Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 1934
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: Establishing a surcharge to fund affordable housing.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Simpson, Williams, Hasegawa, Miloscia, Haigh and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/18/09
Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291) and Thamas Osborn (786-7129)
Background:
County Auditor - Housing Surcharges.
When filing and recording deeds and other documents, county auditors must assess three surcharges to support housing programs. These are the Affordable Housing for All (AHFA) surcharge and two Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHA) surcharges.
Affordable Housing for All Surcharge.
County auditors assess the AHFA Surcharge, a $10 fee allocated for affordable housing projects and programs.
A county may keep up to 5 percent of this surcharge to cover administrative costs. Of the remaining funds, 40 percent is transmitted to the Affordable Housing for All Account to be used for housing and shelter for extremely low-income households. The county retains the remainder of the revenue for low-income housing programs and projects.
Homeless Housing and Assistance Surcharges.
In addition to the AHFA surcharge, county auditors must assess two HHA surcharges, of $10 and $8 respectively, for each document recorded. With the exception of administrative costs, these funds are divided between local homeless housing plans and the State Treasurer, which allocates the funds to provide housing and shelter to homeless people.
Housing Authorities.
A housing authority may be established by any county or city that determines a need for such an authority. Housing authorities may provide a variety of programs and services to help residents meet housing needs. Services provided include public housing, housing vouchers, elderly housing, and low-income rural housing.
Summary of Bill:
If authorized by the county legislative authority, a county auditor must assess an additional surcharge of up to $20 per document recorded.
The county may retain up to 5 percent of funds for administrative costs. The county must deposit the remaining funds into a fund to be used to effectuate any of the purposes or powers assigned to housing authorities.
Exemptions.
The county may not impose the surcharge upon assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested February 9, 2009.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.