Washington State Legislative Tracker

HB 2027 increases the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) for mansions, with revenues dedicated for affordable housing. This bill creates the following surcharges on the sale of high-value single-unit residential properties:

• 1% of the portion of the sales price between $3 million and $5 million
• 2% of the portion of the sales price between $5 million and $10 million
• 3% of the portion of the sales price above $10 million.

The revenues will be dedicated as follows:

• 40% to the Developmental Disabilities Housing and Services Account for housing and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities
• 40% to the Affordable Housing for All Account for operating, maintenance, and service costs of permanent supportive housing
• 10% to the Housing Stability Account to support low-income households needing rental assistance and housing stability services
• 10% to the Washington Housing Trust Fund for farmworker housing.

Read more about HB 2027.

Feb 27: First reading, referred to Finance.

The capital budget funds the Housing Trust Fund, Washington’s major state-level source for affordable housing development. Former Gov. Inslee’s proposed capital budgets fund $536 million overall in the Housing Trust Fund, including:

• $215 million for affordable multifamily rental housing.
• $50 million for affordable housing that serves people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
• $100 million for permanent supportive housing through the Apple Health and Homes program.
• $58 million for affordable homeownership.
• $10.5 million for preserving manufactured home communities.
• $20 million for acquiring and converting property for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• $50 million to preserve existing affordable housing.
• $25 million for affordable housing benefitting federally-recognized Indian tribes.

Additionally, the proposed capital budget adds $65 million to the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP), which funds utility connections for new affordable housing developments.

Jan 16: Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 1:30 PM.

Jan 13: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM

Jan 13: First reading, referred to House Committee on Capital Budget.

This bill aims to expand homeownership opportunities across Washington state, by simplifying construction liability rules to remove barriers to constructing middle housing and smaller dwelling units.

Apr 8: Passed the Senate, 47-1!

Apr 2: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:00 AM. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 21: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 11: Passed the House, 89-7!

Mar 6: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 18: Referred to Rules Committee.

Feb 14: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM.

Feb 7: Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM.

Jan 29: Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.

Jan 20: First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

2025 Condo Bill One Pager

The bill requires the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study of insurance coverage options for permanently affordable homeownership, to reduce costs related to condominium construction defect liability and maintain commensurate access to insurance coverage.

It also clarifies and expands the definition of affordable homeownership to encompass community land trusts.

Apr 9: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the Senate Floor.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Business, Financial Services & Trade. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 19: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Business, Financial Services & Trade at 8:00 AM.

Mar 11: Passed the House, 58-38!

Mar 6: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Mar 3: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 28: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations.

Feb 25: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

Feb 19: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business. Referred to Appropriations.

Feb 14: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 8:00 AM, but no action was taken.

Feb 7: Public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 8:00 AM.

Jan 22: First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.

2025 Condo Bill One Pager

This CHA Trailer Bill will build on the effectiveness of the Covenant Homeownership Program by enacting two recommendations from the Covenant Homeownership Program Study. The study recommended that the program increase the Area Median Income level (AMI) threshold for eligibility and provide a loan forgiveness option. The CHA Trailer Bill asks for an increase in AMI from 100% to 140% and for a loan forgiveness option for those at or below 80% AMI after their loan has been outstanding for at least five years.

Read more about HB 1696 and review this CHA Trailer Bill Brief.

Apr 9: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the Senate Floor.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Apr 4: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing. Referred to Ways & Means.

Mar 19: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.

Mar 6: Passed the House, 57-39!

Mar 4: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Mar 3: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 27: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations.

Feb 24: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

Feb 18: Passed out of the House Committee on Housing with one approved amendment H-1409.2 by Rep. Peterson.

Feb 10: Public hearing in the House Housing Committee at 1:30 PM.

CHA Trailer Bill Brief

Removes the exemption for assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust from the $183 housing and homelessness document recording surcharge and $100 Covenant Homeownership Program assessment, thereby expanding funding for these programs.

Read more about the bill HB 1858.

Apr 9: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the Senate Floor.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Mar 24: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.

Mar 12: First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

Mar 10: Passed the House, 51-42!

Mar 4: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 28: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 26: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

Feb 13: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Feb 6: First reading, referred to House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1491 defines “station areas” as being within a 0.5 mile walking radius of light rail, commuter rail, streetcars and within a 0.25 mile walking radius of bus rapid transit. Within station areas, cities are:

• Prohibited from imposing a maximum density in terms of homes per acre.
• Prohibited from imposing parking requirements, except those dedicated exclusively for individuals with disabilities.
• Required to allow a minimum average Floor Area Ratio of 3.5 around fixed rail and 2.5 around bus rapid transit.

