Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2496: EFSEC tribal consultation
Status: Signed into law, March 30, 2026
Concerning tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council.
What the bill says
An act Relating to tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council; and amending RCW 80.50.060 and 42.30.140.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council; and amending RCW 80.50.060 and 42.30.140. Sec. 1. RCW 80.50.060 and 2025 c 261 s 3 are each amended to read as follows: (1)(a) The provisions of this chapter apply to the construction of energy facilities which includes the new construction of energy facilities and the reconstruction or enlargement of existing energy facilities where the net increase in physical capacity or dimensions resulting from such reconstruction or enlargement meets or exceeds those capacities or dimensions set forth in RCW 80.50.020 (14) and (29). No construction or reconstruction of such energy facilities may be undertaken, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, without first obtaining certification in the manner provided in this chapter. (b) If applicants proposing the following types of facilities choose to receive certification under this chapter, the provisions of this chapter apply to the construction, reconstruction, or enlargement of these new or existing (ii) Alternative energy resource facilities; (iii) Electrical transmission and (B) located in more than one jurisdiction that has promulgated land use plans or zoning ordinances; (iv) Clean energy product manufacturing facilities; (v) Storage facilities; and (vi) Fusion energy facilities. However, such a fusion energy facility receiving site certification must also secure required licenses and registrations, or equivalent authorizations, for radiation control …
Sponsors
- Chris Stearns (D) · primary sponsor
- Alex Ramel (D)
- Lisa Parshley (D)
- Tarra Simmons (D)
- Sharon Santos (D)
- Beth Doglio (D)
- Timm Ormsby (D)
- Natasha Hill (D)
- Gerry Pollet (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 6/11/2026.
- : Chapter 244, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : President signed.
- : Speaker signed.
- : Passed final passage; yeas, 71; nays, 24; absent, 0; excused, 3.
- : House concurred in Senate amendments.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 9, 2026): 71 yea, 24 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (February 28, 2026): 30 yea, 19 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: Do pass as amended (February 20, 2026): 7 yea, 2 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 13, 2026): 70 yea, 24 nay, passed
- House Committee on Environment & Energy: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 2, 2026): 15 yea, 3 nay, passed
Subjects: ENERGY
Common questions
- What is HB2496?
- HB2496 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): EFSEC tribal consultation.
- What does HB2496 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to tribal consultation conducted by the energy facility site evaluation council; and amending RCW 80.50.060 and 42.30.140.
- What is the status of HB2496?
- Signed into law as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 30, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2496?
- Chris Stearns (D), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2496?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2496&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.