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BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5937

SB 5937: Smart access systems/tenants

Concerning the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act.

Summary

Adds smart access system data collection and privacy policy requirements to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA).
Requires RLTA landlords to offer tenants alternative keys that do not use biometric identifier information or software applications operated on a mobile phone or similar electronic device.

From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report (ESSB 5937), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Enacted Enacted · Chapter 55, Laws of 2026

IntroducedJan 12, 2026
Out of committeeJan 19, 2026
Passed SenateJan 28, 2026
Passed HouseMar 3, 2026
GovernorMar 16, 2026
LawMar 16, 2026

Prime sponsor: Jamie Pedersen (D-43)
Introduced: January 12, 2026 in the Senate
Last action: March 16, 2026
Session law: Chapter 55, Laws of 2026
Versions: SB 5937, SSB 5937, ESSB 5937

AN ACT Relating to the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Jamie Pedersen (D-43)

2 co-sponsors (1 Democrat, 1 Republican)

Keith Goehner R-12 Jessica Bateman D-22

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed January 28, 2026

Version voted on: ESSB 5937

49 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	30	0	0	0
Republican	19	0	0	0

How each member voted

Yea (49)

Permalink to this vote

House · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed March 3, 2026

Version voted on: ESSB 5937

93 Yea 1 Nay 0 Absent 4 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	56	0	0	3
Republican	37	1	0	1

How each member voted

Yea (93)

Nay (1)

Travis Couture R-35

Excused (4)

Permalink to this vote

History

Mar 16, 2026Effective date 1/1/2027. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 16, 2026Chapter 55, 2026 Laws. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 16, 2026Governor signed. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 9, 2026Delivered to Governor. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 5, 2026Speaker signed. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 4, 2026President signed. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 3, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 4. (ESSB 5937)
Mar 3, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5937)
Feb 27, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (ESSB 5937)
Feb 25, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review. (ESSB 5937)
Feb 23, 2026HOUS - Majority; do pass. (ESSB 5937)
Feb 23, 2026HOUS - Executive action taken by committee. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 30, 2026First reading, referred to Housing. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 28, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 28, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 28, 2026Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 28, 20261st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 28, 20261st substitute bill substituted.
Jan 21, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 21, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Jan 19, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 19, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Jan 16, 2026HSG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5937)
Jan 16, 2026HSG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Housing.
Dec 23, 2025Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5937 in other sessions

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

SB 5937 (2023–24) Crime victims & witnesses · Enacted · Chapter 297, Laws of 2024
SB 5937 (2021–22) Flood recovery assistance · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5937 (2019–20) Vehicle lamp colors · Enacted · Chapter 321, Laws of 2019
SB 5937 (2017–18) Crossfit facilities taxation · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5937 (2015–16) Farm internship pilot projct · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5937 (2013–14) Resident undergrad tuition · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5937 (2011–12) Sales & use tx rate increase · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5937 (2009–10) Landless Indian tribes · Did not pass · died in committee

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