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HB 2588

Concerning county ferry district authority.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Lekanoff and 2 co-sponsors

Expands counties’ authority to fund ferries by allowing property tax levies with voter approval, including new districts needing immediate referendums.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2588

Summary of HB 2588 (2025-2026) – Concerning county ferry district authority (Washington)

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to expand and clarify the authority and funding tools available to counties operating ferries that are not passenger-only, by aligning their capabilities more closely with those of county ferry districts.
  • It aims to improve the financial sustainability of ferry operations, reduce reliance on state/federal funds, and provide parity in governance tools for ferry-related infrastructure and services.
  • A key feature is the introduction (and potential limitation) of property tax levies to support ferry operations, including the requirement that levies be subject to voter approval in certain circumstances.

2) Key provisions and changes

A. Ferry district status and election-related levy provisions (Amendments introduced and adopted in varying forms)

  • A ferry district remains a municipal corporation and an independent taxing authority within the state Constitution, with governing authority vested in the county legislative authority as ex officio members.
  • The bill clarifies and, in some amendments, conditions how property tax levies by ferry districts (and potentially counties) may be imposed for ferry services.

B. Levy referendums and voter approval

  • Initial levy imposition (for a ferry district’s levy) is subject to a referendum. If a timely petition is filed signed by registered voters equal to at least 10% of votes cast in the last general state election in the ferry district, the levy must be submitted to voters:
    • The election could occur at the next general election within 90 days or at a special election called for that purpose.
    • If a majority of voters within the ferry district approve, the levy is imposed.
    • If a majority disapprove, the levy cannot be imposed for a period of five years.
  • A proposed amendment added (Adopted 02/13/2026) would require new ferry districts (created after the bill’s effective date) to obtain voter approval before imposing a property tax levy:
    • Approval must be obtained by a majority of voters in the next general election occurring at least 60 days after the governing body adopts a resolution to impose the levy, or at any subsequent special election called for that purpose.

C. Adverse impact and transition rules

  • For districts created after the effective date, the levy cannot be imposed unless approved by voters under the specified process.
  • The bill notes that, if a levy is approved, it can be imposed; if not approved, it cannot be imposed for five years (as described in the referendum provision).

3) Who is affected

  • Counties with ferries (including those operating ferries that are not passenger-only) and the ferry districts within those counties.
  • Property taxpayers within the ferry district boundaries, as their property taxes could be used to fund ferry operations and related shoreside improvements.
  • Voters within the ferry districts, who gain the right to approve or reject proposed levies through referenda or general elections.
  • County legislative authorities, which act as ex officio governing bodies of the ferry districts and would oversee levy adoption subject to voter approval.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referendum process for initial levy imposition: 60-day referendum window following passage; petition triggers election within 90 days or at a special election.
  • Election mechanics: Notice and procedures follow general election law; majority vote required for levy approval.
  • Consequence of rejection: Levy not imposed for five years.
  • New districts (post-enactment): Levy requires voter approval in the next general election occurring at least 60 days after adoption of a resolution to impose the levy, or in a subsequent special election.
  • Effective date and status: Based on the action history, the bill was enacted and became Chapter 187, Laws of 2026, with an effective date of June 11, 2026.

5) Context and purpose alignment

  • The bill aspires to provide parity between counties operating ferries and county ferry districts, by extending access to local funding mechanisms (with voter oversight) to ensure sustainable ferry service, reduce reliance on other funding sources, and address the infrastructural and financial challenges of operating ferry systems serving island and remote communities.

Note: The bill text includes amendments proposed by sponsors Griffey and Barkis (with Griffey’s amendment withdrawing certain language and Barkis’ amendment adding voter-approval requirements for new districts). The final enacted form includes the voter-approval provisions for new ferry districts and the referendum mechanism for levies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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