SB 5497 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning compliance with siting, development permit processes and standards, and requirements for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters.

SB 5497 requires Washington local governments (cities and counties) to approve permits for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or shelters through administrative processes only - preventing discretionary denials based on local comprehensive plans or regulations. If local rules block such projects, applicants can request a waiver of specific requirements, and the state department must resolve disputes. Noncompliant local governments face enforcement, including state withholding of certain tax revenues (like motor vehicle fuel or sales taxes) if they fail to issue permits or amend zoning rules within 60 days. The bill directly affects housing developers seeking these facilities and local governments managing land use approvals.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
upper
Feb 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors