House approves six‑year transportation bond package after debate

The Washington House on March 11 passed Substitute Senate Bill 62-25, a six‑year transportation bond proposal the chamber said is targeted at preservation and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Representative Fye (27th District) asked members to back the measure, saying the bill provides multi‑year certainty for roadway preservation and maintenance work and workforce continuity. "This is a 6‑year plan, mister speaker," Fye said, urging support and noting the package was negotiated with the other chamber.

Opponents urged caution. Representative Barkas (2nd District) told colleagues the budget the House recently approved met near‑term transportation needs without new bonding and asked members to defer authorizing additional debt. Representative Lowe (39th District) said she appreciated the sponsor’s work but remained unconvinced the bond was necessary now and urged a no vote to protect future bonding capacity for capital projects including ferries and culverts.

After debate the House opened a roll call for third reading and final passage. The clerk reported 59 yays, 38 nays and 1 excused; with the constitutionally required three‑fifths support the bill was declared passed.

What happens next: the bill advances to any remaining executive steps required for enactment and, if signed, would take effect immediately as stated on the floor.

Vote at a glance: Substitute Senate Bill 62‑25, as amended by the House — final passage: 59 yays, 38 nays, 1 excused. The clerk declared the bill passed.