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Committee advances bill requiring landlords to provide non-phone access methods and working locks
Summary
The Senate Committee on Housing and Development recommended House Bill 3378 be sent to the floor. The bill would require landlords to offer an alternate method of accessing a dwelling unit (fob, key card, physical key) rather than relying solely on tenant-owned phones and to provide functioning entrance locks and window latches.
The Senate Committee on Housing and Development voted to advance House Bill 3378 to the floor with a "do pass" recommendation during a work session on Aug. 30.
Committee staff summarized the measure as requiring residential landlords to offer an alternate method of accessing a dwelling unit — such as an access code, fob, key card, or a physical key — instead of relying solely on software on a tenant-owned phone or other personal electronic device for a dwelling to be considered habitable. Staff also said the bill directs landlords to provide working locks for all dwelling entrances and latches for all windows that allow access to the dwelling unit; staff described the bill as having minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact.
Chair Pham moved the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; the clerk called the roll. Senators Robin, Nash and Patterson, Vice Chair Anderson and Chair Pham recorded "Aye," and the committee announced the motion passes.
Why it matters: Supporters framed the measure as a habitability standard that would ensure access and security for tenants who may not be able to use or rely on phone-based access systems. The committee took no amendments during the work session and did not solicit additional public testimony at that time.
Ending: The committee closed the HB 3378 work session and identified potential carriers for the bill when it reaches the floor.
