BIAW priority bills now law  

June 10, 2024

Several BIAW priority bills and more than 300 others passed by the 2024 legislature became law on June 6.

BIAW priority bill to improve safety and fairness now law

Last year, several builders complained the state Department of Labor and Industries wasn’t notifying them of safety violations until months after the alleged violation occurred. BIAW Lobbyist Tom Kwieciak worked with Sen. Karen Keiser, longtime Chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, on a solution.

SB 5980 improves the timeline for issuing safety violation citations. That means builders can fix potential problems sooner, creating safer workplaces and helping to eliminate unnecessary fines.

Now that the bill has become law, BIAW urges builders to let us know if they have any further issues.

Two bills easing regulatory barriers now law

SB 5792 eased rigorous condominium development regulations to allow builders of multi-unit residential buildings/condominiums that are two stories or less with 12 or fewer units to add one story of above or below-ground parking or retail space. Previously, they had to build these structures under the more restrictive condominium codes. BIAW Senior Legislative Manager Tricia Gullion testified on this bill and worked with legislators to pass it into law.

Recognizing the need for more flexibility in rural development, Managing Director of External Affairs Jan Himebaugh joined local governments and other in supporting SSB 6140. A bipartisan bill, SSB 6140 will bring both jobs and essential services to rural areas.

Streamlining the building code, cementing certainty

SB 6291 streamlines the state building code council operating procedures, creating more certainty. BIAW Policy and Research Manager Andrea Smith worked with Sen. Linda Wilson, a member of the building code council, on these important improvements. It also became law on June 6.

Restoring police pursuit, protecting against personal income tax

Among the more high-profile bills affecting the home building industry that became law on June 6 were two citizens’ initiatives brought to the Legislature.

Initiative 2113 restored law enforcement’s ability to pursue those suspected of committing crimes. This helps them address rising incidences of construction theft.

Initiative 2111 ensured Washington remains free of a personal income tax.

Let’s Go Washington, the organization that brought these and four other common-sense initiatives to the legislature, has partnered with BIAW to collect signatures for Initiative 2066 to protect natural gas as an energy choice.