Bad Bills We Stopped
A hidden tire tax that drives up everyday costs
House Bill 2421 creates a new statewide tire fee and chemical ban tied to a substance used in most vehicle tires. Starting in 2027, the bill adds a new “6PPD mitigation fee” on replacement tires: $3 per tire for smaller vehicles and $6 per tire for larger vehicles, in addition to the existing $5 tire fee Washingtonians already pay at checkout.
The bill also requires the new fee to automatically increase by 10% each year, compounding costs without additional votes by lawmakers.
In addition, the bill prohibits retailers from clearly listing this new mitigation fee as a separate line item on receipts, meaning consumers will pay more without seeing exactly what they are being charged.
Beginning in 2035, the bill bans tires containing this chemical, forcing manufacturers and retailers to overhaul supply chains on a state-mandated timeline. State agencies are given broad authority to regulate tire chemistry, approve alternatives, and impose penalties for noncompliance.
Why is this a bad policy?
- Adds another hidden cost to everyday transportation. Most families rely on cars to get to work, school, medical appointments, and the grocery store. This bill adds a new tire fee on top of existing charges and automatically increases it each year, making basic vehicle maintenance more expensive for everyone.
- Creates a growing, automatic tax increase. The new tire fee increases by 10% annually by law. That means higher costs year after year without legislative approval or public input, quietly compounding the burden on drivers.
- Keeps consumers in the dark at checkout. Retailers are prohibited from showing the new mitigation fee as a separate charge on receipts. Families will pay more without clearly seeing why, reducing transparency and accountability.
- Expands state control over consumer products and supply chains. The bill grants regulators broad authority to determine which tire chemicals are acceptable and when products must be withdrawn from the market. That uncertainty drives up manufacturing and retail costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers.
- Adds bureaucracy instead of fixing existing environmental systems. Rather than improving stormwater treatment or targeted cleanup efforts, the bill relies on new fees, bans, and enforcement measures, shifting costs to working families while adding red tape.
Bottom line
HB 2421 creates a hidden, escalating tire tax, expands state control over consumer products, and raises the cost of everyday transportation. It increases the cost of car ownership, reduces transparency at checkout, and adds another financial burden on Washington families amid an ongoing affordability crisis.
Last updated: April 13, 2026 - 9:59 am
Timeline:
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NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN DURING THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
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Executive action (clearing the committee) in the House Appropriations Committee at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 9
- Voted out of committee 16-14.
- Watch the executive session on TVW.
- Next steps taken: Referred to the House Rules Committee.
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Public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 6
- Watch the public hearing on TVW.
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Executive action (clearing the committee) in the House Environment & Energy Committee at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 29
- Voted out of committee party-line 11-9.
- Watch the executive session on TVW
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Public hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 19
- Send a comment to your state legislators on your position
- Watch the committee hearing on TVW