The bill modifies Washington state law concerning school districts' processes for validating indebtedness and issuing general obligation bonds. It lowers the voting requirement from a three-fifths majority to a simple majority for school districts seeking voter approval for these financial actions, as reflected in amendments to RCW 28A.535.020, RCW 28A.535.050, and RCW 39.36.020. Additionally, the bill allows school districts to issue bonds and levy taxes for capital purposes with a simple majority vote, thereby simplifying the funding process for school facilities. The bill also repeals RCW 82.02.110 and makes various amendments related to municipal corporations and impact fees, emphasizing the need for adequate facilities to support new growth.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions for the management of impact fees by local governments, requiring them to consider school district recommendations for deferrals and to provide written rationale for any disagreements. It allows local governments to charge administrative fees for delayed impact fee payments and mandates that these fees be used solely for system improvements related to new development. The bill establishes a detailed schedule for impact fees based on the impact of new housing units, includes provisions for low-income housing, and clarifies that impact fees must be expended within ten years unless extraordinary circumstances are documented. It also ensures that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remainder will still be effective, with the act taking effect upon the approval of a proposed constitutional amendment regarding local funding authority for school district facilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, 84.52.056, 39.36.020, 39.36.015, 28A.315.285
Substitute Bill: 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, 84.52.056, 39.36.020, 39.36.015, 28A.315.285, 82.02.050, 82.02.060, 43.31.565, 82.02.090, 36.70A.211, 82.02.110
Second Substitute: 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, 84.52.056, 39.36.020, 39.36.015, 28A.315.285, 82.02.050, 82.02.060, 43.31.565, 82.02.090, 36.70A.211, 82.02.110