March 6, 2018
HB 1154 will have a public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means committee. It is also scheduled for executive session. You can watch the committee deliberation and vote live on TVW at 2:30 below.
February 22, 2018
HB 1154 received a unanimous vote of the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks committee. It now goes to the Senate Ways & Means committee for consideration.
February 19, 2018
HB 1154 had a public hearing the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks committee.
February 8, 2018
HB 1154 was approved by the House of Representatives today by a strong bipartisan vote – 97-1. It now goes to the Senate for consideration with 28 days left to go in the 2018 legislative session..
January 30, 2018
HB 1154 is scheduled for executive session in the House Finance committee.
UPDATE: HB 1154 was approved by the House Finance committee and now goes to the House Rules committee.
July 1, 2017
HB 1154 did not get approved by the House before the end of the 2017 legislative session. However, this is a top priority for me and for Washington’s maritime industry. I will work to get this bill passed in the 2018 legislative session.
January 24, 2017
HB 1154 was approved unanimously by the House Technology & Economic Development committee today. This means this committee approves of the policy and believes it should receive additional consideration by the Legislature.
However, because the policy would have a fiscal impact on Washington state’s revenue system, the bill now must go before the House Finance committee for consideration.
January 18, 2017
HB 1154 received a public hearing in the House Technology & Economic Development committee today. You can watch my comments on why I think this policy is so important to help Washington-based businesses remain competitive in the global maritime markets.
January 12, 2017
Washington state has always been an international leader in the maritime fishing and seafood processing industries. I’d like us to keep that status for generations to come, though our state does face challenges in keeping up with our global competitors.
One of those challenges is an aging fishing fleet. Many of the vessels that support Washington’s maritime industry are several decades old. These boats simply cannot compete in their current condition. The fleet needs to be retrofitted with new technology and new energy sources to stay competitive.
Thankfully, the federal government has recognized this dire need and will supply resources through the Department of Finance’s Fisheries Finance Program. This will allow us to build new boats, not just replace old ones, and modernize our fishing fleet.
The state needs to do its part as well, which is where HB 1154 comes in. My bill will give a temporary tax break to incentivize this fleet upgrade and help Washington remain a strong, global competitor in the maritime fishing and seafood industries.