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HB 1717

Creating a sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mari Leavitt and 7 co-sponsors

HB 1717 dedicates sales and use tax remittance revenue to fund Washington's affordable housing programs, creating sustained financing for housing development and preservation.

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Bill Summary · HB 1717

Legislative bill overview

HB 1717 establishes a sales and use tax remittance program in Washington State designed to generate revenue specifically for affordable housing initiatives. The bill directs a portion of state sales and use tax collections to fund housing affordability programs, creating a dedicated revenue stream for this purpose.

Why is this important

Washington faces a significant affordable housing shortage, with rising costs pricing out low and moderate-income residents across the state. By tying housing funding to sales tax revenue—one of Washington's most stable revenue sources—the bill attempts to create sustainable, ongoing financing for affordable housing development and preservation without requiring new appropriations each budget cycle.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive tax impact: Sales taxes disproportionately burden lower-income households, so using this revenue stream for housing assistance creates a somewhat circular burden where lower-income consumers fund programs that benefit their own demographic
  • Revenue allocation concerns: Questions may arise about whether directing existing sales tax revenue reduces funding available for other state priorities (education, transportation, healthcare) or if this requires overall tax increases
  • Program administration: Details about how the remittance program operates, which housing projects qualify, and oversight mechanisms will determine effectiveness and potential for waste or inequitable distribution

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

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