As we previously reported, key housing density bill HB 1923 passed the Senate containing our advocated-for provisions to retain local authority and provide resources for cities to tailor affordable housing solutions. We were subsequently alerted by a member about a technical glitch in one the provisions. Instead of asking the House to concur with the Senate amendments, we then requested that the House reject the as-passed version so that language could be added to address the fix.
AWC’s requested change was made in the Senate and accepted in the House. As originally intended, the bill now states that if a city adopts or amends ordinances or development regulations to increase residential building capacity under the new law, those changes are not subject to legal challenges under the Growth Management Act. To read the full scope of what this bill does, please see our previous article.
Thanks again to all our members for a keen review of this bill—and many others—this session! One missed comma or section reference can make a big difference on implementation. And nothing beats a fresh set of eyes when we are swimming in amendments.