat 56301
Total 564101
% of votes cast 57%42%0%1%
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 Nay
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 Nay
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 Nay
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
Andrew Engell Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Nay
Brian Burnett Republican Nay
Carolyn Eslick Republican Nay
Chris Corry Republican Nay
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
David Stuebe Republican Nay
Deb Manjarrez Republican Nay
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Nay
Gloria Mendoza Republican Nay
Hunter Abell Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jeremie Dufault Republican Nay
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Nay
John Ley Republican Nay
Joshua Penner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Nay
Mark Klicker Republican Nay
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Matt Marshall Republican Nay
Michael Keaton Republican Nay
Mike Steele Republican Nay
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Rob Chase Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Nay
Skyler Rude Republican Nay
Stephanie Barnard Republican Nay
Stephanie McClintock Republican Nay
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Nay
Tom Dent Republican Nay
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

environment energy
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 2251?
HB 2251 is sponsored by Brianna Thomas (Democrat), Lisa Parshley (Democrat), Mia Gregerson (Democrat), and Joe Fitzgibbon (Democrat).
What is the current status of HB 2251?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 05, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 2251?
Track HB 2251 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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