Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re nearing the halfway point of the 2025 session, and the pace is picking up in Olympia. It’s a busy time, but an important one, as we work to move meaningful legislation forward. With our seventh week coming to a close, I’m eager to share some important information with you.
ADDRESSING WASHINGTON’S HOUSING CRISIS
As housing costs continue to rise, too many families are struggling to find and keep a home. This session, the Legislature is considering several proposals to lower housing costs, expand homeownership, and strengthen tenant protections.
Here are some of the key bills under consideration:
Modernizing parking to lower housing costs — Outdated parking mandates drive up construction costs and limit housing supply. Senate Bill 5184 caps minimum parking requirements, removes mandates near transit, and gives developers more flexibility — helping lower costs and encouraging walkable communities.
Holding local governments accountable — Cities and counties play a crucial role in meeting housing needs. Senate Bill 5148 ensures local governments follow state housing laws by enabling the Department of Commerce to review local regulations that will help the state meet its need for 1 million new homes by 2044.
Limiting corporate control of single-family homes — Large investment firms are buying up single-family homes, outbidding families. Senate Bill 5496 stops companies that already own 50+ homes from purchasing more and establishes a registry to track corporate ownership, protecting homeownership opportunities for Washington families.
Stabilizing rent increases — Rent hikes are making it harder for families to stay in their homes. House Bill 1217 caps rent increases at 7% annually, requires 180 days’ notice for increases over 3%, limits move-in fees, and lets tenants break leases without penalty if rent exceeds legal limits.
These bills are still making their way through the Legislature, but I remain committed to finding real solutions to Washington’s housing crisis — because everyone deserves a stable, affordable place to call home.
FISCAL CUTOFF
Today is what’s known as “fiscal cutoff” in the Legislature. This means all bills with a significant fiscal impact must move out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee by the end of the day in order to continue moving through the process. It also means we will start spending more of our time on the Senate floor passing the bills still in play.
The Ways & Means Committee has spent the last several days, including today, hearing dozens of bills and deciding which ones to advance. Each decision reflects careful consideration of the bill’s impact, priorities, and the resources available to move Washington forward.
WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU
Many of you have shared your thoughts on Senate Bill 5592, which addresses manufacturers and vehicle dealers. Although it didn’t pass out of committee before last week’s policy cutoff, I wanted to explain its intent.
As more Washingtonians adopt electric vehicles, the need for a fair auto market has become clear. This bill aimed to let all electric vehicle manufacturers sell directly to consumers. Currently, only one automaker can bypass franchise laws. This bill would have updated Washington’s auto sales system, improving access to clean-energy vehicles.
Though the bill isn’t moving forward this year, my colleagues and I remain dedicated to creating a fair auto market and ensuring equal opportunities for all electric vehicle manufacturers.
STAY IN TOUCH
Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to keep reaching out, following along for updates, and staying engaged.
Sincerely,
June Robinson
