Housing

SB 5413 sets new limits for detached accessory dwelling units (secondary housing units on the same property as a main home) outside urban growth areas in Washington County. It requires counties to enforce specific rules, including a 1,296-square-foot size limit for units, documentation of water/sewer capacity, placement within 150 feet of the main home, and restrictions on short-term rentals (requiring owner occupancy). Counties must also track permits annually, update land use plans to account for these units, and implement enforcement measures like double permit fees for unpermitted units or $1,000+ fines. The bill applies to rural properties outside designated urban boundaries and does not affect existing county ordinances or urban-area rules.

HB 1255 requires counties and cities to adopt local ordinances banning camping on public property within 500 feet of schools, parks, courthouses, and other specified areas (like zones with recent violent incidents or water contamination risks) by May 2027. Jurisdictions that adopt these ordinances become eligible for state funding to support encampment removal efforts, while non-compliant areas face annual funding reductions. The bill defines "camp" broadly to include tents, shelters, and related equipment, excluding designated recreational camping areas. Compliance requires annual reports and certifications to the Department of Commerce, with funding tied directly to adherence to the ordinance requirements.

SB 5250 creates a new process for Washington property owners to request immediate law enforcement removal of unauthorized occupants using a sworn declaration. The bill specifically expands coverage to include former tenants who no longer have valid rental agreements, requiring declarations that verify ownership, unlawful presence, prior eviction demands, and lack of tenancy within the past 12 months. Law enforcement must allow occupants to present evidence before removal, and false declarations expose property owners to civil liability for damages. This streamlines removal of squatters while adding safeguards against wrongful actions under existing trespass laws.

SB 5470 establishes rules for detached accessory dwelling units (secondary housing units) on single-family properties outside urban growth areas in Washington. It limits each parcel to one such unit, caps size at 1,296 square feet (excluding garages), requires water/sewer capacity documentation, and mandates units be within 150 feet of the main home. Counties must annually track permits and short-term rentals, update land use plans to account for these units, and prohibit short-term rentals unless the main home is owner-occupied. The bill applies to rural and suburban areas where counties currently allow such units.

HB 1342 removes the requirement for landlords to personally deliver eviction notices (unlawful detainer notices) to tenants. Instead, landlords can now serve notices by affixing a copy to a conspicuous location on the property and sending a copy by mail to the tenant's residence. This change applies directly to tenants facing eviction in Washington state, simplifying service for landlords while requiring one additional day before an eviction action can begin if mail is used. The bill updates existing law (RCW 59.12.040) to allow this mail-and-posting method as an alternative to personal delivery or leaving notices with others on-site.

HB 1913 repeals a tax credit that previously helped low-income households with home energy assistance costs. It removes the specific provision (RCW 82.16.0497) that allowed utility companies to provide this credit. This change directly affects households currently receiving home energy assistance by eliminating this financial benefit, effective January 1, 2026. The bill makes no new provisions or programs - only removes the existing tax credit mechanism.