This Wednesday marked the Opposite House of Origin Policy Cutoff, meaning bills that did not advance out of policy committee in the opposite chamber are now considered dead for the year unless they are deemed NTIB. Several development-related bills successfully moved forward, including SB 6026 (commercial to residential mixed-use zones), SB 6156 (small elevator reforms), SB 5729 (streamlining affordable housing permitting), HB 2664 (certified mail notice fixes), and HB 2418 (permitting review process).

Supplemental budgets dominated the week’s activity. The Senate released a $79.3 billion two-year operating budget, roughly $1.5 billion larger than last year’s enacted budget, while the House proposal totals approximately $79.2 billion. SB 6346, the proposed millionaire’s tax, was also heard amid controversy over duplicate signatures submitted on both pro and con sides. Although revenue from the tax is not expected until 2029, both budgets assume its passage, and the bill is expected to move out of House Finance early this morning.

While SB 5609 (SEPA reform) did not advance, Senator Kauffman introduced a supplemental budget amendment directing the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to develop a model cultural resources ordinance. The request totals $225,000, with a report due by June 1, 2027. Additionally, the Senate Transportation Budget allocates $1 million for a programmatic SEPA review and final EIS evaluating zoning changes related to transit-oriented development under RCW 36.70A.840, with publication required by July 1, 2027.