HB 1859, which proposes a small but significant tweak in a law that requires cities to offer density bonuses to religious institutions proposing to develop properties for affordable housing, continues to advance. The bill has now passed the House and been heard in the Senate Housing Committee and is scheduled for executive action.

The proposal has been amended to take components of both the previous House and Senate approaches. The bill now provides that projects would be eligible if at least 50% of the units are available for low-income (less than 80% AMI) residents or 20% of the units are available for very low-income (50% of AMI or below) tenants. A city may require more units be set aside to qualify for the density bonus.

Date to remember

HB 1859 is scheduled for a committee vote in the Senate Housing Committee on Wednesday, February 25, at 10:30 am.

Bills propose reduction in affordable units for bonus density program for religious institutions

January 9, 2026

HB 1859 proposes a small but significant tweak in a law that requires cities to offer density bonuses to religious institutions proposing to develop properties for affordable housing. Current law triggers access to those bonuses for projects consisting of 100% affordable units. The proposal from Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D–Redmond) reduces that requirement to 50%, while the companion bill sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D–Spokane), SB 5885, reduces the requirement to 20%.

Date to remember

HB 1859 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Finance Committee on Thursday, January 15, at 1:30 pm.

SB 5885 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:30 am.