A bill preventing theft and vandalism at electric vehicle charging stations passed with unanimous support in the state senate yesterday. The bill was backed by our local 19th District State Senator, Republican Jeff Wilson, who is one of many members of the Legislature that drives an electric vehicle.

Wilson says this type of vandalism can be a real issue for electric car owners because, if they are out of charge, they can’t just drive to another charging station.

EV chargers have become a prime target nationwide, with many people selling the charging cables for recycling. The Washington State Department of Transportation reported that total wire theft on its properties cost taxpayers $1.5 million between 2021 and 2024.

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives.