Washington HB1302: Utility connection charges

What the bill says

An act Relating to allowing local governments to encourage sustainable technology and resiliency by waiving utility connection charges for organizations utilizing industrial symbiosis; amending RCW 35.92.385 and 35.92.380; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to allowing local governments to encourage sustainable technology and resiliency by waiving utility connection charges for organizations utilizing industrial symbiosis; amending RCW 35.92.385 and 35.92.380; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that climate change and environmental degradation poses a significant and increasing threat to human health in Washington. This threat cannot be combatted through reductions in greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions alone. Instead, reductions must be combined with technological innovations in clean energy, resource efficiency, and other environmentally friendly practices. The legislature finds that industrial symbiosis is one such innovation and practice. Industrial symbiosis is characterized by the beneficial utilization of waste products that may otherwise have deleterious environmental effects. Industrial symbiosis reduces waste, increases efficiency, promotes resiliency, and creates the conditions for further innovation. The legislature believes that by allowing local governments that operate their own utilities to waive connection charges for organizations practicing industrial symbiosis, Washington can encourage the development and utilization of this sustainable technology, and that such utilization is important both environmentally and economically. Sec. 2. RCW 35.92.385 and 2023 c 249 s 1 are each amended to read as follows: (1)(a) Municipal utilities formed under this chapter may waive connection charges for properties owned or developed by, or on the behalf of, a nonprofit organization, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Julio Cortes (D) · primary sponsor
• Stephanie Barnard (R)
• Tarra Simmons (D)
• Julia Reed (D)
• Lawrence Springer (D)
• Joe Timmons (D)

Latest actions

1. March 23, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026.
2. March 23, 2026: Chapter 127, 2026 Laws.
3. March 23, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 11, 2026: President signed.
6. March 11, 2026: Speaker signed.
7. March 6, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.
8. March 6, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
9. March 5, 2026: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
10. February 23, 2026: Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 6, 2026): 47 yea, 1 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: Do pass (February 20, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (January 15, 2026): 76 yea, 21 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: Do pass (March 21, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 13, 2025): 93 yea, 1 nay, passed
• House Committee on Environment & Energy: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (January 30, 2025): 20 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1302?

HB1302 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Utility connection charges.

What does HB1302 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to allowing local governments to encourage sustainable technology and resiliency by waiving utility connection charges for organizations utilizing industrial symbiosis; amending RCW 35.92.385 and 35.92.380; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB1302?

Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1302?

Julio Cortes (D), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1302?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1302&Year=2025