Bill > SB6294

This bill aims to provide local governments with more tax resources and financial flexibility by amending several existing laws and introducing new provisions. It allows counties and cities to impose an additional excise tax on real property sales, with a portion of the revenue dedicated to capital projects, including those for homelessness and affordable housing, and also allows for abatement of nuisance properties. The bill also expands the ability for counties and cities to impose a real estate excise tax specifically for affordable housing development, increasing the potential tax rate and clarifying how these funds can be used and by whom. Furthermore, it authorizes counties to impose a public utility tax of up to three percent on the gross income of utilities within unincorporated areas, with a portion of the revenue set aside for low-income utility assistance and provisions for credits against similar city taxes. A new local sales and use tax of up to 0.01 percent is also introduced, which cities and counties can use to fund services for children and families, such as childcare, mental health therapies, and housing assistance. The bill also modifies property tax levy limitations to include specific provisions for veterans' assistance and mental health and developmental disabilities services, and adjusts the allowed increase percentages for voter-approved levies. Finally, it amends the use of sales tax on rental cars to include criminal justice purposes and adjusts the population thresholds for certain tax provisions.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6294&Year=2025&Initiative=false