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Bill

HB 1791

Increasing the flexibility of existing funding sources to fund public safety and other facilities by modifying the local real estate excise tax.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mari Leavitt and 6 co-sponsors

Washington expands how local governments can spend real estate excise tax revenue, allowing greater flexibility for public safety and facility projects starting July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025*.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1791

Legislative bill overview

HB 1791 modifies Washington's local real estate excise tax to provide greater flexibility in how communities can use these funds. Rather than restricting revenue to specific purposes, the bill allows local jurisdictions to allocate excise tax proceeds toward a broader range of public safety and facility projects, expanding beyond previous categorical limitations.

Why is this important

Local real estate excise taxes are significant revenue sources for Washington communities, often generating millions annually. This flexibility allows municipalities and counties to address their most pressing infrastructure and public safety needs without requesting voter approval for new taxes or waiting for state funding, potentially accelerating critical projects like police facilities, fire stations, or emergency response infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Loss of earmarking protections: Narrower restrictions on fund use could allow diversion from originally intended purposes, reducing taxpayer certainty about how their taxes are spent
  • Equity concerns: Communities with higher property values generate more excise tax revenue, potentially widening disparities in public safety funding between wealthy and lower-income areas
  • Accountability questions: Broader flexibility may reduce legislative oversight and public transparency regarding revenue allocation decisions at the local level

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

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