OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A proposed change to how schools pass bond measures is making its way through Olympia.

HB 4201, which was pre-filed ahead of the 2025 Legislative session, would make passing a school bond possible through a simple majority.

Currently, school bonds need at least a 60% majority in order to go into effect. But the rules have historically made propositions to renovate schools in our region more difficult.

In 2024, bond measures in Lynden, Meridian and Blaine all failed because none of them reached the 60% threshold needed to pass.

A separate joint resolution in the Washington State Senate would lower the number of “yes” votes needed to 55%.

Any issues regarding bonds would require changing the state Constitution, so at least a two thirds majority of the Washington State Legislature would need to OK the bills before they head to voters.

Preliminary committee votes are scheduled on Feb. 13 for both bills.