Expanding eligibility to utilize the multifamily tax exemption program to all counties required or choosing to plan under RCW 36.70A.040.

HB 1206 expands eligibility for Washington's multifamily tax exemption program to all counties required or choosing to plan under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.040), removing a previous population threshold. The bill amends tax code definitions to include any qualifying county under the Growth Management Act, regardless of unincorporated population size. This change directly affects counties that must develop or choose to develop comprehensive plans under state law, enabling them to offer tax incentives for multifamily housing projects. The key mechanism is revising eligibility criteria to eliminate the prior minimum population requirement for counties seeking to use this program. The policy change aims to broaden access to tax incentives for affordable housing development across more jurisdictions.