2024 legislative review
Rep . Mary Dye , R-Pomeroy , is ranking member on the House Environment & Energy Committee , and also serves on the Appropriations and Capital Budget committees . Rep . April Connors is assistant minority whip and assistant ranking member on both the House Appropriations and Housing committees . She also serves on the Consumer Protection & Business Committee .
sponsor : Rep . Drew Hansen , D-Bainbridge Island
This proposal would have prohibited housing providers from charging pet rent and also banned nonrefundable pet deposits . This bill would have unfairly limited landlords ’ ability to address pet wear-and-tear on their properties . AWB and housing providers testified against the proposal and it did not advance .
HB 2160 transit-oriented development
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Rep . Julia Reed , D-Seattle
A transit-oriented development bill returned again in 2024 . AWB supports the idea of higher density housing around transit hubs , but opposed this year ’ s proposal . The bill ’ s affordability requirements would have likely deterred builders from investing in these projects . Lawmakers should incentivize rather than disincentivize new housing development . The House passed the bill along party lines , with all Republicans opposed , but the Senate did not vote on it .
SB 5118 multifamily tax exemption
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Sen . Patty Kuderer , D-Bellevue
Washington ’ s multifamily tax exemption ( MFTE ) program provides a tax credit for dedicating a portion of multifamily units as affordable housing . This proposal would have eliminated the current categories in the program and made it infective . It did not receive a vote .
SB 5934 pollinator habitat
Passed / AWB Opposed sponsor : Sen . Mike Padden , R-Spokane Valley
As introduced , this bill required project applicants to dedicate 25 % of landscaping for pollinator habitat . AWB with several of our members engaged on this bill and the requirements were changed to recommendations . Both chambers unanimously passed the final bill .
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