Committee moves second proposed substitute for House Bill 1923 out of committee on roll-call vote

During an executive session, Representative Nance moved the second proposed substitute of House Bill 1923. Sponsors described the substitute as expanding entities eligible to form passenger-only ferry service districts across the Puget Sound and Grays Harbor, adding intent language related to protection of southern resident orcas, and moving the effective date to July 1, 2026.

Representative Nance requested support in part to address repeated ferry delays and cancellations, saying the substitute "is all about getting folks back to work, back to school, back to the doctor by empowering local ports, counties, and public transit benefit districts to provide passenger ferry service." Representative Griffey also spoke in support. The clerk then called the roll; the transcript records recorded votes and several members noted votes "nay without recommendation" or excused status. The clerk announced the tally: 23 aye, 4 nay, 2 excused. The clerk stated that by the vote, the second substitute House Bill 1923 "is voted out of committee with a due pass recommendation."

Ending: The committee passed the second proposed substitute of HB 1923 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation and adjourned; the roll-call vote and recorded tallies are part of the hearing record.