HB 1882, sponsored by Rep. Julio Cortes (D–Everett), imposes an additional temporary state tax on lodging in Washington in mid-2026. Cities are requesting to be included in the allocations.

The bill:

• Creates a temporary rental lodging tax: A 2% tax would apply to short-term lodging for stays between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026. The tax would not apply to stays lasting one month or more. This timeframe generally coincides with the FIFA World Cup which will host games in Seattle and will spur many fan events around the state.
• Allocates the revenue as follows:
  • 25% to counties based on the amount collected locally;
  • 25% to programs assisting victims of human trafficking and exploitation; and
  • 50% to support state tourism programs.

The revenue from this tax would go into a newly created enhanced tourism account in the state treasury. Any remaining balance in the account will be transferred to the state’s general fund on July 1, 2027.

We like this idea, but we are advocating that the legislation also include cities into the distribution allocation. Cities expect to see increases in traffic volume, incidents, and public safety needs that would benefit from shared World Cup revenue.

Dates to remember

HB 1882 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Finance Committee on February 18 at 8 am.