Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 27, 2026

HB 2418: Concerning permit review processes.

HB 2418 streamlines permit review processes for land use projects in Washington State by requiring local governments (counties and cities) to issue written completeness determinations within 28 days of receiving a project permit application. If a local government fails to provide this written notice within 28 days, the application is automatically deemed complete on the 29th day, preventing unnecessary delays. The bill applies directly to developers seeking permits for projects like subdivisions, site plans, or environmental approvals, but excludes building permits based on code compliance. It aims to create predictable timelines for permit reviews by standardizing procedural requirements and reducing arbitrary delays in local government processing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingHB 2418 accelerates housing development by requiring faster permit approvals for projects like subdivisions, directly enabling more housing construction without explicit affordability or tenant protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 6027: Modifying requirements and allowed uses for certain funding related to providing and maintaining affordable housing and related services.

SB 6027 allows Washington counties and cities to impose up to a 0.1% sales tax to fund affordable housing and related services. It requires at least 60% of the revenue to support housing construction, rehabilitation, or services for specific groups including homeless individuals, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. The bill limits how funds can be used (capping supplanting of existing local funds at 10%) and mandates that counties coordinate with cities on projects, prioritizing 15% of housing units for residents with local ties. It also permits using funds to offset state/federal reductions and authorizes bonds for housing development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 0.1% sales tax to fund affordable housing, requiring 60% revenue for housing construction/services, directly advancing fiscal support for essential housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows 0.1% sales tax funding for affordable housing construction/services, requiring 60% allocation to vulnerable groups (homeless, veterans, seniors, disabled) with coordination mandates.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 6237: Concerning rental property disclosures of flooding history and flood risk.

SB 6237 requires landlords in Washington to disclose flood risk information to tenants for new rental agreements signed after December 31, 2026. Specifically, landlords must inform tenants if a property is in a flood hazard area, clarify that landlord insurance typically doesn’t cover tenant belongings, and recommend renters’ and flood insurance. They must also provide details on where to access local flood hazard maps from county governments. This law directly affects renters in flood-prone areas and landlords who must include these disclosures in lease agreements. The bill aims to increase transparency about flood risks without changing insurance requirements or costs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to disclose flood risks and insurance coverage to tenants, strengthening tenant protections by enabling informed rental decisions regarding safety and financial risks.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 6026: Concerning residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones.

SB 6026 requires Washington cities and counties with populations over 30,000 to allow residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, directly affecting these municipalities and developers. The bill prohibits local governments from banning residential uses in these zones but permits limited mixed-use requirements (e.g., 20% of non-station areas must include ground-floor commercial space) and allows height increases of at least 10 feet in designated areas. Exceptions include historic properties, business improvement areas, and specific locations like refinery zones or historic main streets. The law preempts conflicting local rules and takes effect one year after enactment, unless local ordinances are updated first. It does not override building permit requirements unrelated to zoning.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates residential development in commercial zones, increasing housing supply and development directly supporting housing policy without restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 27, 2026

HB 1974: Establishing land banking authorities.

HB 1974 establishes a framework for counties to create land banking authorities aimed at increasing affordable housing. These land banks - public entities or nonprofits - can acquire, hold, and develop land within urban growth areas, requiring at least 33% of housing units to be affordable to extremely low-income households, no more than 33% at market rate, and the remainder for moderate-income residents. The bill mandates 99-year affordability covenants on developed land, prioritizes displacement mitigation, and requires advisory boards reflecting community diversity to oversee land bank activities. It directly affects counties, housing developers, and low/moderate-income residents, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by housing inequities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 33% affordable units for extremely low-income households with 99-year covenants, directly advancing affordable housing goals per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2442: Providing local governments tax resources and fund flexibility.

