The bill modifies tax and revenue laws in Washington State, focusing on extending preferential tax rates for manufacturers and wholesalers in the solar silicon industry by five to ten years based on employment metrics. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), including RCW 82.08.050, 82.08.986, and 43.06.400, while also addressing previous uncodified laws from 2022 and 2017. The legislation emphasizes job retention and growth in the solar sector amid trade disputes and introduces new provisions regarding tax exemption certificates, relieving sellers from personal liability for tax amounts if they obtain a completed exemption certificate within 90 days.

Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for family wage employment positions associated with eligible computer data centers, adjusting wage thresholds and health insurance coverage criteria. It establishes consequences for businesses that fail to meet these requirements, including the repayment of exempted sales and use taxes, while allowing exceptions during economic downturns. The bill also mandates annual tax performance reports from the Department of Revenue starting in January 2029, detailing the financial impact of tax exemptions, and removes a previous provision exempting certain tax exemptions from reporting requirements. Overall, the bill aims to promote environmentally friendly practices and enhance accountability in tax exemption reporting.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.21.015, 82.08.050, 82.32.020, 43.06.400
Substitute Bill: 82.08.050, 82.32.020, 43.06.400