Washington’s 2026 state legislative session concluded on March 12 after passing a supplemental budget. This year, state legislators struggled with declining revenues and negative budget impacts from the federal government.
Here’s a report on the outcomes of SPU’s legislative priorities and shares how the Utility will continue to work toward the goal of more affordable rates while protecting clean water, building healthy communities, and creating a more sustainable future.
Amending Washington’s Plastic Bag Ban
SPU advocated for SB 5965 this year, which would have closed the loophole on thick plastic bags, eliminating them from retail stores across Washington state. Unfortunately, the bill was amended so significantly that SPU could no longer support it. The amended bill did not ban plastic bags in stores and only increased the fee on plastic bags over time.
SPU will work with legislators over the coming months to bring back a stronger version of the bill in 2027.
Defending and Improving MTCA – the Remedial Action Grant Program
SPU relies on the state’s Remedial Action Grant (RAG) program (funded by the Model Toxics Control Act – MTCA) to match local investments in cleanups, helping to keep rates affordable for our customers.
In 2026, MTCA and the RAG program were unharmed, ensuring cleanup projects stay on track heading into the 2027–29 biennium.
Advancing Salmon Recovery
Unfortunately, due to the poor budget outlook, legislators did not entertain budget requests this year. In the future, we will look for opportunities to secure funding for the Department of Fish & Wildlife to capture and remove fish that prey on sockeye and Chinook salmon in Lake Washington.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
SPU supports holding producers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products for three new product categories:
- Textiles: To reduce the growing volume of clothing and fabrics ending up in landfills. HB 1420 moved out of the policy committee but did not make it out of the fiscal committee.
- Mattresses: To cut down on costly illegal dumping and increase recycling of materials like metal and foam. SB 6271 was introduced and had a hearing but did not advance out of committee.
- Household Hazardous Waste: To ensure dangerous chemicals—like pesticides and automotive fluids—are safely disposed of and paid for by the companies that manufacture them. No bill to introduce this policy was brought forward in 2026. Legislators expressed interest in this policy in the future.
Managing Waste Tires
SPU advocated in favor of HB 2421, which would ban the sale of tires containing toxic 6PPD beginning in 2035. This would encourage tire manufacturers to find a replacement for 6PPD as soon as possible.
The bill did not pass out of the House, but it received strong support from the environmental community, Tribes, fishing groups, and local governments.
SPU will continue to work with our partners to re-introduce these bills in 2027. While there is much work ahead, SPU will continue to push for upstream pollution prevention, salmon recovery, and better recycling in the legislature. Thanks for following along.
Questions? Please email Maggie Yuse, SPU Senior Policy Advisor and State Legislative Liaison, or call (206) 773-3772