Addressing diesel vessel procurement at the Washington state ferries.

 S-4371.1

SENATE BILL 6331

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senator Fortunato

AN ACT Relating to addressing diesel vessel procurement at the Washington state ferries; amending RCW 47.56.030 , 47.56.030 , 47.60.010 , 47.60.810 , 47.60.826 , 47.56.030 , and 47.56.030 ; adding a new section to chapter 47.60 RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 47.60 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall contract for the acquisition of clean diesel ferry vessels that can carry between 125 and 140 vehicles and no more than 1,200 passengers. The department may use a multiple contract procurement approach to potentially accelerate vessel delivery.

(2)(a) Prior to issuing a request for proposals from bidders, the department shall seek input from the maritime shipbuilding industry on ferry construction best practices.