The bill aims to promote transportation electrification in Washington by enhancing access to electric vehicles and increasing funding for related initiatives. It amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to strengthen the regulatory framework between motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers. Key provisions include establishing consumer protections, ensuring fair competition, and regulating dealership ownership by manufacturers, particularly for those producing battery electric vehicles. The bill emphasizes maintaining a robust dealer franchise system while allowing exceptions for certain manufacturers, and it introduces penalties for violations of these regulations, ensuring that manufacturers treat dealers fairly and without discrimination.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding vehicle dealer licensing and introduces new penalties for non-compliance. It requires the revocation of a manufacturer's dealer license within 30 days if they cease to meet eligibility criteria and imposes a $10,000 penalty for prohibited retail sales or leases. The application fee for a certificate of title is increased to $40 for retail transactions until the end of 2036, after which it will revert to $15, with part of the fee supporting an incentive program for vulnerable populations to reduce electric vehicle costs. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 46.96.010, 46.96.185, 46.70.041, 46.70.045, 46.70.101, 46.70.170, 46.70.180
Substitute bill: 46.96.010, 46.96.185, 46.70.041, 46.70.045, 46.70.101, 46.70.170, 46.70.180
Engrossed substitute: 46.96.010, 46.96.185, 46.70.041, 46.70.045, 46.70.101, 46.70.170, 46.70.180
Bill as passed Legislature: 46.96.010, 46.96.185, 46.70.041, 46.70.045, 46.70.101, 46.70.170, 46.17.100
Session law: 46.96.010, 46.96.185, 46.70.041, 46.70.045, 46.70.101, 46.70.170, 46.17.100