Bill > HB2085

This bill seeks to establish two autonomous regions within Washington state - the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region - through a potential constitutional amendment. The legislature recognizes significant philosophical and cultural differences between western urban and eastern rural parts of the state, and argues that the people have a constitutional right to restructure their government. The bill would create a joint legislative task force to develop a plan for dividing the state, which would involve creating regional governors, legislators, and judges while maintaining Washington's status as a single state for federal elections. The Puget Sound region would include 13 counties bordering Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, while the Columbia region would encompass 27 counties east of the Cascade mountain range and bordering the Columbia River. Each region would have a dedicated committee composed of representatives from various sectors including banking, agriculture, forestry, transportation, energy, environment, tribal leadership, and legislative and judicial branches. These committees would explore and recommend strategies for creating the autonomous regions, with a report due by December 31, 2026. The proposed legislation, named the "win-win for Washington act," emphasizes the state constitutional principle that political power is inherent in the people and that governments should derive their power from the consent of the governed.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2085&Year=2025&Initiative=false