Bill > HB1135

This bill amends the Growth Management Act (GMA) to clarify and strengthen the process for ensuring local governments comply with land use planning requirements. Specifically, the bill modifies the procedures for compliance hearings conducted by the Growth Management Hearings Board. The changes require that when a local government (county or city) is found to be non-compliant with GMA requirements, they must fully amend the portion of their plan or regulations that were originally deemed non-compliant. The bill also allows persons with legal standing to participate in compliance hearings, and mandates that these hearings be given the highest priority by the board. The board must now issue a finding within 45 days of a motion being filed and can refer cases of non-compliance to the department for technical assistance or recommend sanctions to the governor. If a local government fails to meet its compliance requirements, the board can reconsider its original order and potentially issue a determination of invalidity, which could lead to further legal consequences for the non-compliant jurisdiction.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1135&Year=2025&Initiative=false