Senate committee adopts amendment shrinking eligibility for school energy-code exemption and advances SB 59-41

In executive session the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee considered Senate Bill 59-41, which directs the State Building Code Council to exempt certain school districts from portions of the Washington State Energy Code to allow on‑site renewable energy systems on new commercial buildings or additions larger than 10,000 square feet.

Committee staff (Matt Sheppard) summarized the bill and identified a single amendment, labeled 'g.' Senator Short explained the amendment evolved after conversations with stakeholders and reduces the enrollment threshold used to define an "eligible school district" from 1,000 or fewer students to 500 or fewer students. "I'm hopeful it strikes that balance to really right size what I was thinking in the beginning," Senator Short said in urging support.

The motion to adopt amendment 'g' was moved by the vice chair and adopted by voice vote when the chair called for the ayes and nays. The vice chair then moved that the amendments be rolled into a proposed substitute, that the substitute receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee. The committee voted in favor, and the bill was reported from committee "subject to signatures."