OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Legislature has introduced House Bill 1921, aiming to establish a road usage charge (RUC) system that would replace the traditional gas tax with a per-mile fee for vehicles using public roads.
Key Provisions of House Bill 1921
- Implementation Timeline:
- Voluntary Participation: From July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2029, electric and hybrid-electric vehicle owners can opt into the RUC program. From July 1, 2029, to June 30, 2031, owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with fuel economy ratings of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) or higher will also be eligible.
- Mandatory Participation: Enrollment becomes compulsory for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles beginning July 1, 2029. For ICE vehicles, mandatory participation is phased in based on fuel efficiency:
- 40 mpg or greater: July 1, 2031
- 35 mpg or greater: July 1, 2032
- 30 mpg or greater: July 1, 2033
- 25 mpg or greater: July 1, 2034
- 20 mpg or greater: July 1, 2035
- Fee Structure: The proposed rate is 2.6 cents per mile, adjustable in line with changes to the state fuel tax rate. Participants will receive credits for fuel taxes paid, and existing fees for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles will be waived for those enrolled in the RUC program.
- Revenue Allocation: Funds collected from the RUC are designated for highway preservation and maintenance, ensuring compliance with the state’s constitutional requirements.
- Road Usage Assessment: An additional assessment, amounting to 10% of the total RUC fees for mandatory participants, will be allocated to rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation projects, promoting a comprehensive approach to statewide mobility.
Legislative Process and Public Engagement
House Bill 1921 was first read on February 10, 2025, and referred to the House Transportation Committee. A public hearing occurred on February 13, 2025, allowing stakeholders to discuss the proposal. As the legislative process continues, the Department of Licensing, in collaboration with the Washington State Transportation Commission, plans to conduct public outreach and education to inform residents about the RUC system and gather feedback.
Sources:
- Washington State Legislature. House Bill 1921 – 2025-26 Biennium. https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1921.pdf
- Washington State Legislature. Bill Summary for HB 1921. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1921&Chamber=House&Year=2025
- Washington State Legislature. House Bill Analysis for HB 1921. https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1921%20HBA%20TR%2025.pdf