Bellingham HB 2015 Public Safety Sales Tax (councilmanic)
0.10% local public safety sales tax authorized under Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2015 (2025 WA Legislative Session). Imposed by Bellingham City Council without voter approval. Allowed under HB 2015 if the ...
About this revenue source
0.10% local public safety sales tax authorized under Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2015 (2025 WA Legislative Session). Imposed by Bellingham City Council without voter approval. Allowed under HB 2015 if the legislative authority adopts the tax by June 30, 2028; after that deadline voter approval is required.
Allowed uses are broad "criminal justice purposes" — including domestic violence services, public-defender staffing, diversion programs, reentry programs, juvenile community placements, alternative response programs, behavioral health crisis response, and community outreach. Eligibility requires the law-enforcement agency to maintain policies on use of force and de-escalation per RCW 43.101.540, with non-compliance triggering withholding of $100,000 per month from tax collected.
Authorization
Statutory citation: HB 2015 (2025) §201; RCW 82.14 (uncodified section)