BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 1656

HB 1656: Wildfire costs/securitizing

Authorizing electrical companies to securitize certain wildfire-related costs to lower costs to customers.

Summary

Allows electrical, gas, and water companies to apply to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for a financing order authorizing the utility to issue bonds to recover certain costs related to emergency events and disasters.
Authorizes the UTC to issue a financing order, if certain specific conditions are met, to allow recovery bondable rate recovery expenditures, issue bonds, and impose separate rate recovery charges on customers.
Pledges the state to not impair any financing orders or rate recovery charges until all payments on the bonds and financing costs are fully paid.

From the House Bill Analysis 2025 (HB 1656), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor

AN ACT Relating to authorizing electrical companies to securitize certain wildfire-related costs to lower costs to customers;

No recorded floor votes.

Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SHB 1656)
Jan 12, 2026House Rules "X" file. (SHB 1656)
Jan 12, 2026House Rules "X" file.
Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 17, 2025Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 1656)
Feb 17, 2025Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Feb 13, 2025ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 1656)
Feb 13, 2025Minority; without recommendation. (SHB 1656)
Feb 13, 2025ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.
Feb 13, 2025Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 13, 2025ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 28, 2025First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

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

HB 1656 (2023–24) Unemployment ins. appeals · Enacted · Chapter 85, Laws of 2023
HB 1656 (2021–22) Definition of theft · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1656 (2019–20) Residential tenants · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 1656 (2017–18) Aviation revital. loan prg · Vetoed by the Governor
HB 1656 (2015–16) Property assessment appeals · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 1656 (2013–14) High school grad requiremnts · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1656 (2011–12) Right to life · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1656 (2009–10) Near general fund · Did not pass · died in committee