WA SB5438

Prohibits sale of virgin bulk hydrofluorocarbons exceeding specific global warming potential thresholds: 2,200 GWP beginning January 1, 2027; 1,500 GWP beginning January 1, 2030; and 750 GWP beginning January 1, 2033

Requires state agencies to use reclaimed refrigerants (not virgin) with GWP greater than 750 when servicing state-owned equipment beginning July 1, 2026, with temporary exemptions available for technical or economic infeasibility

Establishes a refrigerant transition task force by February 1, 2026, with 12 appointed members from industry, environmental nonprofits, environmental justice organizations, and academia to study barriers and opportunities for transitioning to climate-friendly refrigerants

Task force must submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2027, after which the Department of Ecology must adopt rules requiring low or ultra-low global warming potential alternatives (less than 150 or less than 10 CO2 equivalents) where practicable

Violations are subject to penalties under chapter 70A.15 RCW, with temporary exemptions available for up to three years where compliance is technically or economically infeasible