Legislation to strengthen local tourism passes House

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to the news section of his legislative website on 2026-02-24 13:45:43

OLYMPIA – The Washington State House of Representatives today approved House Bill 2325, sponsored by Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), to strengthen tourism promotion and support small businesses in communities across Washington.

Watch Rep. Paul’s floor remarks here or click on the image below:

The bill establishes a voluntary, industry-supported program to strengthen statewide tourism marketing. It allows tourism-related businesses to come together and invest in promoting Washington as a destination, helping attract visitors, events, and economic activity to communities large and small.

“When visitors come to Washington, they support local jobs and small businesses,” Paul said. “This bill helps ensure our communities can compete for tourism dollars and continue building vibrant local economies.”

Paul noted that the state already has successful industry-supported marketing models in place, including the Washington State Wine Commission, which is funded by assessments on grape growers and wineries to promote Washington wines across the nation and the world.

“We’ve seen how industry-driven marketing can help Washington wines become globally recognized,” Paul said. “This bill applies that same proven approach to tourism, giving local businesses a voice in how our state promotes itself and ensuring communities across Washington can share in the benefits.”

HB 2325 passed on an 84 – 5 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration.