SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5375
As of February 1, 2021
Title: An act relating to a study of the differences in low-income housing development in urban and rural locations.
Brief Description: Concerning a study of the differences in low-income housing development in urban and rural locations.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Fortunato, Rolfes, Van De Wege and Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Housing & Local Government: 2/04/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to conduct a study of the differences in low-income housing development in urban and rural counties by December 2022.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Staff: Brandon Popovac (786-7465)
Background:

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is a joint committee consisting of eight senators and eight representatives, with nonpartisan staff conducting performance audits, program evaluations, sunset reviews, and other analyses, including analyses on housing issues and tax-related policies, as assigned by the Legislature and the committee itself.  Since 2018, for example, JLARC has analyzed the costs of developing low-income housing and compared them with market-rate costs, reviewed multifamily housing property tax exemptions in Mason County and in urban areas, and reviewed a sales and use tax exemption for providers of farmworker housing.
Summary of Bill:

JLARC must conduct a study of the differences in low-income housing development in urban and rural counties by December 2022.  Specifically, the study must identify or review the following:

  • the amount of publicly subsidized low-income housing developed in urban and rural counties between 2010 and 2020 compared to the demographics and populations of such counties;
  • any contributing factors that may impact differences in the amount of development in urban and rural counties; and
  • what funding sources have been provided to low-income housing projects built in urban and rural counties.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2021.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.