SB 5937 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act.

SB 5937 defines key terms related to smart access systems in rental properties under Washington's landlord-tenant law. It specifically clarifies "authentication data" (data used for entry via smart systems) and "biometric identifier information" (like fingerprints or facial scans) to ensure transparency. The bill directly affects landlords who use smart access systems, requiring them to handle biometric data according to these defined terms. This is a definitional amendment, not a new policy, to align existing law with modern access technologies. It does not impose new requirements but establishes clear language for how such systems are regulated.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Dec 23, 2025 Signed Mar 16, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Substitute Bill → Substitute Passed Legislature · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill text was updated to include a formal certification of enrollment, confirming that the legislation has been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is ready for final filing. This addition serves as an official record of the legislative process but does not alter the substantive policy, scope, or requirements of the bill itself.

TECHNICAL

Added a certification section confirming the bill passed the Senate and House on specific dates with vote counts.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 28, 2026 · House Mar 3, 2026

How they voted

51–0

Passed

Total votes 51

Jan 28, 2026

D Democratic31

31 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican20

20 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 16, 2026

Signed into law

Governor signed.

executive

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

Speaker signed.

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

President signed.

upper

Mar 3, 2026

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (95-1-4)

house

Feb 25, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUS - Majority; do pass.

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

Floor amendment(s) adopted.

upper

Jan 16, 2026

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors