Legislative committee hears hours of testimony on House Bill 1217 rent‑stabilization proposal

A legislative committee chaired by Chair Bateman heard hours of public testimony on House Bill 1217 on Oct. 12, 2025, with labor unions, tenant advocates and local officials urging passage and multifamily owners, builders and property managers urging rejection or changes.

Supporters said HB 1217 would provide predictable rent increases and stem displacement. "The stress, hurt, and struggle that housing insecurity creates continues to escalate," said Maddie Fouch, representing SEIU 775. Sarah Charon, chief of staff at UFCW 3000, testified: "Grocery workers cannot wait." Vanessa Kritzer, president of the Redmond City Council, told the committee the city enacted local protections more than two years ago and still sees housing development continuing.

Opponents from the housing industry warned the bill could deter investment and reduce new construction. "Rent control is bad policy that will push scarce capital for new construction to other states," said Carl Charette of AvalonBay. Carter Nelson,…