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Bill

HB 1179

Providing a property tax valuation freeze for senior citizens and disabled veterans.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 13 co-sponsors

Freezes property tax valuations for senior citizens and disabled veterans, preventing assessed value increases but potentially reducing local government tax revenue.

First reading, referred to Finance.
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Bill Summary · HB 1179

Legislative bill overview

HB 1179 would freeze property tax valuations for senior citizens and disabled veterans in Washington state, preventing their assessed property values from increasing for tax purposes. Once a property owner qualifies for the freeze, their property tax assessment would remain locked at the current valuation level, even if the property's market value rises.

Why is this important

Property tax increases can create significant financial strain for seniors and disabled veterans on fixed incomes, potentially forcing longtime homeowners to sell property they can no longer afford to maintain. A valuation freeze directly addresses housing stability concerns for vulnerable populations while affecting local government revenue streams that depend on property tax growth.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Local schools, counties, and municipalities rely on property tax revenue that grows with property values; a freeze could reduce funding for essential services unless offset by other tax sources or budget adjustments
  • Implementation complexity: Determining eligibility, maintaining records, transferring freeze status between owners, and administering the program creates administrative burdens and potential for fraud
  • Fairness questions: The policy creates different tax burdens for similar properties based on owner characteristics, and may benefit affluent seniors with high-value properties while leaving low-income renters unaffected

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

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