The bill amends RCW 36.22.250 to establish a surcharge of $183 per document recorded by the county auditor, which is in addition to any other charges authorized by law. Certain documents, such as assignments of previously recorded deeds of trust, vital records, and documents related to government liens, are exempt from this surcharge. The funds collected from this surcharge will be allocated as follows: 1% for the county auditor's fee collection activities, 30% for county use, 54.1% to the state treasurer for the home security fund, 13.1% for the affordable housing for all account, and 1.8% for the landlord mitigation program account.

Additionally, the bill specifies how counties can use their portion of the collected funds, including up to 10% for administrative costs related to the county's homeless housing plan. At least 75% of the funds must be used for local homeless housing plans unless a city in the county opts to operate its own program. In such cases, the funds for administrative costs and local homeless housing plans will be combined and distributed based on the city's share of the real estate excise tax. The bill also outlines the use of funds by the Department of Commerce for homelessness assistance and affordable housing initiatives, ensuring that a significant portion is directed towards supporting extremely low-income households and addressing homelessness.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.22.250
Substitute Bill: 36.22.250
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.22.250
Session Law: 36.22.250