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 (birth, marriage, divorce, death), and various lien documents, 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 utilize their portion of the collected funds. It mandates that counties retain at least 75% of their share for local homeless housing plans unless a city within the county opts to run its own program. In such cases, the funds for administrative costs and local homeless housing plans must be combined and distributed based on the city's share of the real estate excise tax. The bill also allows counties and cities to use up to 10% of their funding for administrative costs related to their homeless housing programs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance funding for homelessness assistance and affordable housing initiatives while providing flexibility for local governments in managing these resources.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.22.250
Substitute Bill: 36.22.250