2023 legislative review
two major investments in SAF plants in Washington have been announced .
SB 5765 authorizing toll for new i-5 crossing
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood
The bill authorizes tolling for the I-5 bridge replacement project on the Columbia River . Tolling is expected to generate $ 1.2 billion in funding for the $ 6 billion project . The bridge is a vital connection between Washington and Oregon and critical for West Coast commerce . The final bill passed the House 57-40 and the Senate 31-18 .
HB 1832 per mile charge for vehicle usage
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Rep . Jake Fey , D-Tacoma
This bill proposed charging drivers a road usage fee of 2 ½ cent per-mile . The
Legislature is considering the road usage fee to replace the state gas tax as more drivers use hybrid and electric cars . Under the bill , there would be a voluntary early adoption program until 2030 when the fee would become mandatory . The bill was similar to one proposed in previous sessions . AWB is open to replacing the gas tax with a pay-per-mile charge , but opposed this bill because it did not offer 18th Amendment protection to the revenues raised . The constitutional amendment ensures that state gas tax money is only used for roads , and revenues from a road usage fee should be treated the same way . The bill was heard in the House Committee on Transportation but did not advance .
SB 5267 railroad workers
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Sen . Patty Kuderer , D-Seattle
AWB opposed this bill , which would have prevented railroads from enforcing their own attendance policies if employees take unpaid leave . Without the ability to enforce attendance policies , railroads would not be able to ensure that trains run on time . Only the federal government has the authority to regulate railroads and not the states . The bill was unnecessary as issues paid time-off and leave are being addressed as part of a broader national collective bargaining agreement process . The bill passed the Senate 42-7 but did not come up for a vote in the House .
SB 5272 work zone cameras
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood
The bill authorizes speed safety cameras in state highway work zones . There has been a recent increase in fatalities in work zones , with 28 workers killed over the past three years . Twenty percent of accidents in work zones are due to speeding . Speed safety cameras will enhance enforcement
Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood , chairs the Senate Transportation Committee .
40 association of washington business