Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.
HB2266 • 2026
Encouraging permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters.
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
Supportive & emerg.
These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS ENGR S5539.E ESHB 2266 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Housing ADOPTED AND ENGROSSED 03/04/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "NEW SECTION.
0 • Housing
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS HSG S5539.1 ESHB 2266 - S COMM AMD By Committee on Housing ADOPTED AS AMENDED 03/04/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the 1 following: 2 "NEW SECTION.
1779 • Peterson
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH PETE MORI 321 1 - Official Print By Representative Peterson 2266-S AMH PETE MORI 321 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1779 ADOPTED 02/16/2026 On page 2, line 32, after "lodging" strike "and" and insert "or" On page 2, line 34, after "for" insert "lodging or" On page 3, line 1, after "lodging" strike "and" and insert "or" On page 3, line 35, after "no" insert "lodging or" On page 3, at the beginning of line 37, insert "lodging or" On page 4, line 38, after "lodging" strike "and" and insert "or" On page 4, line 40, after "for" insert "lodging or" On page 5, line 6, after "lodging" strike "and" and insert "or" On page 6, line 8, after "no" insert "lodging or" On page 6, at the beginning of line 10, insert "lodging or" On page 6, beginning on line 12, after "section, "" strike all material through "84.36.043" on line 13 and insert "emergency housing," "emergency shelter," "permanent supportive housing," and "transitional housing" have the same meaning as in RCW 36.70A.030" On page 7, line 14, after "lodging" strike "and" and insert "or" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH PETE MORI 321 2 - Official Print EFFECT: Clarifies that the restrictions on the requirements that may be imposed on transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing (STEP housing) are limited to requirements imposed on other lodging or residential development in the zone, instead of lodging and residential development.
1785 • Zahn
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ZAHN MORI 333 1 - Official Print By Representative Zahn 2266-S AMH ZAHN MORI 333 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1785 ADOPTED 02/16/2026 On page 3, line 15, after "(i)" insert "Provided the name, if any, of the facility and the name and headquarters address of the managing entity; (ii) Provided a description of any other programs operating in the building and copies of the applicable licenses and certifications held by the program; (iii)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
1818 • Barkis
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 349 1 - Official Print By Representative Barkis EFFECT: Requires voter approval before a city or county may increase funding or approve a permit application for STEP housing.
1819 • Barkis
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 343 1 - Official Print By Representative Barkis 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 343 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1819 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 3, after line 38, insert the following: "(7) A county or city may adopt a moratorium on the approval of permit applications for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters if the county or city can demonstrate that the facility has led to an increase in crime or other negative impacts." On page 6, line 12, after "(7)" insert "A city may adopt a moratorium on the approval of permit applications for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters if the city can demonstrate that the facility has led to an increase in crime or other negative impacts.
1820 • Barkis
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 344 1 - Official Print By Representative Barkis EFFECT: Expires the act on July 1, 2030.
1821 • Barkis
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 350 1 - Official Print By Representative Barkis EFFECT: Allows permits to be denied for STEP housing proposed within two miles of a licensed cannabis or liquor retailer.
1822 • Springer
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH SPRI MORI 332 1 - Official Print By Representative Springer 2266-S AMH SPRI MORI 332 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1822 ADOPTED 02/16/2026 On page 9, after line 19, insert the following: "(4)(a) A county or city may enter into a contract with a sponsor proposing transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing to establish additional and reasonable operational requirements pertaining to health and safety protocols.
