Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SJR 8205: Concerning property tax relief.

This constitutional amendment proposal (SJR 8205) would allow Washington voters to approve a new state constitutional provision creating a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. It would permit the legislature to provide up to $250,000 in tax relief by reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes, while requiring state tax levies to adjust so the exemption doesn’t shift costs to other properties. The amendment must be approved by voters in the next general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly affect homeowners living in their primary residences who meet eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for primary residences, reducing taxable value up to $250k while requiring levy adjustments to prevent cost-shifting.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5776: Promoting housing affordability by incentivizing the construction of American dream homes.

SB 5776 creates a program for "American dream homes" - owner-occupied single-family homes under 1,500 square feet designed for low-income households. It requires cities to limit permitting fees to $1,250 per home, provides property tax exemptions for seven years, and offers tax credits to builders based on the home's selling price. Homes must stay affordable for low-income buyers (defined as households earning ≤70% of local median income) for seven years after the first sale, with restrictions preventing resale above affordability limits unless due to foreclosure. The program expires December 31, 2036, and applies only to homes meeting specific income and size criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemptions and builder tax credits for low-income housing, reducing tax burden on target households per bill's tax relief measures.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates affordable housing program with tax exemptions, builder credits, and 7-year affordability requirement for low-income households (≤70% median income), directly advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Affordable Housing Building Codes Homeownership

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1767: Concerning school enrollments for enrichment funding.

HB 1767 adjusts how Washington state provides supplemental funding to school districts based on their enrichment levies. It calculates state assistance as a fraction of a district's actual levy rate (capped at $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value) for districts below that threshold, while districts meeting or exceeding it receive full maximum assistance. The bill also sets a per-pupil funding limit ($2,500 or $3,000, adjusted for inflation) based on district size for enrichment levies, and includes specific provisions for state-tribal education compact schools. This directly affects school districts collecting enrichment levies, particularly smaller districts and tribal schools, by changing how their local levy efforts translate to state funding.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill sets per-pupil funding limits ($2,500/$3,000) and caps state assistance, restricting state spending on school enrichment funding.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdjusts funding formula to maintain enrichment support within defined limits, ensuring continued access to supplemental funds for school programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax State Budget School Funding

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1044: Concerning county fees for administration of the real estate excise tax.

HB 1044 increases the real estate excise tax fee from $5.00 to $20.00 per transaction for all real estate sales in Washington. This fee directly affects buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, with the revenue funding administrative assistance for county assessors and treasurers. The bill creates new funds to support county offices in managing property tax administration and electronic processing systems, requiring counties to use these funds exclusively for technology upgrades compatible with state systems. It also modifies collection procedures, mandating monthly reporting of transaction proceeds to the state treasurer.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases real estate excise tax fee to fund county administrative systems for property tax management, directly supporting fiscal operations and government efficiency.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly allocates funds for county technology upgrades in property tax systems, requiring exclusive use for electronic processing and tech infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2025: Increasing the working families' tax credit to reflect the economic impact of property taxes incorporated into rental amounts charged to residential tenants.

HB 2025 adds a new $300 annual tax credit for low-income renters in Washington who pay sales or use tax. Eligible residents must have rented their primary residence for at least 183 days during the year and meet existing credit requirements. The credit, effective starting in 2026, will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Seattle consumer price index. This directly supports residential tenants whose rent includes property tax costs, expanding the existing working families' tax credit program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $300 annual tax credit for low-income renters, providing direct tax relief to offset property tax costs in rent, aligning with tax relief for lower income.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides $300 annual tax credit to low-income renters for property tax embedded in rent, directly increasing housing affordability and tenant financial relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5674: Concerning manufacturing facilities.

SB 5674 provides property tax exemptions for new or expanded manufacturing facilities in Washington state. It exempts eligible buildings, equipment, and land from property taxes for six years (or eight years for certified "green" facilities or those exporting through Washington seaports) after a facility becomes operational. To qualify, manufacturers must file claims with county assessors, and exemptions cannot be renewed. The law applies to taxes levied from 2026 through 2035 and expires on January 1, 2036.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemptions for manufacturers, reducing state tax revenue directly impacting budget revenue streams.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts 'green' facilities for 8 years, aligning with renewable energy/efficiency incentives per bill's 'green' facility provision.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5151: Limiting annual state spending growth to median worker wage growth, with excess revenues dedicated to property tax relief.

SB 5151 limits annual state spending growth to the average annual increase in Washington's median worker wage, starting in 2026. It requires the state to calculate a spending cap based on the prior decade's median wage growth and directs any excess revenue above this cap toward lowering property tax rates. The bill applies to all state general fund spending and mandates that the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council determine excess revenues by December 1 each year, which the Department of Revenue must use to reduce property tax rates by the following year. This directly affects state budget decisions and homeowners through potential property tax relief.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirectly allocates excess state revenue to property tax relief, providing tax relief for homeowners and aligning spending with wage growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Property Tax State Budget

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1334: Modifying the annual regular property tax revenue growth limit.

HB 1334 modifies Washington State's rules for limiting annual growth in local property tax revenue, directly affecting cities, counties, and other taxing districts. The bill replaces the previous inflation measure with the Western Region Consumer Price Index and sets the growth limit at 100% plus population change and inflation (capped at 103%), while small districts (under 10,000 population) remain limited to 101%. It repeals a prior provision allowing some districts to use a 101% limit factor and requires new calculations for tax limits starting in 2026. These changes aim to adjust how property tax revenue growth is calculated for local government funding.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill caps annual property tax revenue growth at 103% (101% for small districts), restricting local government tax increases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Revenue

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signed · Washington · House May 20, 2025

HB 2049: Investing in the state's paramount duty to fund K-12 education and build strong and safe communities.

HB 2049 aims to enhance funding for K-12 education and communities by modifying state and local property tax authority and adjusting the school funding formula. The bill revises the maximum dollar amount school districts can levy for enrichment, setting it as the lesser of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or a per-pupil limit. This per-pupil limit is updated with specific "inflation enhancements" through 2030 and establishes a new base amount starting in 2031, impacting funding based on student enrollment. Additionally, it adjusts how the state provides local effort assistance funding to supplement these school district enrichment levies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill revises property tax authority and school funding formula to increase K-12 education funding via inflation-linked per-pupil limits, directly enhancing public service budget allocations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly aims to 'enhance funding for K-12 education' through revised property tax authority, per-pupil limits with inflation adjustments, and updated school funding formula.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax State Budget K-12 Education School Funding

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2024: Providing housing safety, security, and protection by creating the primary residence property tax exemption.

HB 2024 creates a state property tax exemption for Washington homeowners' primary residences, reducing their state tax burden. It exempts either $100,000 of a home's assessed value or 60% of the county's median home value (whichever is greater), applied after other existing exemptions. This directly benefits primary residence owners - especially fixed-income households and those at risk of displacement - by lowering annual state property tax costs. The exemption applies only to state levies (not local taxes) and requires an annual application by April 1st, with verification to ensure it applies to only one residence.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for primary residences, reducing tax burden on fixed-income homeowners - direct tax relief aligning with support indicators.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts primary residence property taxes, reducing costs for homeowners - especially fixed-income households at risk of displacement - directly advancing housing affordability and stability.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

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