Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
HB 1890
Brief Description: Concerning housing authorities.
Sponsors: Representatives Alvarado, Klicker, Peterson, Bateman, Connors, Macri, Corry, Barkis, Berry, Morgan, Leavitt, Tharinger, Reed, Ormsby, Barnard, Street, Gregerson, Reeves and Chopp.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows legislative authorities that have created housing authorities by a specified time to form a joint housing authority composed of city governments without county authorization.
Hearing Date: 1/12/24
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:

Housing Authorities.
A housing authority is an independent, not-for-profit municipal corporation of a city or county established to build homes and run a variety of housing programs to benefit working families, children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.  Housing authorities work in conjunction with local governments and agencies to develop housing strategies for communities.  Housing authorities must follow all federal regulations and do not receive any funds from the state or local governments.  There are currently 37 housing authorities in Washington.


A joint housing authority may be formed when the legislative authorities of one or more counties and the legislative authorities of any city or cities have authorized a joint housing authority by ordinance.  The ordinance must prescribe:

  • the number of commissioners;
  • the method for commissioners? appointment and term lengths;
  • the election of officers;
  • the method for removal of commissioners;
  • the allocation of all costs of the joint housing authority; and
  • any other matters necessary for the operation of the joint housing authority.

 

Joint housing authorities have the same powers as any housing authority.
Summary of Bill:

Legislative authorities that have created housing authorities prior to June 5, 2024, may form joint housing authorities composed of two or more city governments without county authorization.


In addition to existing requirements, the ordinance creating the joint housing authority must:

  • provide for the creation of a new municipal corporation; or
  • provide that a housing authority created and previously activated, by resolution of one of the legislative authorities creating the joint housing authority, will be converted to and operate as a joint housing authority.

 

Unless a delayed date is specified in the ordinance, the creation of or conversion to a joint housing authority takes effect upon the latest effective date of the ordinance providing for its creation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2024.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.