BILL · 2025–26 SESSION

SB 5659: Housing shortage/local share

Eliminating each local government's proportional share of Washington's housing shortage.

Summary

Directs the Department of Commerce to calculate each county, city, and town's (local governments) proportional share of the state housing supply shortage by April 1, 2026 and requires local governments to approve enough new housing to close each local government’s proportional share of the housing supply shortage through 2035.
Requires local governments regularly evaluate locally enacted codes, ordinances, plans and regulations to determine whether they are impeding progress towards meeting the goals.
Prohibits distribution of the earnings of investment of balances in the Local Real Estate Excise Tax Account to any local governments that fails to comply.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5659), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to eliminating each local government's proportional share of Washington's housing shortage;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Jan 12, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. On motion, referred to Ways & Means.
Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Mar 17, 2025Senate Rules "X" file.
Mar 5, 2025Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 28, 2025WM - Majority; do pass.
Feb 28, 2025Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 21, 2025And refer to Ways & Means.
Feb 21, 2025HSG - Majority; do pass.
Feb 21, 2025Referred to Ways & Means.
Feb 4, 2025First reading, referred to Housing.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5659 (2023–24) Gas companies/renewable res. · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5659 (2021–22) Building material standards · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5659 (2019–20) Pharmaceutical ads/B&O tax · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5659 (2017–18) Hospital district EMTs/LEOFF · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5659 (2015–16) Litter tax revenues · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5659 (2013–14) Assault in the third degree · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5659 (2011–12) Title and registration · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5659 (2009–10) Mortgage brokr practices act · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House