Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5937: Smart access systems/tenants
Status: Signed into law, March 16, 2026
Concerning the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act; reenacting and amending RCW 59.18.030; adding new sections to chapter 59.18 RCW; and providing an effective date.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act; reenacting and amending RCW 59.18.030; adding new sections to chapter 59.18 RCW; and providing an effective date. Sec. 1. RCW 59.18.030 and 2023 c 331 s 2 and 2023 c 277 s 10 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows: As used in this chapter: (1) "Active duty" means service authorized by the president of the United States, the secretary of defense, or the governor for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. (2) "Authentication data" means the data generated or collected at the point of authentication in connection with granting a user entry to a smart access building, common area, or dwelling unit through such building's smart access system, excluding data generated through or collected by a video, audio, or camera system that is used to monitor entrances but not grant entry. (3) "Biometric identifier information" means a physiological, biological, or behavioral characteristic that is used to identify, or assist in identifying, an individual including, but not limited (b) A fingerprint; (c) A voiceprint; or (d) A scan or record of a palm, hand, or face geometry. (4) "Certificate of inspection" means an unsworn statement, declaration, verification, or certificate made in accordance with the requirements …
Sponsors
- Jamie Pedersen (D) · primary sponsor
- Keith Goehner (R)
- Jessica Bateman (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 1/1/2027.
- : Chapter 55, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : Speaker signed.
- : President signed.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 4.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Votes
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 3, 2026): 93 yea, 1 nay, passed
- House Committee on Housing: Do pass (February 23, 2026): 17 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (January 28, 2026): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Housing: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5937 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (January 16, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: LANDLORD AND TENANT
Common questions
- What is SB5937?
- SB5937 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Smart access systems/tenants.
- What does SB5937 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to the residential landlord-tenant act; reenacting and amending RCW 59.18.030; adding new sections to chapter 59.18 RCW; and providing an effective date.
- What is the status of SB5937?
- Signed into law as of March 16, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 1/1/2027. (March 16, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5937?
- Jamie Pedersen (D), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5937?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5937&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.