Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 27, 2026

HB 2418: Concerning permit review processes.

HB 2418 streamlines permit review processes for land use projects in Washington State by requiring local governments (counties and cities) to issue written completeness determinations within 28 days of receiving a project permit application. If a local government fails to provide this written notice within 28 days, the application is automatically deemed complete on the 29th day, preventing unnecessary delays. The bill applies directly to developers seeking permits for projects like subdivisions, site plans, or environmental approvals, but excludes building permits based on code compliance. It aims to create predictable timelines for permit reviews by standardizing procedural requirements and reducing arbitrary delays in local government processing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingHB 2418 accelerates housing development by requiring faster permit approvals for projects like subdivisions, directly enabling more housing construction without explicit affordability or tenant protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 6237: Concerning rental property disclosures of flooding history and flood risk.

SB 6237 requires landlords in Washington to disclose flood risk information to tenants for new rental agreements signed after December 31, 2026. Specifically, landlords must inform tenants if a property is in a flood hazard area, clarify that landlord insurance typically doesn’t cover tenant belongings, and recommend renters’ and flood insurance. They must also provide details on where to access local flood hazard maps from county governments. This law directly affects renters in flood-prone areas and landlords who must include these disclosures in lease agreements. The bill aims to increase transparency about flood risks without changing insurance requirements or costs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to disclose flood risks and insurance coverage to tenants, strengthening tenant protections by enabling informed rental decisions regarding safety and financial risks.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 2594: Ensuring that unhoused children and youths in Washington have equal access to free, appropriate public education.

HB 2594 ensures homeless children and youths in Washington state have equal access to free public education by removing barriers like residency requirements, documentation delays, and fees. It requires school districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt policies that prevent segregation, identify homeless students, and maintain enrollment in their "school of origin" (the school they attended while housed). The bill mandates a state education plan addressing specific obstacles - such as missing immunization records, dress codes, or lack of birth certificates - and ensures homeless students can access all programs, including preschool, extracurriculars, and career training, on the same basis as other students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves barriers (residency, fees) to ensure unhoused children's equal access to public education, directly expanding educational access per topic description.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directly addresses homelessness (a core housing issue) by removing barriers preventing unhoused children from accessing education, aligning with 'addresses homelessness' indicator.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 6200: Concerning renters' and mobile home occupants' ability to install portable cooling devices.

This bill allows renters and mobile home occupants in Washington to install portable cooling devices (like window units or floor models) without landlord approval, with key exceptions for safety, building codes, or existing heat pumps. Landlords cannot charge fees for installation or restrict devices, but may require proper drainage and 48-hour notice for inspections. They must disclose insurance restrictions on window units in leases and inform tenants of their rights. The law does not override existing disability accommodation requirements or landlord responsibilities for electrical issues caused by tenant devices.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant rights by allowing renters to install cooling devices without landlord fees or restrictions, directly protecting tenants' housing conditions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2664: Modifying requirements for service of unlawful detainer notices and other notices served in the same manner.

HB 2664 modifies how eviction notices (unlawful detainer notices) and similar legal notices must be delivered in Washington state. It clarifies service methods when tenants are absent or untraceable, allowing notices to be left on the property and mailed to the last known address, with a mandatory 5-day waiting period after mail delivery before eviction actions can begin. The bill directly affects tenants facing eviction, landlords seeking possession, and property management companies (including corporate owners). Key provisions specify acceptable service locations, required mailing procedures, and define how subtenants are handled in lodging situations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdds 5-day waiting period for eviction notices, strengthening tenant protections against sudden displacement85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 5938: Concerning the foreclosure prevention fee.

This bill imposes an $80 fee on most residential mortgage loans in Washington at closing, paid by settlement agents and added to the loan if financed. It exempts reverse mortgages for borrowers aged 60 or older, chattel loans for dwellings, and certain homeownership programs (like those under chapter 43.185A RCW). Borrowers must receive a notice about the fee and the statewide foreclosure hotline number. The state must also study using a portion of the fee to create a homeowner assistance fund by July 2027, with the bill expiring August 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill imposes foreclosure prevention fee to fund homeowner assistance, directly protecting homeowners from displacement and supporting housing stability through mandatory fee revenue study.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 20, 2026

HB 2452: Modifying requirements for service of rent increase notices.

HB 2452 requires landlords in manufactured and mobile home communities to provide tenants with a standardized notice for rent increases, detailing the exact percentage and dollar amount of the increase. The notice must also explain if the increase exceeds Washington’s 5% annual limit and include supporting documentation for any claimed exemptions (such as community purchases or public housing programs). This applies specifically to tenants in manufactured/mobile home communities, not all rental properties. The bill amends existing laws to ensure transparency and compliance with rent increase rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates standardized rent increase notices with transparency on limits/exemptions, directly protecting tenants in mobile home communities from unclear or excessive hikes.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 2338: Authorizing community scaled weatherization projects.

HB 2338 authorizes community-scale weatherization projects that cover multiple homes in the same neighborhood facing shared environmental, social, or economic challenges. Sponsors like community groups, tribes, or utilities can apply for state funds to implement energy efficiency upgrades, structural repairs, and healthy housing improvements across entire neighborhoods - rather than just single homes. The department must prioritize proposals serving areas with environmental health disparities and low-income households (defined as 80% of median income), requiring data-driven community assessments. Projects must include energy audits and avoid charging households for weatherization services, while aligning with federal energy efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes state funding for community weatherization projects, directing government spending toward essential housing and environmental improvements in disadvantaged areas.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill authorizes state funding for neighborhood energy efficiency upgrades, directly advancing energy conservation goals through weatherization projects.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes neighborhood weatherization for energy efficiency and healthy housing, explicitly prioritizing areas with environmental health disparities to reduce emissions and address inequities.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds neighborhood-scale housing improvements including structural repairs and healthy housing upgrades, targeting areas with environmental disparities to enhance housing quality and accessibility.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 5957: Concerning the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs advisory committee.

SB 5957 creates a new Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs within Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The office must reduce youth homelessness by addressing root causes and improve long-term housing stability for homeless youth and young adults (ages 12-24). It requires the office to collect data, develop statewide strategies, and consult an advisory committee with diverse representation - including youth, advocates, law enforcement, and people with lived experience of homelessness. The bill mandates measurable goals, such as tracking homelessness rates and family reunification status, and requires the office to be operational by January 1, 2016.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates office to reduce youth homelessness and improve housing stability for ages 12-24, directly advancing housing stability for vulnerable population.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 6091: Prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to an exclusive group of prospective buyers or real estate brokers.

SB 6091 prohibits real estate brokers in Washington from marketing residential properties exclusively to a limited group of buyers or brokers, requiring them instead to concurrently market the property to the general public and all other brokers. This applies to brokers representing sellers, with exceptions only if necessary to protect the health or safety of the owner or occupant. The bill amends Washington’s real estate laws (RCW 18.86.031 and 18.86.120) to enforce this requirement, ensuring broader market access for residential properties. It directly affects real estate brokers and sellers who might otherwise restrict marketing to select buyers.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents discriminatory marketing practices by requiring open property access, aligning with fair housing protections against exclusionary tactics.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing