Bill Analysis — SSB 6149, Definition of Rural County (House Program Research, 2/24/26)

Summary

This is a bill analysis of SSB 6149 by the House of Representatives Office of Program Research for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, Washington State, with a hearing date of 2/24/26. The brief description concerns the definition of rural county for purposes of public facilities funding. The brief summary says the bill expands the definition to include a county with a population density of 100 persons per square mile or greater, with no city with a population greater than 45,000 persons. The analysis lists the appropriation as None, a fiscal note as available, and an effective date 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

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Full text

Washington State                    BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research   ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
                                       SSB 6149
Brief Description: Concerning the definition of "rural county" for purposes of public facilities
     funding.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development (originally
    sponsored by Senators Wilson, J., Dozier, Short and Chapman).


                               Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
          • Expands the definition of rural county to include a county with a
            population density of 100 persons per square mile or greater, with no city
            with a population greater than 45,000 persons.


Hearing Date: 2/24/26

Staff: Emily Poole (786-7106).

Background:

A rural county is defined as a county with a population density of fewer than 100 persons per
square mile or a county smaller than 225 square miles, as determined by the Office of Financial
Management.

Several statutes use this definition, including but not limited to statutes referencing public
facilities loans and grants, the coordination of community and economic development services,
and excise taxes. As of 2025, there are 29 rural counties.

Summary of Bill:




     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Bill Analysis                             -1-                                        SSB 6149
The definition of rural county is expanded such that a county with a population density of 100
persons per square mile or greater, with no city with a population greater than 45,000 persons, is
also defined as a rural county.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.




House Bill Analysis                            -2-                                        SSB 6149


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