2023 legislative review
Rep . Jessica Bateman , D-Olympia , is vice chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee and is a member of the House Housing Committee .
they are consistent with a city or county ’ s comprehensive plan .
HB 1042 building conversions
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Amy Walen , D-Kirkland
This bill eases restrictions on adding housing units in existing multifamily or commercial buildings . It also exempts the additional housing units from minimum parking requirements .
HB 1046 funding eligibility
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Amy Walen , D-Kirkland
This bill adjusts area median income limits for people to qualify for public housing authority financed , low-income housing . The area median income limit is increased from 50 to 80 %.
SB 5466 transit oriented development
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Marko Liias , D-Lynnwood
The transit-oriented development bill aimed to boost denser homebuilding near major transit stops . As introduced , the bill would have encouraged more midsize apartment buildings in transit areas . The bill cleared the Senate 40-8 , but negotiations faltered in the House . The bill was a missed opportunity to increase housing supply .
HB 1245 lot splitting
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Andrew Barkis , R-Olympia
This bill would have legalized lot splitting , allowing property owners to build another unit on the same piece of land . Lot splitting would have created additional opportunities for housing construction . The legislation passed the House 94-2 but stalled in the Senate .
SB 5118 multifamily property tax exemption
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Patty Kuderer , D-Bellevue
The bill proposed a new 99-year multifamily property tax exemption for properties that reserve at least 35 % of units as affordable for low- and moderate-income households . The bill failed to make it out of committee .
HB 1628 real estate excise tax increase
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Rep . Frank Chopp , D-Seattle
Lawmakers proposed a real estate excise tax ( REET ) increase to create a dedicated funding source for affordable housing . The proposal would have increased the
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