BILL · 2005–06 SESSION

HB 2609: Utility taxation

Modifying utility tax provisions.

Summary

Replaces the state public utility tax on light and power businesses with a wholesale energy transaction tax on the volume of electricity transmitted within the state.
Sets the rate for the new volumetric tax at 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity that is delivered for distribution or produced for export from the state.
Recreates the tax exemptions, deductions, and credits under the public utility tax for light and power businesses as exemptions or credits under the new volumetric tax.
Modifies the public utility district privilege tax to subject all public utilities to the privilege tax.
Increase the rates under the privilege tax relating to electricity services and sales.
Imposes a new tax on sales of wholesale telecommunication services by public utilities.

From the House Bill Analysis (HB 2609), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to utility taxation;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2609 (2025–26) Tobacco products tax/vapor · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2019–20) Climate change/GMA · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2017–18) Distilled spirits production · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 2609 (2015–16) Educator cultural competence · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2013–14) Educational employee COLAs · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2011–12) Motor vehicle emission stds · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2009–10) Vulnerable students · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2609 (2007–08) Digital imagery · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate