The bill, known as the "Housing Accountability Act," aims to enhance compliance with housing element requirements under the Growth Management Act in Washington State. It introduces a new section to Chapter 36.70A RCW, which mandates that counties and cities planning under RCW 36.70A.040 submit their housing elements and related development regulations to the department for review. Key provisions include notifying the department at least 120 days before applying for approval, submitting applications within 10 days after final actions on housing regulations, and ensuring compliance with specified laws. The department is required to issue a determination of compliance within 90 days, and housing elements will not take effect until compliance is confirmed. The bill also establishes consequences for noncompliance, including restrictions on denying affordable housing developments and requiring legally binding affordability measures for at least 25 years.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the review processes for shoreline master programs and housing elements, setting a 60-day deadline for filing petitions related to the department's final decisions and focusing appeals solely on compliance. It emphasizes ongoing reviews of comprehensive land use plans and allows smaller jurisdictions to opt out of full reviews under certain conditions. The bill also requires counties and cities to protect critical areas related to agricultural activities and submit implementation progress reports after five years. Furthermore, it exempts certain actions from administrative or judicial appeals concerning housing element requirements, and includes a severability clause to maintain the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.320, 36.70A.130
Substitute Bill: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.130