Preparing for Washington’s 2025 Legislative Session

The Chapter legislative committee tracked many bills in the 2024 session, some of which passed, others of which did not.  In the latter category were two housing bills that had broad support in the House but did not pass the Senate: ESHB 2474 and ESHB 1245. Both bills, if passed, would have significantly reformed city regulatory processes and standards for certain types of housing, which made these bills of particular interest to the committee.

ESHB 2474 was titled “AN ACT Relating to compliance with siting requirements for transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing”. It would have added new sections to chapters 35.21 RCW and 35A.21 RCW to implement withholding of tax revenues for cities that deny a permit application for such uses or that have zoning ordinances that do not allow them.

ESHB 1245 was titled: “AN ACT Relating to increasing housing options through lot splitting”. It would have added a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW to allow splitting of residential lots into two lots with a minimum of 2,000 square feet each.

ESHB 2474 had ten co-sponsors and passed the House 55-42. ESHB 1245 had eighteen co-sponsors and passed the House 94-4. By all accounts both bills are likely to be re-introduced in the 2025 session. 

The Chapter legislative committee is now formulating a strategy for how to prepare for the 2025 session and legislation we expect to see, such as these two housing bills. We are looking at ways to invite review and input from Chapter members in the coming months, including newsletter articles to frame specific issues and questions, and surveys to solicit specific feedback. We also hope to host an interactive session at the annual conference in Bellevue this October. Check back in upcoming newsletters for more information and opportunities to help shape the Chapter’s legislative agenda.