The proposed bill aims to enhance accountability in increasing the supply of housing in Washington State, addressing the ongoing housing availability crisis. It emphasizes the need for over a million new homes in the next 20 years to accommodate population growth. The bill seeks to adapt the Growth Management Act (GMA) by incorporating specific policies that encourage counties and cities to plan for more housing development. Key provisions include directing counties to foster land use patterns that support abundant housing in rural areas, requiring comprehensive plans to provide sufficient land for new housing, and mandating the monitoring of permit applications to ensure progress toward housing goals. Additionally, the bill introduces sanctions for counties or cities that fail to track or make progress on increasing housing supply.

The bill amends several sections of the RCW, including RCW 36.70A.011, 36.70A.020, 36.70A.115, 36.70A.210, and 36.70A.345, to reflect these changes. Notable insertions include the requirement for counties to provide an abundant supply of housing in rural areas, the need to close the housing availability gap while tracking progress, and the establishment of policies to monitor and track new housing permits at a regional level. The bill also specifies that sanctions may be imposed on counties or cities that do not comply with these new housing supply goals, thereby reinforcing the accountability measures within the GMA.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.011, 36.70A.020, 36.70A.115, 36.70A.215, 36.70A.345