Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5188: Broadband repair loans
Status: Passed one chamber, March 12, 2026
Concerning broadband infrastructure repair loans.
What the bill says
An act Relating to broadband infrastructure repair loans; and amending RCW 43.155.160.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to broadband infrastructure repair loans; and amending RCW 43.155.160. Sec. 1. RCW 43.155.160 and 2022 c 201 s 1 are each amended to read as follows: (1) The board, in collaboration with the office, shall establish a competitive grant and loan program to award funding to eligible applicants in order to promote ((the expansion of)) access to broadband service in unserved areas of the state. (2)(a) To support broadband services and assist in funding strategic planning for deploying broadband service in unserved areas, the board may and (ii) Loans to assist in funding repair and replacement of middle mile and last mile infrastructure. (b) The board may choose to fund all or part of an application for funding, provided that the application meets the requirements of subsection (11) of this section. (3) Eligible applicants for grants and loans awarded under this section (b) Tribes; (c) Nonprofit organizations; (d) Cooperative associations; (e) Multiparty entities comprised of public entity members; (f) Limited liability corporations organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access; and (g) Incorporated businesses or partnerships. (4)(a) The board shall develop administrative procedures governing the preapplication and award process. The board shall act as fiscal agent for the program and is responsible for receiving and reviewing applications and awarding funds under this section. (b) At least sixty …
Sponsors
- Lisa Wellman (D) · primary sponsor
- Drew Hansen (D)
- John Lovick (D)
- Claudia Kauffman (D)
- Deborah Krishnadasan (D)
- T'wina Nobles (D)
- Marcus Riccelli (D)
Latest actions
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 8:30 AM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 4:00 PM.
- : First reading, referred to Capital Budget.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.
- : Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.
- : By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : First reading, referred to Capital Budget.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.
Votes
- Final Passage (January 21, 2026): 48 yea, 1 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 12, 2025): 46 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Ways & Means: Do pass (February 27, 2025): 15 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: Do pass (February 14, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Common questions
- What is SB5188?
- SB5188 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Broadband repair loans.
- What does SB5188 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to broadband infrastructure repair loans; and amending RCW 43.155.160.
- What is the status of SB5188?
- Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5188?
- Lisa Wellman (D), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5188?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5188&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.