The bill aims to expand opportunities for affordable housing developments on properties owned by religious organizations in Washington State. It mandates that cities must allow an increased density bonus for affordable housing developments located on such properties, provided that at least 20 percent of the housing units are set aside for low-income households. The bill also stipulates that these developments must be part of a binding lease that ensures the units remain affordable for at least fifty years, even if the religious organization no longer owns the property. Additionally, the bill emphasizes non-discrimination in housing based on various factors and encourages collaboration with local transit agencies to ensure adequate transit services for these developments.

Key amendments include the requirement for cities to develop policies to implement these provisions upon request from religious organizations, and the clarification that the religious organization or an entity leasing the property must cover all associated fees and costs for the development. The definition of "affordable housing development" is modified to specify that 20 percent of units must be occupied by low-income households, and the definition of "low-income household" is adjusted to reflect an income threshold at or below 80 percent of the median family income. The bill also introduces new definitions related to property ownership and investment projects, ensuring that entities leasing from religious organizations are recognized in the context of affordable housing development.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 35.63.280, 35.21.915, 35A.21.360, 36.01.290