S-1020.1
SENATE BILL 5731
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators Goehner, Fortunato, Holy, Boehnke, Christian, Cortes, and Dozier
Read first time 02/11/25. Referred to Committee on Housing.
AN ACT Relating to creating a tenant assistance program; amending RCW 36.22.250 ; adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 44.28 RCW; creating a new section; and providing expiration dates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that a significant number of Washington residents are currently rent-burdened, spending a disproportionate amount of their income on housing expenses. High rents have become a substantial burden for too many Washingtonians, limiting their ability to access safe and affordable housing. This situation creates economic instability and negatively impacts the overall well-being of individuals and families across the state. This strain contributes to financial insecurity, making it challenging for individuals and families of all shapes and sizes to meet other essential needs, such as health care, education, and savings for the future. This phenomenon exacerbates existing inequalities and hinders economic mobility for a significant portion of the population.
(2) The legislature has taken significant steps to address the affordable housing crisis, including investing in housing development, expanding rental assistance programs, and enacting tenant protections. However, these efforts will take time to bear fruit, and many households continue to face immediate financial hardship due to high rental costs.