Bill > SB5197

This bill amends the existing Growth Management Act (GMA) to clarify and strengthen the process for ensuring local governments comply with state land use planning requirements. Specifically, the bill modifies the procedures for the Growth Management Hearings Board when reviewing whether a county or city has adequately addressed previous findings of noncompliance with GMA regulations. Key changes include requiring the board to conduct a hearing and issue a finding of compliance only if the local government has fully amended the portion of its plan or regulations that were previously found noncompliant, allowing individuals with standing to participate in compliance hearings, and mandating that such hearings be given the highest priority. The bill also maintains the board's ability to refer noncompliant jurisdictions to the state department for technical assistance or recommend sanctions to the governor. Additionally, the bill makes a minor technical change, replacing the word "forty-five" with the numerical "45" when specifying the timeframe for issuing findings. These modifications aim to create a more streamlined and effective process for ensuring local governments meet state growth management standards.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5197&Year=2025&Initiative=false