SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2097
As of February 15, 2022
Title: An act relating to changing the definition of first-time home buyer.
Brief Description: Changing the definition of first-time home buyer.
Sponsors: Representatives Donaghy, Ryu, Macri, Ramel, Walen, Paul, Frame and Taylor.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/22, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Housing & Local Government: 2/17/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Modifies the definition of first-time home buyer under the Housing Trust Fund program.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Staff: Brandon Popovac (786-7465)
Background:

Established in 1986, the Washington Housing Trust Fund (HTF) program provides grants or loans to help communities develop and preserve affordable housing to meet the needs of low-income and special needs populations.  Since 1986, the HTF has awarded over $1 billion in funding and helped build or preserve over 50,000 units of affordable housing statewide. 
 
Under the HTF program, a first-time home buyer is an individual or their spouse or domestic partner who has not owned a home during the prior three-year period.  The 2021-23 biennial capital budget included an expanded definition for first-time home buyer for the purpose of awarding homeownership projects under the HTF to include an individual who meets any of the following:

  • a single parent who has only owned a home with a former spouse while married;
  • an individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned a home with a spouse;
  • an individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation; and
  • an individual who has only owned a property that is discerned to be uninhabitable by a licensed building inspector.
Summary of Bill:

The definition of first-time home buyer as applied to the award of homeownership projects under the HTF program in the 2021-23 capital budget is codified in the HTF program statutes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2022.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.