A bill moving through the Washington Legislature aims to give local governments, ports, tribes, and transit districts the authority to launch passenger‑only ferry service — a shift that could eventually open the door to new routes along the Columbia River, including those affecting Cowlitz County residents.

House Bill 1923‑S2, sponsored by Rep. Greg Nance, passed the Washington House of Representatives on an 84–11 vote earlier in the 2026 session. The bill is now awaiting a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee, according to the Legislature’s public record available through the official bill file.

Under current state law, only a narrow set of public entities may operate passenger‑only ferries. HB 1923‑S2 would broaden that authority, allowing more local jurisdictions and districts to form passenger‑only ferry service areas, levy a dedicated 3% sales and use tax with voter approval, and utilize parking taxes, tolls, and advertising revenue to support operations.

Rep. Nance has positioned the bill as a response to ongoing strain within the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system, where vessel shortages and crew constraints have contributed to years of reduced reliability. During testimony referenced by reporting from MyNorthwest, Nance argued that empowering regional passenger‑only systems would give communities the ability to create alternatives where state service may be unavailable or delayed.

Nance also pointed to potential applications beyond Puget Sound, including the Columbia River corridor, where he suggested that connections between Vancouver, Portland, and nearby attractions could be feasible for passenger‑only vessels. Such proposals are preliminary and would depend on local jurisdictions choosing to pursue service under the authority HB 1923‑S2 would create.

The concept has drawn support from officials in ferry‑dependent communities, particularly in Kitsap County, who cited years of delayed or cancelled sailings affecting work schedules, medical appointments, and daily travel. The Washington State Ferries system does not currently project delivery of new vessels until at least 2030.

For Southwest Washington, the bill’s passage would not create any immediate ferry routes. Instead, it would provide a legal pathway for local entities — such as the Port of Longview, Cowlitz County, or regional transit districts — to explore feasibility studies or service proposals if they chose to do so. No such proposals have been publicly announced by those agencies as of February 19, 2026.

Why this matters for the Lower Columbia

While the bill has been framed primarily around Puget Sound congestion and service shortfalls, its statewide scope means river communities could consider passenger‑only ferries as a transportation or tourism option in the years ahead. Any future exploration in the Longview–Kelso region would require local political support, voter‑approved funding mechanisms, and coordination with navigation and safety authorities operating on the Columbia River.

The Senate Transportation Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing date. The bill previously passed the House in 2025 but did not advance out of the Senate Rules Committee.

Sources

MyNorthwest: Bill aims to revive historic Mosquito Fleet as state ferries struggle

Washington State Legislature: HB 1923‑S2 official bill text