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Bill

HB 1552

Extending the fee on real estate broker licenses to fund the Washington center for real estate research and adjusting the fee to account for inflation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Natasha Hill and 4 co-sponsors

HB 1552 extends Washington real estate broker licensing fees with inflation adjustments to fund the state's real estate research center starting July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1552

Legislative bill overview

HB 1552 extends an existing fee on real estate broker licenses in Washington State and adjusts it for inflation to support the Washington Center for Real Estate Research. The bill modifies the fee structure to ensure adequate funding for research operations while accounting for rising costs over time.

Why is this important

Real estate research funding directly impacts housing market analysis, consumer protection insights, and policy development in Washington's significant real estate sector. The inflation adjustment ensures the research center can maintain operations without requiring legislative action every few years, providing stable, long-term funding for market studies that inform both public policy and industry practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost pass-through: Real estate brokers may pass licensing fee increases to consumers through higher transaction costs, potentially affecting housing affordability
  • Inflation adjustment mechanism: The automatic inflation adjustment could lead to unchecked fee growth without periodic legislative review of actual research center needs and spending efficiency
  • Research center scope and accountability: Questions about what research the center prioritizes and whether publicly-funded research benefits the broader public or primarily serves industry interests

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

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