HB 2442 allows Washington counties and cities to impose specific real estate excise taxes to fund local capital projects and affordable housing. It authorizes a 0.25% tax on real property sales for general capital projects (like streets, parks, and sewer systems), with strict usage rules requiring projects to align with comprehensive plans. Additionally, it creates a separate 0.5% tax exclusively for affordable housing development, including acquisition, construction, and maintenance for low- and moderate-income residents. Local governments must document funding plans for future projects and follow voter approval processes for new taxes, while funds must be managed through competitive grant processes for housing initiatives. The bill directly affects local governments by expanding their tax tools for infrastructure and housing priorities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes local real estate taxes (0.25%/0.5%) to fund capital projects and affordable housing, directly advancing public service funding through new tax mechanisms.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates 0.5% tax exclusively for affordable housing development, including construction and maintenance for low-income housing.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly authorizes 0.25% tax for streets (transportation infrastructure) as part of general capital projects under the tax provisions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1408: Establishing funding for community preservation and development authorities approved through RCW 43.167.060.

HB 1408 establishes a new funding stream for community preservation and development authorities in Washington. It requires 30% of state sales tax revenue from qualifying large stadiums or arenas (with specific seat capacity and facility size requirements) to be deposited into community development accounts starting January 1, 2026. The funds are split equally between operating and capital subaccounts to support local projects addressing economic vitality, safety, and housing needs in communities affected by major public facilities. The bill mandates biennial reporting by these authorities and expires January 1, 2037.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 30% of stadium sales tax revenue to community development funds for housing/safety projects, advancing public funding allocation per tax revenue stream.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates stadium tax revenue to community funds specifically for housing needs in local projects addressing housing development.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 2594: Ensuring that unhoused children and youths in Washington have equal access to free, appropriate public education.

HB 2594 ensures homeless children and youths in Washington state have equal access to free public education by removing barriers like residency requirements, documentation delays, and fees. It requires school districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt policies that prevent segregation, identify homeless students, and maintain enrollment in their "school of origin" (the school they attended while housed). The bill mandates a state education plan addressing specific obstacles - such as missing immunization records, dress codes, or lack of birth certificates - and ensures homeless students can access all programs, including preschool, extracurriculars, and career training, on the same basis as other students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves barriers (residency, fees) to ensure unhoused children's equal access to public education, directly expanding educational access per topic description.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directly addresses homelessness (a core housing issue) by removing barriers preventing unhoused children from accessing education, aligning with 'addresses homelessness' indicator.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 6200: Concerning renters' and mobile home occupants' ability to install portable cooling devices.

This bill allows renters and mobile home occupants in Washington to install portable cooling devices (like window units or floor models) without landlord approval, with key exceptions for safety, building codes, or existing heat pumps. Landlords cannot charge fees for installation or restrict devices, but may require proper drainage and 48-hour notice for inspections. They must disclose insurance restrictions on window units in leases and inform tenants of their rights. The law does not override existing disability accommodation requirements or landlord responsibilities for electrical issues caused by tenant devices.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant rights by allowing renters to install cooling devices without landlord fees or restrictions, directly protecting tenants' housing conditions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 6162: Concerning property tax reform.

SB 6162 expands Washington’s senior property tax relief program to help older residents and veterans with lower incomes. It directly affects seniors aged 61+ (or disabled retirees), veterans with 40%+ VA disability ratings, and surviving spouses aged 57+ who meet income thresholds. The bill provides tiered tax relief: full exemption from all property taxes for those below income threshold 3, and partial exemptions (covering up to 80% of home value) for those between thresholds 1 and 2. Key changes include simplifying eligibility rules, allowing income adjustments for events like spouse death or Social Security COLAs, and locking in lower property valuations for qualifying homeowners.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands property tax relief for seniors/veterans with lower incomes, reducing their tax burden via tiered exemptions per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands property tax relief for seniors/veterans with lower incomes, reducing housing costs and advancing affordability for vulnerable groups.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes veterans with 40%+ VA disability ratings in expanded property tax relief program, providing tiered tax exemptions as a direct benefit.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing