WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 1673

HB 1673: Electric transmission system

Improving reliability and capacity of the electric transmission system in Washington state.

Summary

  • Establishes the Washington Electric Transmission Office (Office) within the Department of Commerce to, among other duties, support upgrading and expanding the electric transmission system; be a state-wide resource for transmission; and conduct a transmission needs assessment and roadmap.
  • Creates an advisory board for the Office.
  • Provides a categorical exemption from the State Environmental Policy Act for certain transmission upgrades and rebuilds in existing rights-of-way.
  • Allows electric companies to receive an incentive rate of return on transmission upgrades and to receive a rate of return on upgrades to Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, with specifications, and with authorization from the Utilities and Transportation Commission.

From the House Bill Analysis 2025 (HB 1673), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedJan 28, 2025
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Alex Ramel (D-40)
Introduced
January 28, 2025 in the House
Last action
January 12, 2026
Companion bill
SB 5466
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
HB 1673, SHB 1673

AN ACT Relating to improving reliability and capacity of the electric transmission system in Washington state;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Alex Ramel (D-40)

5 co-sponsors (5 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Beth Doglio D-22Liz Berry D-36Julia Reed D-36Timm Ormsby D-3Lisa Parshley D-22

Votes

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

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SHB 1673)
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Referred to Appropriations. (SHB 1673)
  4. Referred to Appropriations.
  5. ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 1673)
  6. Minority; without recommendation. (SHB 1673)
  7. Minority; do not pass. (SHB 1673)
  8. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.
  9. Minority; do not pass.
  10. Minority; without recommendation.
  11. ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  12. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

HB 1673 in other sessions

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

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