The Washington House Housing Committee took testimony on House Bill 1022, a proposed Homes for Heroes pilot that would direct the Department of Commerce to contract with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to provide down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance to certain public‑service workers.

Committee staff reported the bill is similar to a 2023 proposal and would make no‑interest loans available to eligible buyers whose household income is below 100% of the state median. Loans may not exceed 5% of a first mortgage or $25,000, whichever is less, and are not repayable until the primary mortgage is paid in full or the property is sold, refinanced, rented or transferred. The pilot would be capped at $15,000,000 in total funding and would stop issuing new loans after June 30, 2027. The Housing Finance Commission must submit preliminary and final reports to the Legislature summarizing results.

Sponsor Representative April Connors, 8th District, said the measure is intended to help recruit and retain essential workers — including law enforcement, nurses, firefighters, mental‑health professionals, social workers, childcare providers and veterans — who struggle to afford housing in many Washington communities. "This program is really a hand up," Connors said, adding the bill is a two‑year pilot and staff will report back to the Legislature before 2027.

Witnesses representing education, public‑employee and child‑care interests urged including additional occupations or clarifying definitions. Simone Bo of the Washington Education Association asked that educators, including classified staff such as paraeducators and nutrition services personnel, be added to the bill’s list of targeted occupations. Melissa Johnson of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs asked for a technical amendment to clarify the bill's definition of childcare and childcare center so ECAP staff are included.

Labor and public‑sector groups testified in support. Katie Durkin of the Washington Federation of State Employees described housing as a top concern for members and said assistance could help recruit staff for state service and preserve local workforce. Washington Realtors and other industry groups also voiced support, saying the program would help workers live near the communities they serve.

Representative Connors acknowledged the bill will need funding and said she had not yet reviewed the full fiscal note; she also signaled openness to amendments to add occupations the committee and staff identify as workforce shortages. The committee closed the hearing on House Bill 1022; no vote was recorded during the hearing.