issue area reports | transportation , housing and land use rising construction costs continue to create uncertainty in the housing market .
Washington will need 1.1 million new homes for all income levels — roughly 46,000 units a year — by 2050 . In future sessions , lawmakers should continue to encourage more homes of all types , reduce construction costs , and avoid policies that discourage the creation of new housing .
HB 1892 workforce housing accelerator
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Mari Leavitt , D-University Place
This bill creates an account to accelerate workforce housing in Washington . The program , administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce , will provide low-interest loans to organizations building housing for households earning between 50 % and 80 % of median family income . Both the House and Senate unanimously passed the measure .
SB 6175 converting buildings
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Yasmin Trudeau , D-Tacoma
The bill authorizes cities to provide a sales and use tax deferred to convert underutilized commercial buildings into apartments . Under the bill , at least 10 % of the new units must be affordable to low-income households . The legislation passed easily through both chambers .
HB 2425 rental assistance
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Alicia Rule , D-Blaine
This bill would have established a rental support program for low-income households . AWB supported the bill , which would assist those falling behind on rent and also takes care of housing providers . Yet the proposal ran into opposition from proponents of rent control policies .
HB 2126 rural accessory dwelling units
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Sam Low , R-Lake Stevens
This proposal authorizes accessory dwelling units ( ADUs ) on any rural residential lot , helping expand housing options in rural communities . Unfortunately , it did not come up for a vote .
HB 2113 middle housing trailer bill
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Jessica Bateman , D-Olympia
This proposal aimed to address issues with the state ’ s middle housing law passed in 2023 . It establishes a “ builder ’ s remedy ,” which allows builders to go directly to the state for permitting if a local jurisdiction is blocking a middle housing permit . This bill would help ensure more duplexes , triplexes , and townhomes are permitted statewide as the 2023 law intended . Unfortunately , the proposal was not voted on .
HB 2451 impact fee reporting
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Spencer Hutchins , R-Gig Harbor
This bill prohibits local governments from increasing impact fees by more than the consumer price index percentage increase . It also requires governments to report how impact fee revenue is being spent . Reducing the cost and the volatility of impact fees for new housing is a great way to drive down new home prices and add market stability for builders . Unfortunately , the bill did not move this year .
HB 2114 rent control
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Rep . Emily Alvarado , D-Seattle
As proposed , the bill would have limited annual rent increases to 5 % and required 180 days ’ notice for increases over 3 %, among other requirements . AWB was one of many groups that opposed the bill , noting the policy fails to address housing shortages and could deter housing investment . The House passed the legislation 54-43 , with several Democrats joining Republicans in voting against it . The proposal stalled in the Senate , though is very likely to return in the 2025 session .
SB 6136 taxing rental income
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Sen . Patty Kuderer , D-Bellevue
This bill proposed a business & occupation tax on rental income , though allowed landlords to opt out of paying the new tax if they agreed to participate in rent increase restrictions . This was a backdoor attempt to force landlords into rent control . A later version of the bill proposed a tax on all rental income , a policy that would drive up costs statewide . The Washington Supreme Court also ruled in 1960 that a B & O tax on rental income was unconstitutional . The bill failed to advance .
SB 6064 pet rent
Failed / AWB Opposed
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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