Wash. Rev. Code » Title 43 · Chapter 43.135
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 43.135.060 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) After July 1, 1995, the legislature shall not impose responsibility for new programs or increased levels of service under existing programs on any political subdivision of the state unless the subdivision is fully reimbursed by the state for the costs of the new programs or increases in service levels. Reimbursement by the state may be made by: (a) A specific appropriation; or (b) increases in state distributions of revenue to political subdivisions occurring after January 1, 1998.
(2) If by order of any court, or legislative enactment, the costs of a federal or local government program are transferred to or from the state, the otherwise applicable state expenditure limit shall be increased or decreased, as the case may be, by the dollar amount of the costs of the program.
(3) The legislature, in consultation with the office of financial management or its successor agency, shall determine the costs of any new programs or increased levels of service under existing programs imposed on any political subdivision or transferred to or from the state.
(4) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the costs incurred for voting devices or machines under RCW 29A.12.150.
[ 2015 c 53 s 71; 1998 c 321 s 15 (Referendum Bill No. 49, approved November 3, 1998); 1994 c 2 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 601, approved November 2, 1993); 1990 2nd ex.s. c 1 s 601; 1990 c 184 s 2; 1980 c 1 s 6 (Initiative Measure No. 62, approved November 6, 1979).]

Notes:

Purpose—Severability—1998 c 321: See notes following RCW 82.14.045.
Effective dates—Application—1998 c 321 ss 1-21, 44, and 45: See note following RCW 82.14.045.
Referral to electorate—1998 c 321 ss 1-21 and 44-46: See note following RCW 82.14.045.
Severability—1990 2nd ex.s. c 1: See note following RCW 82.14.300.
Local government reimbursement claims: RCW 4.92.280.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1983–2022 · leading case: City of Tacoma v. State, 816 P.2d 7 (Wash. 1991).
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City of Tacoma v. State, 816 P.2d 7 (Wash. 1991). · cites it 4× “RCW 43.135.060(1). C. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act.”
City of Seattle v. State, 666 P.2d 359 (Wash. 1983). · cites it 8× “1, § 6(1), RCW 43.135.060(1). The trial court agreed with the Cities' argument.”
Klickitat Cnty. v. State, 862 P.2d 629 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993). · cites it 7× “", the County asked the court to determine whether the State was hable under RCW 43.135.060 for costs it might incur in adopting, implementing, and administering new ordinances and programs pursuant to the Commission's management plan.”
Whatcom Cnty. v. City of Bellingham, 909 P.2d 1303 (Wash. 1996). “3 The City’s third-party claim against the State under RCW 43.135.060 remains pending. The State did not participate in the summary judgment proceedings.”
State v. A.W., 181 Wash. App. 400 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “¶29 In Howard, our Supreme Court held that under RCW 43.135.060, which prohibits shifting costs from the State government to local government, the State could not require local governments to pay for the indigent defense counsel of defendants prosecuted by the state attorney…”
Pierce Cnty. v. State, 769 P.2d 291 (Wash. 1989). “RCW 43.135.060(1). The Pierce County Superior Court orders ruling the County responsible for the costs of appointed counsel for indigent parents in juvenile proceedings is affirmed.”
Wash. State Ass'n of Counties v. State (Wash. 2022). · cites it 7× “99230-4 RCW 43.135.060 (the unfunded mandate statute).”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 43.135.060(1) — 5 cases
City of Tacoma v. State, 816 P.2d 7 (Wash. 1991). “RCW 43.135.060(1). C. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act.”
City of Seattle v. State, 666 P.2d 359 (Wash. 1983). “1, § 6(1), RCW 43.135.060(1). The trial court agreed with the Cities' argument.”
Klickitat Cnty. v. State, 862 P.2d 629 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993). “", the County asked the court to determine whether the State was hable under RCW 43.135.060 for costs it might incur in adopting, implementing, and administering new ordinances and programs pursuant to the Commission's management plan.”
Pierce Cnty. v. State, 769 P.2d 291 (Wash. 1989). “RCW 43.135.060(1). The Pierce County Superior Court orders ruling the County responsible for the costs of appointed counsel for indigent parents in juvenile proceedings is affirmed.”
Wash. State Ass'n of Counties v. State (Wash. 2022). “99230-4 RCW 43.135.060 (the unfunded mandate statute).”
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