WashingtonHB 22942025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Prohibiting negative use restrictions on real property that have the effect of limiting consumer access to food and medicine.

Sponsored By: Darya Farivar (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Fewer property barriers for groceries and pharmacies

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington bans private property agreements that block grocery stores or pharmacies where local land-use rules allow them. This includes uses allowed with conditional approval, store-size limits, and restrictions on drug stores that include pharmacies. The ban covers recorded and unrecorded agreements, including deeds, leases, and contracts. Covered restrictions are void, and beneficiaries cannot keep them in effect or refuse to release them. Agreements effective before June 11, 2026, are exempt. A store-move exception requires a new location within two miles, with similar size and product range. The new store must open within two years, subject to delays beyond its control; the restriction can last five years from closure. Some shopping-center agreements may limit store numbers solely to control competition. But owners or operators cannot enforce those limits after discontinuing the use for more than one year, subject to relocation allowances.

Store moves get flexibility with limits

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington cities, towns, and counties can extend limits tied to grocery store or pharmacy moves. Owners or operators must submit a written request and evidence of unusual circumstances showing good cause. Officials can extend the two-mile distance limit, but not beyond five miles. They can also extend the two-year opening deadline, five-year restriction limit, and one-year period for a discontinued shopping-center use. Good cause can include protecting food and medicine access, financing or construction needs, or encouraging nearby private investment.

Store restriction agreements face public oversight

Beginning June 11, 2026, parties entering covered grocery or pharmacy restriction agreements must notify Washington’s attorney general within 10 days. They must also notify the city or town, or the county legislative authority for property outside city or town boundaries. The attorney general and local governments can bring civil court cases seeking orders to stop restrictions or other legal relief. Cities and towns can enforce the law within their boundaries; counties can enforce it only in unincorporated areas. The law also preserves penalties and relief available under local ordinances for similar violations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Darya Farivar
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Adam Bernbaum
Democratic • House
Alex Ramel
Democratic • House
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Chipalo Street
Democratic • House
Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House
Davina Duerr
Democratic • House
Edwin Obras
Democratic • House
Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Greg Nance
Democratic • House
Jamila Taylor
Democratic • House
Janice Zahn
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Julio Cortes
Democratic • House
Kristine Reeves
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Mia Gregerson
Democratic • House
My-Linh Thai
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House
Roger Goodman
Democratic • House
Shaun Scott
Democratic • House
Shelley Kloba
Democratic • House
Steve Tharinger
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 104 • No: 39

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 14

House vote • 2/13/2026