This year’s session has seen a considerable amount of bills proposing incentives to address the lack of available housing; unfortunately, many of the more promising proposals for cities have failed to make the cut.

One bill that may appear to be “dead,” HB 1157 continues on in the form of policy discussion. The bill was trimmed down in committee, removing the housing density planning mandates, and leaving only the optional program to create a REET incentive zone. AWC is working with the sponsor to locate a surrogate bill that could house this attractive density incentive.

Two bills have passed out of the Senate:

SB 5024 – Reducing barriers to condominium construction.

SB 5312 – Facilitating transit-oriented development and increasing housing inventory.

Bills that await floor action:

HB 1070 – Modifying allowed uses of local revenue for the Affordable Housing and Related Services Tax to include the acquisition and construction of affordable housing and facilities.

HB 1298 – Concerning regulation of accessory dwelling units located outside of urban growth areas.

SB 5287 – Multifamily Tax Exemption program reform.

Bills that are “dead” for now, but can be revived as part of the budget:

HB 1035 – Providing local governments with options to grant rent relief and preserve affordable housing in their communities.

HB 1128 – Creating housing benefit districts

HB 1157 – Rewarding housing density through a REET incentive zone.

HB 1377 – Requiring extensive ADU policies in exchange for the possibility of $10,000 per unit built.

SB 5012 – Providing a local government option for the funding of essential affordable housing programs via short-term rental stays.

SB 5033 – Limiting the property tax exemption for improvements to single-family dwellings to the construction of accessory dwelling units.

SB 5189 – Creating the American Dream Homes program to incentivize affordable housing.

SB 5221 – Concerning regulation of accessory dwelling units located outside of urban growth areas.

SB 5390 – Rewarding housing density through a REET incentive zone.