H-2652.3
HOUSE BILL 2486
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Engell, Manjarrez, and Barkis
Read first time 01/14/26. Referred to Committee on Local Government.
AN ACT Relating to controlling costs imposed by the state energy code; amending RCW 19.27.060 ; adding a new section to chapter 19.27A RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The median price of a new home in Washington is $700,683, the sixth highest in the nation. At this price, 82 percent of Washington households are unable to afford a new home. In June 2025, Washington ranked as the second worst state in the country to buy a starter home. By 2030, Washington is on track to become the fifth most expensive state for housing, with median home prices topping $900,000.
The legislature recognizes that energy efficiency goals have resulted in much higher costs to construct buildings, and has had a negative impact on the cost of all buildings, including housing. The legislature intends the state building code council to be serious about providing more affordable smaller homes. The state building code council is being directed to control cost escalation when updating the state energy code.