Authorizing cities and counties the ability to levy a household excise tax for the operation, maintenance, and capital needs of animal control and shelter systems.

 H-2698.1

HOUSE BILL 2258

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Representatives Parshley, Farivar, Reed, Zahn, Kloba, Scott, Doglio, and Fosse

Prefiled 01/05/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Finance.

AN ACT Relating to authorizing cities and counties the ability to levy a household excise tax for the operation, maintenance, and capital needs of animal control and shelter systems owned, contracted, or operated by a city, county, or animal service provider organization; adding a new chapter to Title 82 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that an increasing number of city and county-owned or contracted and operated animal control and shelter systems in the state of Washington, as in the nation, are finding that revenue from general funds and licensing fees alone are insufficient to maintain animal control and shelter systems that meet essential and community needs, resulting in service reductions or elimination or impacts to other essential public services.

(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to authorize cities and counties to levy a household excise tax to assist in the funding of animal control and shelter systems throughout the state.