This evening the House passed Senate Bill 6143, which modifies excise tax laws to preserve funding for public schools, colleges, and universities, as well as other public systems essential for the safety, health, and security of all Washingtonians.

The House passed the conference report agreement signed earlier today by the Senate and House with a vote of 52-44.

Senate Bill 6143 raises $667.7 million in new revenue. Combined with the revenue expected to be generated by an increase in the cigarette tax and taxes on other tobacco products, the total revenue generated is expected to be $794.1 million.

Senate Bill 6143 now goes to the Senate where they are expected to take action on the bill tomorrow when they convene at 2:00 p.m.

The House is adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 12.