Bill > SB5142

This bill provides additional protections for property owners whose real estate is acquired by school districts through eminent domain or under threat of eminent domain. The legislation requires school districts to provide written documentation about the intended use of the property at the time of acquisition and gives the original property owners (or their heirs, assigns, or successors) the right to repurchase the property under specific circumstances. These circumstances include situations where the planned public use is canceled, no progress is made toward the intended use within 10 years, the property becomes unnecessary for the original purpose, or certain development milestones are not met. The original owner has 60 days to accept a written offer to repurchase the property at the original acquisition price. The school district's obligation to offer the property back terminates either when the property is used for school facilities or 15 years after acquisition, whichever comes first. Property owners can also voluntarily waive their repurchase rights. The bill aims to prevent school districts from holding onto properties indefinitely without using them for their intended educational purposes and provides a mechanism for original owners to regain their property if it is not developed as initially planned.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5142&Year=2025&Initiative=false