Housing

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HJR 4207: Concerning property tax relief.

This constitutional amendment proposal (HJR 4207) would allow Washington voters to approve a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved, it would permit the legislature to create a tax break reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes by up to $250,000 for state taxes only. The amendment includes safeguards to prevent shifting tax burdens to other properties and allows for annual adjustments to the exemption amount. It requires voter approval at the next general election, as the proposed constitutional change is not yet law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for primary residences, reducing taxable value by up to $250k, aligning with tax relief for homeowners per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief for primary residences, supporting property rights and homeownership affordability within housing policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

Track

signed · Washington · House Apr 11, 2025

HB 1191: Concerning removing vehicle titles from manufactured homes.

HB 1191 eliminates vehicle-style titles for manufactured homes in Washington State, treating them as real property attached to land instead of personal property. Homeowners who voluntarily apply through their county auditor can remove the title, after which the home is conveyed with the land via deed or lease rather than a separate title. The law changes how ownership and security interests (like mortgages) are handled, requiring that untitled manufactured homes be transferred with the land they sit on. This applies only to homes where owners choose to eliminate the title through the county recording process, not to all manufactured homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingTreats manufactured homes as real property, strengthening property rights and financing options for a common affordable housing type, supporting housing stability.80% confidence

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5770: Providing housing safety, security, and protection by creating the primary residence property tax exemption.

SB 5770 creates a new state property tax exemption for Washington homeowners' primary residences, reducing taxes on a portion of their home's value. The exemption equals the greater of $100,000 or 60% of the county's median home value (updated annually), applied to state taxes only (not local taxes). Homeowners must apply yearly by April 1st with proof of residency and personal information like Social Security numbers, and it applies to all primary homes including community land trusts and cooperatives. The bill aims to prevent displacement and help middle- and fixed-income families maintain housing stability by making home ownership more affordable. This policy change directly affects homeowners who qualify as primary residents, with the exemption taking effect for taxes levied in 2028 and later.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for primary residences, reducing state tax burden on homeowners and providing direct tax relief per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces property taxes for primary homeowners, lowering housing costs and supporting affordability, especially for community land trusts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1179: Providing a property tax valuation freeze for senior citizens and disabled veterans.

HB 1179 would allow Washington seniors aged 61+ and disabled veterans with VA disability ratings of 80% or higher to freeze their property tax valuation. Qualifying residents would pay no tax on a portion of their home's value based on income: lower-income households get full relief on all taxes, while others receive partial relief up to $70,000 of home value. The exemption uses "combined disposable income" to determine eligibility and applies the frozen valuation (based on 1995 or qualification year) to reduce taxes. This law would take effect for property taxes collected starting in 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for seniors/disabled vets via property tax freeze, targeting lower-income households with full relief, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors/disabled veterans, reducing housing costs for low-income homeowners and increasing affordability through income-based tax exemptions.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly provides property tax freeze for disabled veterans (80%+ VA rating), a direct financial benefit advancing veteran tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Tags Seniors

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1768: Preserving manufactured housing communities by limiting purchases by certain entities.

HB 1768 restricts large corporations and investment firms from purchasing additional manufactured housing communities to prevent displacement of low-income and senior residents. It prohibits business entities owning five or more communities (or 200+ lots) and bans all investment entities from acquiring such properties. The law aims to stop sharp rent hikes and community displacement by limiting corporate ownership, with violations carrying civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation. This directly affects existing manufactured housing communities, where residents often face affordability challenges due to corporate takeovers.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill restricts corporate ownership of manufactured housing communities to prevent displacement of low-income/senior residents and stop rent hikes, directly protecting tenant rights and preserving affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

Track

signed · Washington · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 1760: Removing barriers for organizations selling manufactured homes to low-income households.

House Bill 1760 aims to remove regulatory barriers for organizations that sell manufactured homes to low-income households at cost. The bill directly affects these organizations and the low-income individuals they serve by facilitating access to affordable housing options. It achieves this by amending RCW 46.70.011, which pertains to vehicle dealer regulations and related definitions. This change is intended to streamline the process for these specific types of manufactured home sales.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves regulatory barriers for low-income manufactured home sales, directly increasing affordable housing access at cost.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

signed · Washington · Senate May 7, 2025

SB 5184: Concerning minimum parking requirements.

Senate Bill 5184 limits the minimum parking requirements that cities and code cities in Washington state can impose on new construction projects. It caps required parking at 0.5 spaces per multifamily dwelling unit, one space per single-family home, and two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill also eliminates all minimum parking requirements for specific categories, such as affordable housing, senior housing, child care centers, and smaller residential or commercial spaces. These changes directly affect developers, residents, and local governments, though cities with populations of 30,000 or less are exempt, and exceptions can be made for safety concerns or areas near major airports.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminates minimum parking requirements for affordable housing, reducing development costs and directly supporting housing affordability initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1029: Concerning 3D-printed building construction.

HB 1029 requires Washington’s building code council to update the state residential code to include 3D-printed building construction standards in two phases. First, by the 2024 code update cycle, the council must adopt the 2024 International Residential Code appendix for 3D printing in the code’s appendix. Second, by the 2027 update cycle, it must move these standards into the main body of the residential code, not just an appendix. This bill directly affects builders, developers, and homeowners using 3D-printed construction methods in Washington state by establishing standardized safety and technical requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables 3D-printed construction standards, facilitating faster, potentially lower-cost housing development, supporting housing supply expansion.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes regulatory standards for 3D printing in construction, enabling adoption and innovation in building technology by mandating code integration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5304: Expanding eligibility for the students experiencing homelessness and foster youth program to an accredited tribal college.

SB 5304 expands Washington's Students Experiencing Homelessness and Foster Youth Program to include accredited tribal colleges, previously limited to public four-year institutions. The bill requires participating tribal colleges and four-year schools to provide specific supports like laundry access, housing assistance, reduced-price meals, technology resources, and case management for eligible students. It directly affects students who experienced homelessness or were in foster care upon high school graduation, ensuring they can access these services at tribal colleges meeting accreditation standards. The program also mandates annual reporting on participation and program effectiveness to the legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for homeless/foster youth by including tribal colleges in support program, mandating essential resources (housing, meals, tech) to improve higher education success.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill requires housing assistance for homeless/foster youth students, directly addressing homelessness and expanding housing support through program funding.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires participating institutions to provide technology resources as a mandated support for eligible students, directly advancing digital access and equity for underserved populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Homelessness

Track

signed · Washington · Senate May 7, 2025

SB 5313: Adding to the list of provisions prohibited from rental agreements.

This bill updates Washington state law by adding new provisions that cannot be included in residential rental agreements between landlords and tenants. It prohibits agreements that require tenants to waive their right to join class actions, sign nondisclosure agreements about lease terms, or pay late fees if rent is paid within five days of its due date. The bill also prevents rental agreements from mandating electronic-only rent payments. If a landlord knowingly uses a rental agreement with prohibited provisions, tenants may recover damages and attorney's fees. These changes apply to leases entered into or renewed on or after July 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord clauses that weaken tenant rights (class action waivers, late fees, electronic-only payments), strengthening tenant protections in housing agreements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights