Ensuring compliance with the housing element requirements of the growth management act.

HB 1235 requires Washington counties and cities to submit housing elements and development regulations to the state Department of Commerce for compliance review before they take effect. Jurisdictions must submit applications within 10 days of amendments or by six months after comprehensive plan updates, with the department issuing a final compliance decision within 90 days. The bill establishes a public compliance list showing each local government’s submission status and review outcome, and prohibits denying affordable housing projects without meeting specific conditions, such as having a state compliance determination. This directly affects all local governments required to plan under the Growth Management Act, ensuring their housing plans align with state laws on affordability, environmental standards, and zoning.