1827 • Engell
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 325 1 - Official Print By Representative Engell 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 325 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1827 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 3, line 10, after "(5)" strike "(a)" On page 3, beginning on line 12, after "to" strike all material through "issued" on line 14 On page 3, at the beginning of line 15, strike "(i) Notified" and insert "(a) Notify" On page 3, at the beginning of line 17, strike "(ii) Conducted" and insert "(b) Conduct" On page 3, at the beginning of line 18, strike "(iii) Designated" and insert "(c) Designate" On page 3, at the beginning of line 20, strike "(iv) Provided" and insert "(d) Provide" On page 3, beginning on line 23, strike all of subsection (b) On page 5, line 24, after "(5)" strike "(a)" On page 5, beginning on line 25, after "to" strike all material through "issued" on line 27 On page 5, at the beginning of line 28, strike "(i) Notified" and insert "(a) Notify" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 325 2 - Official Print EFFECT: Allows a county or city to directly require the sponsor or managing agency of an emergency shelter or indoor emergency shelter to complete requirements relating to notification, community meetings, points of contact, and operational policies and procedures (instead of requiring the sponsor or managing entity to certify that On page 5, at the beginning of line 30, strike "(ii) Conducted" and insert "(b) Conduct" On page 5, at the beginning of line 31, strike "(iii) Designated" and insert "(c) Designate" On page 5, at the beginning of line 33, strike "(iv) Provided" and insert "(d) Provide" On page 5, beginning on line 36, strike all of subsection (b) On page 8, line 1, after "(5)" strike "(a)" On page 8, beginning on line 3, beginning with "certify" strike all material through "issued" on line 5 On page 8, at the beginning of line 6, strike "(i) Notified" and insert "(a) Notify" On page 8, at the beginning of line 8, strike "(ii) Conducted" and insert "(b) Conduct" On page 8, at the beginning of line 9, strike "(iii) Designated" and insert "(c) Designate" On page 8, at the beginning of line 11, strike "(iv) Provided" and insert "(d) Provide" On page 8, beginning on line 14, strike all of subsection (b) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 325 3 - Official Print the requirements were met).
1828 • Barkis
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH BARK MORI 331 1 - Official Print By Representative Barkis EFFECT: Requires the sponsor or managing entity of STEP housing to certify that it has conducted more than one community meeting, instead of no more than one community meeting.
1829 • Engell
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 346 1 - Official Print By Representative Engell EFFECT: Allows fencing, surveillance cameras, and security personnel to be required for STEP housing on a 24-hour basis.
1830 • Engell
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 354 1 - Official Print By Representative Engell EFFECT: Prohibits STEP housing providers from requesting waivers from state law.
1831 • Engell
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 348 1 - Official Print By Representative Engell EFFECT: Exempts frontier counties, and cities within frontier counties, from the restrictions and requirements relating to the siting of STEP housing.
1834 • Engell
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 338 1 - Official Print By Representative Engell EFFECT: Prohibits a STEP housing facility from operating unless the city or county in which the facility is located certifies in 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 338 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1834 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 3, after line 38, insert the following: "(7) A facility for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing sited under this section may not operate unless the city in which the facility is located, or the county if the facility is not located in a city, certifies in writing that the facility does not burden the public infrastructure, including sewers and roadways, beyond capacity in the facility's location." On page 6, after line 13, insert the following: "(8) A facility for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing sited under this section may not operate unless the city in which the facility is located certifies in writing that the facility does not burden the public infrastructure, including sewers and roadways, beyond capacity in the facility's location." On page 8, after line 31, insert the following: "(8) A facility for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing sited under this section may not operate unless the code city in which the facility is located certifies in writing that the facility does not burden the public infrastructure, including sewers and roadways, beyond capacity in the facility's location." 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH ENGE MORI 338 2 - Official Print writing that the facility does not burden the public infrastructure, including sewers and roadways, beyond capacity in the facility's location.
1835 • Manjarrez
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH MANJ MORI 339 1 - Official Print By Representative Manjarrez EFFECT: Inserts a general referendum clause.
1836 • Manjarrez
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH MANJ MORI 337 1 - Official Print By Representative Manjarrez EFFECT: Prohibits a STEP housing facility from operating unless the city or county in which the facility is located certifies in writing that the facility complies with any density limits and fire codes applicable to the facility's location.
