Bill > HB1960

This bill aims to encourage renewable energy development in Washington by offering tax incentives and investing in local communities. It introduces new definitions for terms like "battery electric storage systems" and "qualified renewable energy facility," which refer to specific types of renewable energy generation and storage technologies with a minimum capacity. A key provision exempts personal property used in these qualified renewable energy facilities and battery electric storage systems from property taxes, provided they meet certain operational or repowering dates, or opt into a new tax system. This new system imposes a state and local "renewable energy excise tax" on the use of these facilities, with rates varying based on the type of renewable energy (solar or wind) and storage capacity. The bill also establishes a program to distribute funds generated from the state renewable energy excise tax back to counties hosting these projects, with provisions for how these funds are then distributed to local taxing districts, aiming to benefit communities that support renewable energy development. Additionally, it modifies existing property tax laws to exclude certain renewable energy infrastructure from property tax limitations and includes provisions for reviewing and potentially adjusting tax rates in the future.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1960&Year=2025&Initiative=false