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LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP UP B I A W
S U C C E S S E S
B I AW P R I O R I T Y B I L L S PA S S E D
CONDO LIABILITY REFORM—SB 5334 This bill helps revise overreaching condo warranty liability from the 90s, which will allow for new condo construction in Washington state. It’s not a silver bullet to the housing crisis in our state, but it is another option for consumers seeking a path to affordable homeownership, by increasing supply and options for families of all sizes and incomes.
URBAN CAPACITY—HB 1923 This bill encourages cities to choose from a menu of “get to yes” options on projects. Options include up zones, cluster lot development, form-based codes and planned actions, among others. Newly adopted ordinances would be protected from appeal. In addition, the bill provides transportation SEPA appeals protection for individual projects that are consistent with the underlying transportation plan.
H A R M F U L B I L L S K I L L E D b y B I AW CONTRACTOR LIABILITY—HB 1395 This legislation would have made general contractors liable for benefits, contributions, and payroll of subcontractors’ employees. WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS—HB 1965 Trial lawyers pushed for a qui tam bill that would have allowed anyone to sue and recover damages as a whistleblower. MORE STRINGENT ENERGY CODES—HB 1257/SB 5293 Legislation would have allowed local governments to increase energy codes, creating a patchwork of new pricey rules across the state and adding unnecessary costs to the price of a home.
BUILDING INSIGHT BIAW.com
SESSION IS OVER
Governor Inslee has signed the last of bills from one of the worst sessions for the business community in decades. We’ve prepared a final wrap up, with some wins, with many of the harmful bills we killed, we’ll see again next year. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE—HB 1109 A task force was tucked into the budget requiring the study of the impact of development on minority communities. BIAW will work with the governor’s office with regard to the mission and makeup of this committee to ensure our industry is represented. A similar, more problematic bill (SB 5489), passed the House and Senate in different forms but the chambers were unable to reach a compromise. WHALE-WASHED—HB 1579 “An act relating to implementing recommendations of the southern resident killer whale task force related to increasing Chinook abundance.” This whale-washed bill has been around for years, but add in a reference to an orca and it passes. The requirement that the Department of Fish and Wildlife issue a hydraulic project approval (HPA) within 45 days for single-family bulkhead projects was repealed. This means WDFW can now deny an HPA application even when the project has been approved by a local See OVER on page 13 //
