S-0327.1
SENATE BILL 5063
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators Stanford, J. Wilson, Liias, Warnick, Chapman, Boehnke, Dozier, Shewmake, Harris, Krishnadasan, Nobles, and Wellman
Prefiled 12/16/24. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
AN ACT Relating to providing incentives to improve freight railroad infrastructure; adding new sections to chapter 82.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 82.16 RCW; creating new sections; providing effective dates; and providing expiration dates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that railroads play a crucial role in economic development, serving nearly every industrial, wholesale, retail, and resource-based sector in Washington's economy. The legislature further finds that freight railroad infrastructure is an essential link in the supply chain and provides an efficient way to connect Washington's economy to national and international markets. The legislature further finds that maintenance and improvements to the railroad system are needed to support modern 286,000 pound railcars, foster economic development, increase infrastructure resiliency, avoid supply chain disturbances, and meet carbon reduction goals for transportation greenhouse gases. The legislature intends to provide incentives to the rail industry that can lead to a more effective short line rail system.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 82.04 RCW to read as follows: