SB 6201 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishing tax exemptions for property used as affordable housing owned or operated by a social housing agency.

SB 6201 creates a property tax exemption for housing units classified as "affordable" when owned or operated by social housing agencies in Washington State. The bill amends tax code sections to exclude qualifying affordable housing properties from standard property tax calculations, directly benefiting social housing agencies and their tenants. Key provisions require properties to meet affordability standards (likely defined in other state regulations) and be managed by eligible agencies to qualify for the exemption. This policy change reduces operational costs for social housing providers without altering existing tax structures for other property types.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Feb 4, 2026

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What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to create a new category of 'social housing' and 'social housing agencies' eligible for property tax exemptions. Key changes include expanding the definition of moderate-income households, adjusting income thresholds for exemptions, and updating the required duration of covenants for social housing agencies from 15 years to 'at least 15 years' with a focus on primary use. The bill also adds a new section establishing a specific renewal filing schedule for social housing agencies.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly includes 'social housing' and 'social housing agencies' as eligible entities for tax exemptions, broadening the scope beyond traditional nonprofit and housing authority definitions.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'social housing' (mixed-income housing for at least 99 years) and 'social housing agency' (specific public corporation type).

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the income threshold for 'moderate-income household' from 'at or below 120%' to 'more than 80% but at or below 115%' of median income.

REQUIREMENT

Modified the covenant requirement for social housing agencies to state the property will 'primarily be used' for low-income housing for at least 15 years, instead of prohibiting other uses.

Added a specific requirement for social housing agencies to file a renewal declaration every third year, distinct from the annual renewal required by other entities.

TIMELINE

Updated the effective date for certain sections to January 1, 2027, and adjusted expiration dates for various sections to align with the new timeline.

FISCAL

Expanded the list of eligible funding sources to include 'City or county funds designated for affordable or social housing'.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

Referred to Ways & Means.

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

And refer to Ways & Means.

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

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

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

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

upper

1 primary · 4 co-sponsors