Establishing Land Banking Authorities in Washington
Summary
The Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1974, establishing land banking authorities as new governmental entities authorized to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of real property for public purposes, including affordable housing development. The bill creates governance structures, oversight requirements, and operational parameters for these authorities. The companion Senate Bill 6214 was also introduced in the 2025-26 biennium.
What changed
Washington State enacted HB 1974 (Chapter 233, Laws of 2026), establishing land banking authorities as a new category of public corporation or instrumentality. These authorities are empowered to receive property transfers from government entities, maintain and manage acquired real property, and facilitate redevelopment for public benefit, with an emphasis on affordable housing. The bill establishes board governance requirements, annual reporting obligations, and accountability standards for land banking authorities.
Local governments should assess whether establishing a land banking authority aligns with their property disposition and development goals. Real estate developers and nonprofit housing organizations may find new partnership opportunities through these authorities. Housing advocates should monitor implementation, as land banking authorities are designed to address blight, facilitate affordable housing development, and support community revitalization. The bill became law during the 2025-26 legislative session.
What to do next
- Review HB 1974 provisions to determine if local government land banking authority establishment is appropriate for your jurisdiction
- Assess existing property portfolios for potential transfer to newly created land banking authorities
- Monitor for implementing regulations or guidelines from Washington State agencies regarding land banking authority operations
Source document (simplified)
Home / Bills, meetings, and session / Bills / Bill summary / HB 1974
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HB 1974 - 2025-26
Establishing land banking authorities. Sponsors: Hill, Peterson, Parshley, Scott, Thomas, Reed, Simmons, Street, Pollet, Macri, Ormsby Companion bill: SB 6214
Bill status-at-a-glance
As of Wednesday, April 1, 2026 06:55 AM
Current version:
Engrossed 2nd substitute - E2SHB 1974 (View 1st engrossed)
Current status:
C 233 L 26
Where is it in the process?
Bill status-at-a-glance
As of Wednesday, April 1, 2026 06:55 AM
Current version:
Engrossed 2nd substitute - E2SHB 1974 (View 1st engrossed)
Current status:
C 233 L 26
Where is it in the process?
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Bill history
View all roll calls on this bill
2025 Regular Session
In the House
Feb 14 First reading, referred to Housing. (View original bill) Feb 18 Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 4:00 PM. (Committee materials)
2026 Regular Session
In the House
Jan 12 By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. Jan 19 Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM. (Committee materials) Jan 22 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing at 8:30 AM. (Committee materials) HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (View 1st substitute) (Majority report) Minority; without recommendation. (Minority report) Jan 27 Referred to Finance. Feb 3 Public hearing in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM. (Committee materials) Feb 6 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM. (Committee materials) FIN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (View 2nd substitute) (Majority report) Minority; without recommendation. (Minority report) Feb 9 Referred to Rules 2 Review. Feb 11 Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. Feb 12 2nd substitute bill substituted (FIN 26). (View 2nd substitute) Floor amendment(s) adopted. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 59; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View 1st engrossed) (View this roll call)
In the Senate
Feb 16 First reading, referred to Housing. Feb 18 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM. (Committee materials) HSG - Majority; do pass. (Majority report) And refer to Ways & Means. Minority; without recommendation. (Minority report) Feb 19 Referred to Ways & Means. Feb 26 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM. (Committee materials) Mar 2 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM. (Committee materials) WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (Majority report) Minority; do not pass. (Minority report) Minority; without recommendation. (Minority report) Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. Mar 5 Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0. (View this roll call)
In the House
Mar 11 House concurred in Senate amendments. Passed final passage; yeas, 59; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View this roll call) Mar 12 Speaker signed.
In the Senate
Mar 12 President signed.
Other than legislative action
Mar 12 Delivered to Governor. (View bill as passed legislature) Mar 27 Governor signed. Chapter 233, 2026 Laws. Effective date 6/11/2026.
Available documents
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