2022 legislative review
ESSB 5689 supplemental transportation budget
Passed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood , Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5689 makes supplemental allocations for the remaining 2021-23 biennium , funding current law projects and all transportation-related agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation , the Washington State Patrol , the Department of Licensing and others . While state transportation revenues have started to recover , the long-term outlook for maintaining the commitment to previously funded projects remains uncertain . The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress will help fund major gaps . State lawmakers adopted a statewide revenue package to help shore up additional funding challenges . ESSB 5689 passed the Senate by a vote of 45-4 and the House by a vote of 93-5 .
ESSB 5974 and SSB 5975 statewide transportation revenue package
Passed / AWB Neutral
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5974 and Substitute Senate Bill 5975 created Move Ahead Washington , which is Washington ’ s fourth statewide transportation spending package in the last 20 years . The measure provides $ 16.8 billion towards new transportation infrastructure improvements and makes investments in several highway and nonhighway categories , including $ 3 billion toward maintenance and preservation ,
$ 2.4 billion on fish culverts , $ 4.1 billion on road projects , and allocates $ 5.4 billion from the Climate Commitment Act toward bicycle , pedestrian , and public transit projects . While the proposal did achieve several of AWB ’ s priorities , there were a handful of concerns that remained in the final agreement . Lawmakers swept about $ 800 million from the public works trust fund , severed the gas tax link to the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard , and failed to adequately fund infrastructure needs in eastern Washington . Both bills passed each chamber along mostly party line votes . ESSB 5974 passed the House 54 to 44 and the Senate 29-20 , and SSB 5975 passed the House 57-41 and the Senate 30-19 .
HB 2026 road usage charge
Failed / AWB Opposed
Sponsored by Rep . Emily Wicks , D-Everett , House Bill 2026 would have established a road usage charge ( RUC ) in Washington State . The bill would have created a voluntary early adoption program , charging users 2.5 cents per mile . While the broader business community is open to replacing the gas tax with a statewide RUC , the proceeds must be protected by the 18th Amendment of the Washington State Constitution . If a RUC is meant to replace the gas tax , then it should be treated in the same way , and like gas tax revenues , protecting a RUC under the 18th Amendment would honor the principle that users who pay the fee are ensured to receive the benefit . AWB led a coalition of about 100 employers and labor organizations that signed a letter asking the legislature to apply the 18th Amendment protection to a RUC . HB 2026 received a hearing in the House Transportation Committee but did not receive a vote . Looking ahead , as manufacturers move to fully electric vehicle fleets , the state will be forced to replace the gas tax with a RUC as the primary revenue source to fund transportation infrastructure needs .
Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood , chairs the Senate Transportation Committee .
32 association of washington business