issue area reports | land use , construction and housing
REET rate on the sales of properties over $ 3 million , and allowed local governments to enact additional REET increases . AWB and the broader business community opposed the measure because it would have increased housing costs . A 20-unit apartment complex that sells for $ 6.5 million would have seen an estimated increase of $ 5,200 per unit , with much of the cost increase passed onto renters . If the bill passed , it would have caused Washington to have the highest REET rate in the nation . AWB and a broad coalition of business groups successful fought against the measure , which never made it to the floor for a vote .
HB 1388 rent control
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Rep . Nicole Macri , D-Seattle
The bill proposed to prohibit landlords from raising rents more than inflation or 3 %, whichever is higher , in a 12-month period . It also proposed to cap rent increases at 7 %. AWB and other groups opposed this bill because it would have created a disincentive to expand housing supply . Capping rent increases reduces investment in housing creation , worsening housing shortages and affordability . The bill died in committee .
HB 1215 and HB 1720 salmon riparian habitat
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Mike Chapman , D-Port Angeles
AWB supported both bills , which proposed to establish grant programs to fund protection and restoration of riparian areas . These programs would have been fully voluntary , in contrast to similar legislation proposed in 2022 which would have
Rep . Mike Chapman , D-Port Angeles , is chair of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee .
mandated that landowners establish and maintain buffer zones near waterways . HB 1215 died in policy committee and HB 1720 was not brought to the floor .
HB 1474 assistance for homebuyers affected by racial covenants
Passed / AWB Neutral sponsor : Rep . Jamila Taylor , D-Federal Way
The bill creates a new $ 100 fee when documents are recorded to fund downpayment assistance for communities impacted by restrictive racial convents . The bill attempts to remedy decades of covenants that restricted people of certain races or ethnicities from buying and owning homes across Washington .
Rep . April Berg , D-Mill Creek , is chair of the House Finance Committee .
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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