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Bill

HB 1870

Concerning county property tax levies for public health clinic purposes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Davina Duerr and 10 co-sponsors

HB 1870 authorizes Washington counties to levy property taxes dedicated to public health clinic funding, creating new local revenue sources for preventive care and primary health services.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 1870

Legislative bill overview

HB 1870 authorizes Washington counties to impose property tax levies specifically designated for funding public health clinics. The bill appears to create a new revenue mechanism allowing counties to raise funds through property taxation to support local public health infrastructure and services.

Why is this important

Public health clinics provide essential primary care, preventive services, and health screenings, particularly for underserved and low-income populations. Enabling dedicated county tax levies could stabilize clinic funding, expand service capacity, and reduce reliance on state appropriations or grant funding that may be unstable year-to-year.

Potential points of contention

  • Property tax burden: Additional county property taxes may face resistance from taxpayers already concerned about rising tax rates, particularly in rural areas or among fixed-income homeowners
  • Oversight and accountability: Questions about whether counties have adequate mechanisms to ensure funds are used efficiently and whether there should be voter approval requirements for new tax levies
  • Equity concerns: Variation in county wealth may create disparities in clinic funding across the state, potentially leaving less affluent counties unable to effectively implement programs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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