The bill amends the Washington State Growth Management Act to improve compliance with housing element requirements by establishing new procedures for counties and cities to submit housing development regulations and elements to the state Department for compliance determinations. It requires that any housing development regulations adopted or amended after the bill's effective date be submitted for review within six months of a comprehensive plan update, with regulations taking effect only after the Department confirms compliance. The bill also introduces an appeal process for Department decisions and mandates the maintenance of a compliance list for local governments. Additionally, it prohibits cities and counties from denying affordable or moderate-income housing developments unless specific conditions are met, and it defines "affordable or moderate-income housing development" while ensuring long-term affordability through enforceable restrictions.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the definition of "person" for participation in hearings and establishes criteria for filing petitions related to housing elements and development regulations. It allows smaller jurisdictions to extend compliance deadlines under certain conditions and encourages state agencies to provide technical assistance to local governments. The bill also requires counties and cities to submit progress reports on implementing comprehensive plans, particularly regarding housing and climate change, and specifies that certain actions taken to meet housing element requirements will not be subject to appeals. The act is titled the "housing accountability act" and includes a provision that nullifies the act if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.320
Substitute Bill: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.320
Second Substitute: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.320