Washington State rent control

Politicians pretend renters are getting scalped in a skirmish of class warfare.  They spread that viewpoint 'cause it can give them power over housing. That means they get very intimate control over lives.

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Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and lead Republican on the Senate Housing Committee, issued this statement:

House Bill 1217

Let’s call it what it is: House Bill 1217 is price control, plain and simple. And price control has a long, proven track record of failure. This bill would impose arbitrary caps on rent increases, penalize housing providers with excessive regulations and fines, and ultimately reduce the supply of affordable housing in Washington.

Housing affordability is about supply, not politics. We’ve seen it nationwide: when housing gets built, rent comes down. In places like Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, where construction has surged, rents have declined. But this bill does nothing to build more homes. It drives builders away from the state.

The message is clear: price control plus uncapped property tax increases equals higher costs and less housing. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Most landlords in this state aren’t big corporations  they’re families trying to make ends meet, people who’ve invested in a duplex or a rental home. When you cap their income but not their costs, they’re forced to defer maintenance, sell their properties, or leave the rental business entirely.

Washington doesn’t need more bureaucracy. We need more housing. This bill is about short-term posturing at the expense of long-term stability and prosperity. I strongly oppose HB 1217 and will continue fighting for policies that grow opportunity, protect renters, and keep our communities strong.

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The legislature passed this bill and it is on the Governor's desk for his signature or veto. If you wish to urge the Gov. Ferguson to veto HB 1217, use this link https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-ferguson-e-message

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE on WA 2025–26 Proposed Firearm Legislation

Several new bills that have been under consideration:

1. Permit to Purchase Firearms (HB 1163) has been passed and is on the governor's desk.

• Requirements: Applicants must complete certified firearm safety training within the past five years, undergo fingerprinting, and pass a background check,
• Permit Validity: Five years,
• Issuance Timeline: Within 30 days (or 60 days without state ID),
• Status: On Governor’s Desk. Call or email now!

2. Bulk Purchase Limits (HB 1132)

• Firearms: Limits purchases to one firearm per 30-day period,
• Ammunition: Caps at 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of other calibers per month,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

3. Secure Storage Requirements (HB 1152)

• Mandate: Requires firearms to be securely stored in homes and vehicles,
• Penalties: Range from civil infractions to felonies if unsecured firearms lead to injury,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

4. Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax (HB 1386)

• Tax Rate: 11% on sales of firearms and ammunition,
• Exemptions: Law enforcement and military personnel,​
• Revenue Use: Funds allocated to gun violence prevention programs,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

5. Expanded Open-Carry Restrictions (SB 5098)

• Provisions: Prohibits open carry in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, zoos, and transit centers.,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

6. Enhanced Dealer Regulations (SB 5099)

• Requirements: Imposes stricter security measures, mandatory employee training, and annual inspections for firearm dealers.​
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline. ​
• More than likely will be brought back next session

WA - New tax blitz coming against working families and job creators

Washington Senate Democrats introduced a set of sweeping tax proposals totaling more than $12 billion, despite Senate Republicans presenting a balanced budget with no tax increases (SB 5810).

These proposed taxes continue to put us down the path of unsustainable spending. The state has experienced unanticipated increases in revenue collection. However, the majority budget proposal represents an unrealistic expansion of government, requiring additional revenue. These tax proposals will drive small businesses and families out of Washington, further declining Washington’s competitiveness and the companies that generate the bulk of our revenue.

The proposals were heard yesterday, April 16th, in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and are scheduled for a committee vote tomorrow morning. The full Senate will take up the proposals as early as Saturday.

This package represents a dramatic shift in Washington tax policy, targeting everything from job creation, to innovation, to family savings.

I wanted to highlight a few of these proposals and give you my take on them.

On SB 5815 – Business Tax Increases

This bill doesn’t reward success — it penalizes it. The majority seems to want to punish you if you’re creating jobs or innovating in Washington. This will continue to drive economic development out of our state. 

On SB 5814 – Sales Tax Increase

In one of the more creative proposals, the majority is trying to collect sales tax on certain businesses before they make the retail sale. This requires businesses to estimate their future sales to pay taxes now to help balance the state budget. This tax shift will cause budgeting issues in the future.

On SB 5813 - Capital Gains & Estate Tax Hikes

This will affect homeowners and renters alike and the increase goes against a long-standing voter approved initiative. When combined with the proposed rent control legislation, and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5812 – Property Tax Increases

This will affect homeowners and renters alike. This increase goes against a voter approved initiative. Combine this with the proposed rent control legislation and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5811 – EV Credit Tax

For the last few years, the majority party has been incentivizing people to purchase electric vehicles, and mandated manufacturers to sell more EVs or buy credits. Now we’re punishing the behavior we encouraged. This tax is focused on one EV manufacturer and will be passed on to consumers, increasing the cost.

None of these proposals are necessary because we have sufficient revenue to support the essential functions of government without requiring tax increases. The $ave Washington Budget that Senate Republicans released over a month ago demonstrates that we do not need higher taxes. We need government accountability. In a time when families face challenges due to inflation and small businesses struggle to survive, our priority should be to provide relief and stability to the people of Washington.

 

-- Sen. Keith Goehner (R-12LD)

WA State permit to purchase fireams bill Update April 15

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. This bill will do nothing to address Washington’s crime problem, but it will make firearm ownership nearly unobtainable practically and financially. 

Please contact your Representative and urge them to OPPOSE HB 1163 by using the TAKE ACTION button below, and contact the general legislative number at 1-800-562-6000 to voice your opposition to this egregious bill!

 More gun control bills are still on the move. Please stay tuned