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WashingtonHB 18592025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Expanding opportunities for affordable housing developments on properties owned by religious organizations.

Sponsored By: Osman Salahuddin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More affordable housing on religious property

Beginning June 11, 2026, covered Washington cities must allow extra housing density on property owned or controlled by religious organizations. Projects must reserve at least 50% of homes for low-income households, or at least 20% for very-low-income households. The income limits are 80% and 50% of county median income, respectively, adjusted for household size using federal housing data. Monthly housing costs for affordable homes, including utilities except telephone, cannot exceed 30% of household income. A lease or binding agreement must keep affordability and other required conditions in place for at least 50 years, even after ownership changes. Projects cannot discriminate against qualifying low-income households based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability. They must also follow federal fair-housing law. The rules also cover religious organizations repairing existing affordable housing developments. Cities must create policies when a religious organization requests the bonus, and can require more affordable homes than these minimums. The law does not guarantee a household a home or a specific rent.

Religious housing developers pay project charges

Beginning June 11, 2026, the religious organization or entity leasing its property to develop qualifying affordable housing must pay all development charges. These include fees, mitigation costs, and other required charges. This payment duty falls on the organization or developer, not directly on residents. The law does not say whether these costs change rents. When applicable, the religious organization should work with the local transit agency to ensure appropriate service.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Jeremie Dufault

    Republican • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  2. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/9/2026House

  3. Chapter 2, 2026 Laws.

    3/9/2026House

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/3/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/28/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. HSG - Majority; do pass.

    2/25/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to Housing.

    2/13/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    2/11/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026House

  15. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    2/11/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/6/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House

  18. FIN - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/29/2026House

  19. FIN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/29/2026House

  20. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026House

  21. Referred to Finance.

    2/21/2025House

  22. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/20/2025House

  23. HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/20/2025House

  24. First reading, referred to Housing.

    2/6/2025House

Bill Text

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