Housing (Homeownership)

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SR 8697: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of habitat for humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas counties.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties, an organization that provides affordable homeownership to low-income families. The bill highlights the nonprofit's achievements, including the construction of 458 homes, advocacy for housing policies, and mobilization of over 600,000 volunteer hours since its founding in 1986. It expresses appreciation for the organization's economic impact and community contributions while encouraging continued efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill recognizes Habitat for Humanity's work providing affordable homeownership to low-income families, highlighting their construction of homes and advocacy for housing policies.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2527: Increasing opportunities for tenants to own homes under eventual tenant ownership programs established under the federal low-income housing tax credit program.

This bill requires private developers using federal low-income housing tax credits to formally transfer home ownership to tenants through programs like rent-to-own or eventual tenant ownership. Developers must set aside funds, clearly inform tenants of ownership rights, and complete transfers on time per agreements. The state housing agency must monitor progress annually, investigate tenant complaints within six months, and impose penalties - including losing future tax credits - for violations. It directly affects developers participating in these federal programs and tenants seeking homeownership opportunities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates tenant ownership transfers in low-income housing tax credit programs, advancing affordable housing and tenant rights through rent-to-own mechanisms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 6028: Establishing a revolving loan fund for mixed-income affordable homeownership development.

SB 6028 creates a revolving loan fund administered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to support mixed-income housing developments where a portion of units are permanently affordable for low-income households (defined as those earning under 80% of the county median income). The fund provides loans to eligible developers (nonprofits, for-profits, public agencies) up to $5 million or 50% of project costs, requiring all affordable units to be sold/resold only to low-income households for at least 99 years via deed restrictions. Repaid loans and interest are recycled into new projects, with geographic limits of $5 million per county per funding round to ensure statewide distribution. The bill mandates strict monitoring to verify affordability compliance and penalties for noncompliance, including repayment of full loans plus interest for unmet affordability targets.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-administered revolving loan fund ($5M max) to finance affordable housing, directly funding a public service through state fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingSB 6028 establishes a revolving loan fund to create mixed-income housing with permanently affordable units for low-income households (under 80% AMI), directly funding affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 6018: Concerning the housing finance commission.

This bill clarifies that Washington's Housing Finance Commission cannot make mortgage loans for owner-occupied single-family homes, except for down payment assistance programs. It ensures the Commission focuses on financing multifamily and nonowner-occupied housing while preserving private lenders' role in residential mortgage markets. The bill updates eligibility standards to consider income, family size, housing conditions, and energy efficiency for housing assistance programs. It also requires annual audits to verify bond funds support affordable housing and energy-efficient improvements as intended.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRedirects Commission focus to multifamily housing and updates eligibility for income/housing conditions, promoting affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance Mortgages

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 6214: Establishing land banking authorities.

SB 6214 creates a framework for Washington cities and counties to establish land banking authorities - public or nonprofit entities - that hold land tax-exempt for affordable housing development. These land banks must prioritize equity by preventing displacement and addressing historical inequities, and at least 50% of land they lease or sell must include 30-year affordability requirements: rental units must stay affordable to households earning ≤80% of area median income, and owner-occupied units ≤120% of area median income. The bill requires annual public reporting on land acquisitions, dispositions, and how activities align with local housing plans and equity goals. It directly affects local governments, housing developers, and low-to-moderate income residents seeking affordable homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates land banks requiring 30-year affordability for 50%+ of units (≤80% AMI), prioritizing equity and preventing displacement in housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Property Development

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SJR 8209: Concerning property tax relief.

SJR 8209 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two property tax relief mechanisms in Washington State: a homestead exemption for primary homeowners (limiting state property taxes on their residence to a fixed dollar amount) and a renter's credit refunding part of rent paid by qualifying tenants. Both provisions require future legislation to set specific dollar amounts, with the renter's credit capped at the same maximum as the homeowner exemption. The amendment would need voter approval to take effect, as it modifies the state constitution, and would not shift tax burdens to other property types or increase overall tax rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes property tax relief for homeowners and renters, reducing tax burden on qualifying residents per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRenter's credit refunds part of rent for qualifying tenants, directly increasing affordability and tenant financial relief per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2153: Prohibiting homebuyers from receiving multiple state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants.

HB 2153 prohibits homebuyers from receiving more than one state-funded down payment assistance loan or grant from Washington's housing programs. It directly affects first-time homebuyers who might apply for multiple assistance programs, ensuring they can only accept one offer. The bill amends state law to state that applicants applying for multiple programs (or multiple offers from one program) are eligible for only a single loan or grant. This change aims to fairly distribute limited public funds to more qualified homebuyers instead of concentrating benefits on a single buyer.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts duplicate down payment assistance to fairly distribute limited funds, ensuring more first-time homebuyers access affordable housing programs without program overlap.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

Track

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

Sub-Topics Homeownership Mortgages

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5929: Exempting assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust from the document recording fee and the covenant homeownership program assessment.

SB 5929 exempts assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust from two fees: the $100 covenant homeownership program assessment and the $183 document recording surcharge. This change applies directly to mortgage lenders, title companies, and property owners involved in transferring existing mortgage interests. The bill amends RCW 36.22.185 (adding subsection (2)(f)) and RCW 36.22.250 (adding exemption (e)), removing these fees for such transactions while maintaining other fee exemptions. It does not affect new deeds of trust or other fee structures.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill removes two state fees ($100 covenant assessment, $183 recording surcharge), reducing government revenue and weakening fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts mortgage transfer fees from covenant homeownership program, reducing costs for affordable housing initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Homeownership Mortgages

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1732: Preserving homeownership options by limiting excessive home buying by certain entities.

HB 1732 limits large investment and business entities from purchasing additional single-family homes in Washington to increase housing affordability for residents. It prohibits entities owning more than 25 single-family homes (business entities) or any investment entity (like real estate trusts managing pooled investor funds) from buying more homes, with exemptions for nonprofits, necessary renovations, or short-term development projects. Violators face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation and must sell the property to a third party within one year. The law aims to address Washington’s housing crisis, where investor ownership has risen significantly while home prices have surged 55% since 2018. It adds these provisions as a new chapter in Washington’s consumer protection law (Title 19 RCW).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts large entities from buying homes to boost affordability, directly addressing housing access and cost as stated in the bill's summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Property Development

Track