Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 1579

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Including school district information on disclosure statements by sellers of real property.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilduff, Fey and Ortiz-Self.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Adds school district identification to the seller disclosure form for residential real property transactions.

Hearing Date: 2/8/17

Staff: Robbi Kesler (786-7153).

Background:

In real estate transactions for the sale of residential real property, absent an express waiver or exemption, sellers must provide buyers with a completed seller disclosure form. This form has several questions relating to title, water, sewage, structure, systems and fixtures, homeowners' association, and environmental subjects. A seller may answer "yes," "no," or "don't know," and if the question requires, the seller is given space to write more details.

Summary of Bill:

A question regarding the school district the property resides within is added to the seller disclosure form. The seller may answer by listing the name of the school district or by checking the "don't know" box.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.