Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2913

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning transportation revenue.

Sponsors: Representatives Fey and Chapman.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases motor vehicle fuel taxes by 0.7 cent on July 1, 2020, and by 1 cent each year for the next nine years.

  • Creates the Fish Passage Barrier Removal Account in the State Treasury.

  • Requires revenues generated by the fuel tax increases in the bill be deposited in the Fish Passage Barrier Removal Account.

Hearing Date: 2/20/20

Staff: Amy Skei (786-7109).

Background:

The 18th Amendment to the Washington Constitution requires that the state's motor vehicle fuel taxes, currently 49.5 cents per gallon; vehicle licensing fees; and all other state revenue intended to be used for highway purposes be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund. Monies in that fund may only be spent for highway purposes, which are defined to include expenditures on construction, preservation, maintenance, operation, and administration of highways and ferries.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is subject to a United States District Court injunction (injunction) requiring the removal of fish passage barriers on state highways in a portion of Western Washington by the year 2030. The WSDOT has identified more than 2,000 barriers to fish passage in the state highway system and 1,001 barriers that are subject to the injunction. These fish passage barriers are corrected: as part of larger transportation projects; through projects designed specifically to remove such barriers; and as part of maintenance activities when the required work is more limited.

Summary of Bill:

The bill creates a new account, the Fish Passage Barrier Removal Account, in the Motor Vehicle Fund in the State Treasury.

The motor vehicle fuel tax is increased by 9.7 cents per gallon. The increase is phased in over 10 years as follows:

Revenue from the 9.7 cents per gallon is to be deposited in the newly created Fish Passage Barrier Removal Account.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2020.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2020.