ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1923
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By House Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Nance, Berry, Fitzgibbon, Simmons, Richards, Thomas, Scott, Parshley, Pollet, Shavers, and Davis)
READ FIRST TIME 02/28/25.
AN ACT Relating to increasing the availability of passenger-only ferries by establishing the mosquito fleet act; amending RCW 36.57A.222 ; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Passenger-only ferry service is the fastest way to get boats on the water and build the capacity necessary to respond to Washington state ferries' service disruptions, which will alleviate the negative impacts that those disruptions and cancellations have on the people of Washington state. Increased passenger-only ferry service will also ensure reliable access to health care, education, and work for communities that are dependent on ferry service.
Bolstering passenger-only ferry capacity ahead of the FIFA world cup will help to ensure its success and bridge the gap in ferry capacity before the next Washington state ferries procurement cycle puts boats in the water. This will help tourism-dependent small businesses across the state, while honoring our state's commitment to environmental progress and helping Washingtonians travel and connect without driving. Increased passenger-only ferry service will also support workforce development, by creating a workforce pipeline of hard-working mariners who can upgrade their licenses to take on larger vessels, including Washington state ferries and private sector opportunities.