The bill amends RCW 82.42.090 to establish new guidelines for the distribution of aircraft fuel tax revenue in Washington State. It mandates that all funds collected from the aircraft fuel excise tax must be transmitted to the state treasurer and credited to the newly created aeronautics account. The bill specifies that moneys in this account can only be used for aviation-related purposes after appropriation. Additionally, it outlines the distribution of funds collected from consumers or users of aircraft fuel, requiring that a portion equivalent to a 0.5 percent tax be credited to the aeronautics account for the fiscal year 2026-2027, increasing to a one percent tax thereafter. The remaining funds will be credited to the state general fund.

Furthermore, the bill requires the aviation division of the department of transportation to track and report on additional funds awarded for airport projects through the airport aid grant program from July 1, 2026, to 2031. This report will include details on each funded project, state grant amounts, federal matching funds, and local sponsor contributions. Additionally, starting June 30, 2027, the aviation division must report the estimated funds returned to the general fund as a result of these airport projects. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 82.42.090