Maddy summarySB 6256 creates a property tax exemption for unoccupied real estate owned by nonprofit entities that will be used for affordable housing within three years. It directly affects nonprofits planning to develop or renovate housing for households earning at or below 50% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). Key provisions require nonprofits to secure financing from specified sources (like state housing programs or affordable housing levies) and maintain at least 75% occupancy by qualifying households to qualify for full exemption. Partial exemptions apply if occupancy falls below 75%, calculated based on the proportion of qualifying units. The bill expands existing exemptions to cover unoccupied properties during development or renovation, ensuring tax relief aligns with future affordable housing use.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 6253 requires public transportation benefit area governing bodies in Washington to grant full participation rights to labor representatives who currently serve in nonvoting roles. It adds two new voting members to each governing board: one who regularly uses public transit for transportation, and one representing a community-based organization that uses transit. The bill also mandates that governing body meetings be scheduled at times and locations accessible by public transit to support these new members' participation. These changes apply to all public transportation benefit areas with governing boards, affecting how local transit decisions are made and ensuring broader community input.
Maddy summarySB 6172 eliminates special exemptions for coal-fired power plants in Washington State's emissions reporting system. It removes preferential treatment by requiring coal plants to follow the same reporting rules as other large emitters (those exceeding 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually), repealing prior provisions that created separate standards. The bill amends Washington’s emissions law (RCW 70A.65.080) to apply consistent reporting thresholds to all covered entities, including coal plants, waste-to-energy facilities, and railroads. This change ensures coal plants are subject to the same compliance requirements as other major emitters without special exemptions. The policy directly affects coal-fired power plants and other large emitters that previously operated under different rules.
Maddy summarySB 6211 standardizes how Washington cities and counties under the Growth Management Act can impose a 0.25% real estate sales tax to fund capital projects. It directly affects local governments by requiring them to use tax revenue exclusively for specific capital projects like streets, parks, airports, and affordable housing/homeless facilities, as defined in the bill. Key mechanisms include mandating voter approval for new taxes in certain areas, restricting fund use to projects in comprehensive plans, and allowing up to 25% of funds for affordable housing initiatives through established collaborations. The bill also preserves existing commitments for pre-1992 debt or projects while requiring documentation of future capital project funding.
Maddy summarySB 6085 requires Washington’s Department of Corrections to create a formal process for gathering feedback from incarcerated individuals and their families about how funds in the institutional welfare account are spent. The bill mandates regular opportunities for inmates to share input on services and programs, annual surveys of affinity groups, and annual public reports detailing facility-specific expenditures and how feedback influenced spending decisions. These reports must be published online starting December 31, 2026, and include the feedback collection process. The bill directly affects the Department of Corrections, incarcerated individuals, and their families by making spending decisions more transparent and informed by those impacted. It does not change what the account funds (e.g., visitation, recreation, reentry services) but adds transparency requirements.
Maddy summarySB 6216 updates Washington's process for selling state lands and timber by standardizing advertising and notice requirements. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to publish sale notices online (replacing physical office postings) and in local newspapers, while making detailed land sale lists available online and at regional offices at least four weeks before sales. The bill clarifies that advertising is informational only (not a warranty of land details) and mandates sales occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays. These changes directly affect the Department of Natural Resources, potential buyers of state lands, and counties where sales occur, aiming to streamline procedures and improve accessibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that Washington's Housing Finance Commission cannot make mortgage loans for owner-occupied single-family homes, except for down payment assistance programs. It ensures the Commission focuses on financing multifamily and nonowner-occupied housing while preserving private lenders' role in residential mortgage markets. The bill updates eligibility standards to consider income, family size, housing conditions, and energy efficiency for housing assistance programs. It also requires annual audits to verify bond funds support affordable housing and energy-efficient improvements as intended.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington state law governing trainee real estate appraisers. It extends their registration period to a maximum of seven years (including two renewals), with exceptions for illness or military service documented by a healthcare provider. Trainees must now work exclusively under the direct supervision of a certified general or residential appraiser. The changes take effect May 1, 2027, and directly affect individuals seeking to become licensed appraisers in Washington.
Maddy summarySB 6250 increases Washington State's maximum small loan amount from $700 to $1,200 (adjusted for inflation annually using the Seattle-area consumer price index), while also capping loans at 30% of a borrower's monthly income - whichever is lower. It limits borrowers to no more than eight small loans in any 12-month period and requires lenders to set due dates based on the borrower's pay schedule. The bill also restricts interest and fees to 15% on the first $500 of principal and 10% on amounts over $500, and prohibits lenders from charging additional fees for loan extensions. These changes directly affect small loan borrowers and licensed lenders operating under Washington's small loan regulations.
Maddy summarySB 5962 prohibits carrying spring blade knives on public and private elementary and secondary school property, school transportation, and school district meeting areas in Washington State. The bill defines a "spring blade knife" as any knife with an automatic opening mechanism (via spring, gravity, or motion), excluding knives requiring manual effort to open. Violating this prohibition is a misdemeanor for first offenses, a gross misdemeanor for repeat offenses, and may lead to revocation of concealed pistol licenses. The law also specifies that school staff, security personnel, and certain authorized activities (like firearms safety courses) are exempt from the ban. This directly affects students, visitors, and staff on school grounds by restricting access to these specific knives.