House approves bill to establish statewide tourism program, HB 2325

The Washington House of Representatives voted to pass Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, a measure supporters say will create a state-supported, industry-assessed tourism program to market Washington year-round. The House adopted Amendment 1709, described by its sponsor as a mostly technical clarification to protect micro communities and tourism 'gems,' and approved the bill 84 yeas to 5 nays with 9 excused.

Representative Paul urged colleagues to support the bill on final passage, saying Washington lacks a state-supported program and that an industry-assessed approach would boost travel across the state and create family-wage jobs. "This program will allow the industry itself to assess itself and to create a statewide program to market Washington tourism across our country and across our world," Paul said.

Representative Santos, who moved Amendment 1709, described the change as intended to bring clarity and attention to small communities and local attractions while remaining largely technical. Representative Steele also supported the amendment, saying stakeholders in the industry could see benefit from the clarification.

The measure had been substituted as recommended by the finance committee; floor activity included a voice vote to adopt the amendment and a recorded roll call for final passage. With the constitutional majority recorded by the clerk, the bill was declared passed and will be sent to the other chamber for consideration.

The House clerk recorded the final tally as 84 yeas, 5 nays and 9 excused. No further amendments were adopted on final passage.