Governor signs Rep. Peter Abbarno’s bill to strengthen city-tribal partnerships

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law legislation sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, that enables cities and tribal governments to work together more effectively to extend essential public services.

House Bill 1039 provides a clear legal framework for cities and federally recognized tribes, specifically the City of La Center and the Cowlitz Tribe, to establish mutual agreements to extend urban governmental services to tribal lands beyond existing urban growth boundaries. These agreements will now be recognized as consistent with Washington’s Growth Management Act, helping local governments coordinate smarter growth and infrastructure planning.

“This bill is about cooperation and common sense,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “It allows cities and tribes to voluntarily come together to support development, deliver public services, and plan for the future – without jumping through unnecessary legal hurdles.”

Under previous state law, cities were restricted from providing municipal services outside their designated urban growth areas, even when working in partnership with neighboring tribal governments. This bill eliminates that obstacle and allows agreements to be made through 2028 when the property is within tribal jurisdiction and directly borders a city.

“This is a practical step forward that will directly benefit local communities,” Abbarno added. “It’s the kind of collaboration that respects tribal sovereignty, honors local decision-making, and meets the needs of growing areas.”

The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously – 95-0 in the House and 49-0 in the Senate – demonstrating strong bipartisan support for expanding local partnership options between cities and tribes.

With the governor’s signature, House Bill 1039 will take effect later this year.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov