2024 legislative review
Let ’ s chat about how I can help you achieve your marketing and business goals through all the services Print NW can provide .
Printing Packaging Wraps Swag Mailing Signage Apparel / Uniforms
KEVIN HARRIS Account Executive 253.393.2302 kevinh @ printnw . net
printnw . net
Rep . Jake Fey , D-Tacoma , and Rep . Andrew Barkis , R-Olympia , serve as chair and ranking member on the House Transportation Committee . Fey also serves on the House Environment & Energy Committee and Barkis on the House Housing Committee .
This bill proposed a grant and loan program to fund supply chain infrastructure projects around the state . Unfortunately , the bill was not adopted .
SB 5494 / HB 1371 freight infrastructure
Failed / AWB Supported sponsors : Sen . Jeff Wilson , R-Longview , and Rep . Andrew Barkis , R-Olympia
This bill proposed tax exemptions to support the maintenance , modernization and construction on short line railroad tracks . Neither the House nor Senate proposal advanced .
housing and land use
In 2024 , lawmakers adopted several small bills to boost housing supply , yet failed to take meaningful steps to address our state ’ s housing shortage . The good news is that AWB helped stop several bills that would have worsened Washington ’ s housing crisis , including policies to enact rent control and tax rental income .
Legislators missed several opportunities to build on the success of 2023 ’ s “ Year of Housing .” AWB supported bills to expand accessory dwelling units in rural areas and limit impact fees , but these proposals stalled .
A controversial bill to enact statewide rent control came up again this session . As introduced , the bill would have capped rent increases to 5 % over a 12-month period and established other requirements . AWB and many others noted that rent control fails to address housing shortages and discourages investment , only further driving up costs . The bill failed to pass again , thanks to a broad coalition of opposition .
Rent control is very likely to return in 2025 . AWB is actively working with housing providers and tenant groups to work on future legislation at the state and local levels .
A report this spring from the Washington State Department of Commerce shows a promising increase in homebuilding between 2020 and 2023 . However , a combination of high interest rates and
26 association of washington business