WA HB2741

Creates the Washington Electric Transmission Authority as a public body to improve transmission reliability, resilience, and affordability, with a 10-member board of directors appointed by January 1, 2027, and an executive director hired by June 30, 2027

Requires the Department of Commerce to identify high priority transmission corridors by October 30, 2027, and establishes a tribal clean energy partnership work group to develop pathways for tribal participation in clean energy infrastructure development

Grants the authority powers including eminent domain for transmission corridors, entering partnerships with public/private entities, owning transmission equipment, and coordinating with the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority for conduit financing

Establishes labor standards requiring qualified electrical employees or contractors using registered apprenticeship programs with at least 25% completion rates, and compliance with prevailing wage requirements

Creates two treasury accounts—the electric transmission operating account and the electric transmission capital account—to fund authority operations and transmission project acquisition, management, and development