Transparency and Consumer Protection in Water System Rates

State Bills: Washington

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The Washington State Legislature enacted HB 1906 (Chapter 237 Laws of 2026) to increase transparency and consumer protection in water system rates. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Tharinger, Shavers, Parshley, and Hill, passed both chambers and was signed into law during the 2025-26 session. Water systems in Washington State must now comply with new requirements regarding rate transparency, consumer notifications, and billing practices.

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What changed

HB 1906 establishes new transparency and consumer protection requirements for water systems operating in Washington State. The 2nd substitute version passed the House Appropriations Committee and received final passage, codified as Chapter 237 Laws of 2026. The bill addresses how water systems set rates, communicate changes to customers, and handle consumer complaints or disputes.

Water utilities and systems operating in Washington must now comply with enhanced disclosure requirements regarding rate structures and any proposed changes. Regulated entities should review their current rate-setting processes and consumer communication procedures to ensure alignment with the new requirements. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission or relevant state agency may issue implementing guidance. Non-compliance may result in regulatory enforcement actions or consumer complaints.

What to do next

Review current water rate structures and notification procedures against new transparency requirements
Update consumer communication templates to reflect new disclosure obligations
Monitor for implementing rules from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Source document (simplified)

Home / Bills, meetings, and session / Bills / Bill summary / HB 1906

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HB 1906 - 2025-26

Increasing transparency and consumer protection in water system rates. Sponsors: Tharinger, Shavers, Parshley, Hill

Bill status-at-a-glance

As of Tuesday, March 31, 2026 10:42 PM

Current version:

2nd substitute - 2SHB 1906 (View 2nd substitute)

Current status:

C 237 L 26

Where is it in the process?

Bill status-at-a-glance

As of Tuesday, March 31, 2026 10:42 PM

Current version:

2nd substitute - 2SHB 1906 (View 2nd substitute)

Current status:

C 237 L 26

Where is it in the process?

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Bill history

View all roll calls on this bill

2025 Regular Session

In the House

Feb 10 First reading, referred to Environment & Energy. (View original bill) Feb 13 Public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 8:00 AM. (Committee materials) Feb 20 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 8:00 AM. (Committee materials) ENVI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (View 1st substitute) (Majority report) Feb 21 Referred to Appropriations.

2026 Regular Session

In the House

Jan 12 By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. Feb 7 Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM. (Committee materials) Feb 9 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM. (Committee materials) APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (View 2nd substitute) (Majority report) Referred to Rules 2 Review. Feb 14 Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. Feb 16 2nd substitute bill substituted (APP 26). (View 2nd substitute) Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 6. (View this roll call)

In the Senate

Feb 18 First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology. Feb 20 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 10:30 AM. (Committee materials) Feb 24 Public hearing and executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM. (Committee materials) ENET - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (Majority report) And refer to Ways & Means. Feb 25 Referred to Ways & Means. Feb 26 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM. (Committee materials) Mar 2 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM. (Committee materials) WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (Majority report) Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. Mar 3 Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (View this roll call)

In the House

Mar 11 House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage; yeas, 94; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View this roll call) Mar 12 Speaker signed.