The proposed bill aims to facilitate the subdivision of land in rural areas for family members, addressing the need for housing and care for elderly relatives. It recognizes the importance of allowing farm families to live and work on their land, which has been hindered by previous interpretations of the growth management act. The bill introduces new sections to chapters 36.70A and 36.70 RCW, allowing counties to permit land division outside urban growth areas specifically for family members, including parents, children, grandchildren, spouses, and siblings.

To qualify for subdivision under this bill, the original parcel must have been owned by the grantor for over five years or transferred from a deceased family member with ownership in the family for the same duration. The subdivision application must specify the family member for each new lot, with the stipulation that no receiving family member can own more than one lot. While the lot sizes must be sufficient for a residence and necessary infrastructure, they are not required to conform to the same size regulations as non-family-owned properties. Additionally, any development must comply with local regulations, except for lot size and setbacks, and any conflicting court decisions regarding lot size are overridden by this new legislation. The act may be cited as the "family housing act."