The bill requires 10% of the additional homes allowed to be affordable at less than 60% of Area Median Income, or 20% at 80% of Area Median Income, with a provision to allow cities with an existing inclusionary or incentive zoning program to depart from these requirements. The bill funds this affordability requirement by establishing a new 20-year Multi-Family Tax Property Exemption (MFTE) Program for projects located within a station area.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

Apr 4: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing. Referred to Ways & Means.

Mar 21: Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 14: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 7: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

Mar 5: Passed the House, 58-39!

Mar 4: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Mar 3: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 28: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations.

Feb 25: Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 9:00 AM.

Feb 17: Referred to House Appropriations Committee.

Feb 11: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Jan 28: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Jan 21: First reading, referred to House Committee on Housing.

This bill aims to expand housing opportunities by modernizing restrictive parking mandates that drive up the cost of development. In particular, the bill limits parking requirements to no more than 0.5 spaces per multifamily home, and to no more than two parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space.

Additionally, the bill prohibits cities and counties from requiring parking for:

• Affordable housing;
• Existing buildings undergoing change of use;
• Residences under 1,200 square feet;
• Commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet;
• Senior housing;
• Housing for people with disabilities;
• Child care facilities; and
• Commercial spaces in mixed-use projects.

The bill exempts cities with a population of 30,000 or less, and areas within a 1-mile radius of SeaTac Airport.

Read more about SB 5184.

Apr 8: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the House Floor.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Local Government. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 21: Bill amended during executive session in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.

Mar 14: Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.

Feb 24: First reading, referred to House Local Government Committee.

Feb 19: Passed Senate 40-8! Floor amendments adopted.

Feb 12: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Feb 7: Passed to Senate Rules Committee for second reading.

Feb 5: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing.

Feb 4: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.

Jan 24: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Jan 13: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

Parking Reform One Pager

Limits rent increases for most tenants to 7% per year and for manufactured home tenants to 5% per year. Exempts tenancies in homes built within the past 15 years, or those operated by a public development authority, housing authority, or nonprofit organization where maximum rents are already restricted.

Requires 3 months’ notice for a rent increase.

Limits move-in fees, security deposits, and late fees for manufactured home tenants.

Read more about the bill HB 1217.

Apr 9: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the Senate Floor.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Apr 4: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:00 AM. Referred to Ways & Means.

Mar 19: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.

Mar 10: Passed the House, 53-42!

Mar 5: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 13: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 10: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Feb 3: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Jan 22: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.

Jan 20: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM, referred to House Appropriations.

Jan 13: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.

The bill prohibits a city or county from denying an affordable housing development, unless the Department of Commerce has certified that its housing element and any related development regulations are in compliance with the housing planning goal under the Growth Management Act.

For the purposes of this “builder’s remedy,” an affordable housing development is defined as a residential development where:

• at least 20% of the units are for rental housing with costs that do not exceed 30% of the income of a household whose income is at 60% of the area median income (AMI);
• at least 20% of the units are for owner-occupied housing with monthly costs that do not exceed 30% of the income of a household whose income is at 80% AMI;
• at least 50% of the units are for rental housing with costs that do not exceed 30% of the income of a household whose income is at 80% AMI; or
• at least 50% of the units are for ownership housing with costs that do not exceed 30% of the income of a household whose income is at 100% AMI; or
• all of the units are for housing with costs that do not exceed 30% of the income of a household whose income is at 120% AMI.

Read more about the bill SB 5148.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Apr 5: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM

Apr 1: Referred to Appropriations.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Mar 20: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 8:00 AM.

Mar 13: First reading, referred to Housing.

Mar 11: Passed the Senate, 46-2!

Mar 3: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 28: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Feb 18: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.

Feb 7: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM. Referred to Ways & Means.

Jan 24: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Jan 21: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Jan 13: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

Require cities to allow one lot split within residential zoned land, provided that each resulting lot is at least 1,000 square feet. It prohibits lot splits that would require demolition or alteration of housing that has been rented by a tenant within the last year.

Read more about the bill HB 1096.

Apr 2: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee, ready to go to the Senate Floor.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 21: Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 14: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 6: Passed the House, 93-4!

Mar 5: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 20: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 12: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Jan 27: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM. Referred to House Appropriations.

Jan 13: First reading, referred to House Committee on Housing. Public hearing held at 1:30 PM.

