Washington Legislature adjourns without addressing data center tax, Sound Transit bonding

The Washington Legislature adjourned on time without addressing a proposed tax on data centers or Sound Transit bonding. Democrats, who control the state government, advanced major budget and transportation plans but left several high-profile proposals unfinished. One such proposal was the elimination of tax breaks for data centers, which lawmakers decided not to advance after late concerns emerged about the need for a special session to do so. State Rep. Noel Frame said data centers will likely remain a focus as lawmakers become more aware of the environmental impacts of those facilities. The Legislature did approve a new tax on wealthy residents that Democrats are counting on to help balance the state budget, though that measure is expected to face a legal challenge. Lawmakers also declined to move forward with proposals related to Sound Transit bonding.