Washington HB1974: Land banking authorities

What the bill says

An act Relating to establishing land banking authorities; amending RCW 36.35.150, 35.21.755, 82.45.010, and 82.45.010; adding a new chapter to Title 35 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to establishing land banking authorities; amending RCW 36.35.150, 35.21.755, 82.45.010, and 82.45.010; adding a new chapter to Title 35 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that solving the state's housing crisis requires a multipronged approach. Finding, acquiring, and holding land in the predevelopment phase is a time-consuming opportunity cost for all developers and is particularly acute for developers of affordable housing. The legislature also finds that the state needs more affordable housing, and land banks play a crucial role in the housing ecosystem by finding, acquiring, and holding land until a developer is ready to build on the parcel or parcels. (2) The legislature further finds that land banks provide a benefit to neighbors and the community by managing abandoned or underutilized properties, preventing blight and crime, and improving public health and safety. The state intends to enable land banks to operate regionally and provide incentives that result in reduced costs to hold property. In turn, land banks can coordinate with developers throughout their region to build mixed-income developments and give more Washingtonians a place to call home. (3) Therefore, the legislature intends to authorize land banking authorities (b) Prioritize equity, displacement prevention, and use of land acquisition and disposition strategies to …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Natasha Hill (D) · primary sponsor
• Strom Peterson (D)
• Lisa Parshley (D)
• Shaun Scott (D)
• Brianna Thomas (D)
• Julia Reed (D)
• Tarra Simmons (D)
• Chipalo Street (D)
• Gerry Pollet (D)
• Nicole Macri (D)
• Timm Ormsby (D)

Latest actions

1. March 27, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026.
2. March 27, 2026: Chapter 233, 2026 Laws.
3. March 27, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 12, 2026: President signed.
6. March 12, 2026: Speaker signed.
7. March 11, 2026: Passed final passage; yeas, 59; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 2.
8. March 11, 2026: House concurred in Senate amendments.
9. March 5, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.
10. March 5, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Votes

• Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 11, 2026): 59 yea, 37 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 5, 2026): 30 yea, 19 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Ways & Means: Do pass as amended (March 2, 2026): 15 yea, 7 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Housing: Do pass (February 18, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 12, 2026): 59 yea, 37 nay, passed
• House Committee on Finance: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass and do not pass the substitute bill by Committee on Housing (February 6, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1974?

HB1974 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Land banking authorities.

What does HB1974 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to establishing land banking authorities; amending RCW 36.35.150, 35.21.755, 82.45.010, and 82.45.010; adding a new chapter to Title 35 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB1974?

Signed into law as of March 27, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 27, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1974?

Natasha Hill (D), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1974?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1974&Year=2025