Bill Brief highlighting impacts on Black homeownership (Sightline)

Prohibits cities from designating a property less than 125 years old as a historic landmark outside of a historic district if:

• The property is less than 40 years old or,
• If the property owner has not given written consent to the designation, provided that the designation would restrict the use of the property.

Exempts a city’s actions to comply with these restrictions from review under the State Environmental Policy Act.

Read more about the bill HB 1576.

Apr 9: Passed the Senate, 47-2!

Apr 4: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Mar 24: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Local Government at 1:30 PM. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 17: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Local Government at 1:30 PM.

Mar 10: Passed the House, 95-0!

Mar 9: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 21: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Local Government. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 5: Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 8:00 AM.

Jan 24: First reading, referred to House Committee on Local Government.

Assesses a foreclosure prevention fee of $80 for each residential mortgage loan originated, except for reverse mortgage loans issued to seniors. This foreclosure prevention fee may be financed in the loan.

The funds will be distributed as follows:

• 50% for housing counseling;
• 8% to enforce Consumer Protection Act violations related to deeds of trust;
• 16.5% to the Office of Civil Legal Aid for representation of homeowners in foreclosure;
• 15% to fund the foreclosure prevention hotline;
• 0.5% to fund outreach; and
• 10% to Commerce to implement and operate the program.

Read more about the bill SB 5686.

Apr 7: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

Apr 5: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.

Mar 26: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM. Referred to House Appropriations Committee.

Mar 18: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Mar 7: Passed the Senate, 30-19!

Mar 5: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Feb 28: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Feb 26: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.

Feb 19: Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Feb 14: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Feb 6: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

One Pager on Foreclosure Funding

HB 1621 allows superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners to assist with unlawful detainer (eviction) cases. The aim is to effectively implement the Right to Counsel while addressing the backlog of unlawful detainer cases within the King County Superior Court, ensuring cases are processed fairly and efficiently for both landlords and tenants.

Commissioners must be attorneys and receive training on landlord-tenant laws and eviction procedures. Their duties may include overseeing filings, conducting hearings, issuing reports, and managing court orders. Appointments require county approval and are subject to review by superior court judges.

Read more about the bill HB 1621.

Mar 26: Passed the House, 49-0!

Mar 21: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Mar 19: Passed out of executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM. Referred to Rules Committee for second reading.

Mar 14: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Mar 5: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

Mar 3: Passed the House, 97-0!

Feb 28: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 11: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 7: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM, with amendments.

Jan 29: Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.

Jan 27: First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

One Pager on Foreclosure Funding

Establishes a process for affordable housing developers to receive a 50% reimbursement from the sales & use tax on construction materials. The other 50% would be distributed to the city or county that has authorized the sales tax remittance to use for affordable housing activities.

Read more about the bill HB 1717. See this one-page brief.

Feb 26: Referred to Appropriations.

Feb 25: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM.

Feb 21: Public hearing in the House Committee on Finance at 1:30 PM.

Feb 7: Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Jan 30: First reading, referred to Senate Housing Committee.

Jan 29: First reading, referred to House Finance Committee.

Prohibits local development regulations from blocking a permit application for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelter.

Requires a county or city to approve any permit application for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters using an administrative process only.

Read more about the bill HB 1195.

Mar 4: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

Feb 20: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 12: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Feb 5: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

Jan 30: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM. Referred to House Appropriations Committee.

Jan 27: First reading, referred to Senate Committee on Housing.

Jan 21: Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Jan 13: First reading, referred to House Committee on Housing.

Create a revolving construction loan fund, to provide steady financing needed to create more affordable homeownership options in our communities. When nonprofit developers can access reliable financing, they can plan long-term, build more efficiently, and create lasting housing solutions.

Feb 25: Public hearing in the House Committee on Capital Budget at 9:00 AM.

Feb 18: Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM.

Feb 13: Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 8:00 AM.

Feb 3: First reading, referred to House Housing Committee.

Expands the eligibility to impose a 0.5% Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) for affordable housing to all counties. This tax is paid by the seller of properties.

Revenues from the tax must be used exclusively for development of affordable housing, including acquisition, building, rehabilitation, and maintenance and operation of housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income people and those with special needs.

Allows cities to impose a local 0.5% REET if a county has not imposed a local 0.5% REET by January 1, 2027.

Read more about the bill HB 1867.

Feb 28: Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Feb 26: Passed out of executive session in the House Committee on Finance.

Feb 13: Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

Feb 6: First reading, referred to House Appropriations Committee.