Governor Inslee Signs Major Housing Bills Into Law

On Monday May 8, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law a number of major housing supply bills before a group of legislative sponsors and housing advocates and organizations.  Washington REALTORS® was among the groups asked to attend the Seattle signing events.  The bills signed by the Governor on May 8 include HB 1110 (Allowing Middle Housing); SB 52558 (Condominium & Townhouse Supply); HB 1337 (Accessory Dwelling Units); HB 1293 (Reform Design Review); SB 5290 (Building Permit Streamlining); and HB 1474 (Racial Covenants Homeownership Program).  On May 9, Governor Inslee signed SB 5412 which streamlines State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of all residential housing project in Urban Growth Areas.  Last week, Governor Inslee signed SB 5191, Washington REALTORS® agency law reform bill and SB 5058, which simplifies regulations for construction and sale of small condominium projects.  Next week, Governor Inslee will sign the state’s 23-25 Operating and Capital Budgets, which together will provide over $1 billion in funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention – the highest level of housing funding in the State’s history. 

More information about the passage of numerous Washington REALTORS® housing supply and real estate bills can be reviewed here.