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Lawmakers say housing bills are moving; caucus exploring a school‑bond 'grand bargain' to ease housing costs
Summary
Caucus leaders described dozens of housing bills aimed at increasing supply and renter stability and said they are pursuing a proposed 'grand bargain' to allow simple‑majority school bonds in exchange for banning school district impact fees, seeking bipartisan support for a constitutional amendment.
Legislative leaders outlined a multi‑pronged approach to Washington’s housing shortage and described an emerging proposal they hope could link school‑funding reform and housing affordability.
Speaker 2 told reporters the majority has "dozens of bills" addressing housing from multiple angles — lot‑splitting, accessory dwelling units, parking and setback changes, zoning and permitting reform — and said the caucus intends to pass measures it believes will increase housing supply. Speaker 2 said Republicans voted against a bill easing standardized setbacks and parking requirements, but the majority will continue to pursue supply and support measures.
On financing, Speaker 1 described a proposal being discussed by the Building Industry Association of Washington and realtors: a constitutional amendment to allow some school bonds to pass with a simple majority, coupled with a prohibition on school district impact fees. Speaker 1 said the caucus is united behind the idea and is working to win three Republican votes required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Leaders emphasized there is no single solution and noted that many housing investments take years to yield results; they also said renter protections and support programs remain part of the approach to reduce homelessness and instability.
Next steps: leaders said they will continue conversations with Republicans and pursue bipartisan options for measures they believe could increase housing supply and stability. No formal legislative action was announced at the availability.
