The bill amends RCW 82.14.370 to allow rural counties to utilize funds collected from the rural public facilities sales and use tax specifically for affordable workforce housing infrastructure and facilities, in addition to existing economic development purposes. The new legal language specifies that the funds can be used to finance public facilities serving economic development, the construction of affordable workforce housing, and personnel in economic development offices. Furthermore, it mandates that any public facility funded must be included in the county's economic development plan or capital facilities plan, ensuring alignment with local development goals.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding what constitutes "public facilities" and "affordable workforce housing infrastructure or facilities." It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between counties and local entities to meet economic development objectives and requires counties to report detailed information on funded projects to the state auditor annually. The bill also establishes a timeline for the state auditor to create a publicly accessible report on the collected revenues and expenditures, enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of these funds.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.14.370
Bill as Passed Legislature: 82.14.370
Session Law: 82.14.370