1837 • Manjarrez
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH MANJ MORI 335 1 - Official Print By Representative Manjarrez EFFECT: Prohibits cities and counties from approving permits for STEP housing unless management is present in the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1859 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 322 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 322 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1859 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 3, beginning on line 10, after "(5)" strike all material through "(5)" on line 31 and insert "Nothing in this section prohibits a county or city from imposing operational health and safety requirements on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters, including, but not limited to requiring: (a) A site management plan covering features that generate nuisances, including noise, waste management, and loitering; (b) Occupancy policies, including resident responsibilities and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a plan that addresses threatening or unsafe behavior, substance use, safety, and cleanliness; (c) The provision to local law enforcement agencies of contact information for the sponsor or managing agency, including a telephone number where the sponsor or managing agency may be reached 24 hours a day; (d) On-site supervision 24 hours a day, unless it can be demonstrated through the operations plan that a lower level of supervision is appropriate for the population being served; (e) Security cameras or an alternative security plan that ensures the safety of residents; (f) Intake and behavioral management procedures; and (g) A neighborhood communications plan" On page 5, beginning on line 24, after "(5)" strike all material through "(5)" on page 6, line 4 and insert "Nothing in this section prohibits a city from imposing operational health and safety 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 322 2 - Official Print requirements on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters, including, but not limited to requiring: (a) A site management plan covering features that generate nuisances, including noise, waste management, and loitering; (b) Occupancy policies, including resident responsibilities and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a plan that addresses threatening or unsafe behavior, substance use, safety, and cleanliness; (c) The provision to local law enforcement agencies of contact information for the sponsor or managing agency, including a telephone number where the sponsor or managing agency may be reached 24 hours a day; (d) On-site supervision 24 hours a day, unless it can be demonstrated through the operations plan that a lower level of supervision is appropriate for the population being served; (e) Security cameras or an alternative security plan that ensures the safety of residents; (f) Intake and behavioral management procedures; and (g) A neighborhood communications plan" On page 8, beginning on line 1, after "(5)" strike all material through "(5)" on line 22 and insert "Nothing in this section prohibits a code city from imposing operational health and safety requirements on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters, including, but not limited to requiring: (a) A site management plan covering features that generate nuisances, including noise, waste management, and loitering; (b) Occupancy policies, including resident responsibilities and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a plan that addresses threatening or unsafe behavior, substance use, safety, and cleanliness; 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 322 3 - Official Print EFFECT: Allows counties and cities to impose operational health and safety requirements on STEP housing, including requiring: (1) a site management plan covering features that generate nuisances, including noise, waste management, and loitering; (2) occupancy policies, including resident responsibilities and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a plan that addresses threatening or unsafe behavior, substance use, safety, and cleanliness; (3) the provision to local law enforcement agencies of contact information for the sponsor or managing agency, including a telephone number where the sponsor or managing agency may be reached 24 hours a day; (4) on-site supervision 24 hours a day, unless it can be demonstrated through the operations plan that a lower level of supervision is appropriate for the population being served; (5) security cameras or an alternative security plan that ensures the safety of residents; (6) intake and behavioral management procedures; and (7) a neighborhood communications plan.
1860 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 323 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 323 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1860 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 2, line 26, after "(5)" strike "and (6)" and insert "through (7)" On page 2, line 37, after "(3)" strike "A" and insert "Except as provided in subsections (6) through (7) of this section, a" On page 3, line 32, after "(6)" insert "Nothing in this section prohibits a county or city from: (a) Prohibiting indoor emergency housing or indoor emergency shelters from being located within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, a child day care center, or other indoor emergency housing or indoor emergency shelters; or (b) Imposing reasonable capacity limits on indoor emergency housing or indoor emergency shelters based on residential density limits and applicable fire codes in the zone where the housing or shelters are located.
1861 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 326 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Restores current law allowing local governments to impose and enforce requirements on affordable housing developments as conditions of participating in certain benefits and programs (the underlying bill limits those requirements to income qualification, coordinated entry, reporting, and monitoring).
1862 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 327 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Allows cities, counties, and other local government entities to impose and enforce reporting, auditing, and community engagement requirements as a condition for participation in certain programs (as opposed to income qualification, coordinated entry, reporting, and monitoring requirements).
1863 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 328 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Adds a standard null and void clause.
1864 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 329 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Prohibits cities and counties from approving permits for STEP housing in a location that could block disability access points.
1865 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 330 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Prohibits cities and counties from approving permits for STEP housing on any lot within two miles of a public or private elementary or secondary school.
1866 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 334 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Prohibits cities and counties from approving permits for STEP housing unless the operator resides on-site in the facility.
1867 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 336 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 336 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1867 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 3, after line 38, insert the following: "(7) A facility for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing sited under this section may not operate without a written site management plan agreed to by both the facility and the city in which the facility is located, or the county in which the facility is located if the facility is not located in a city.
1868 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 340 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Allows permits for STEP housing to be denied until the state provides additional funding for local law enforcement to address the increased crime in an area with a new facility.
1869 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 341 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 341 SHB 2266 - H AMD 1869 WITHDRAWN 02/16/2026 On page 2, line 9, after "supportive housing" insert "within a station area" On page 2, line 12, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 2, line 15, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 2, line 19, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 2, line 24, after "shelters" insert "within a station area" On page 2, line 31, after "shelters" insert "within a station area" On page 3, line 1, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 3, line 9, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 3, line 11, after "housing" insert "within a station area" On page 3, line 34, after "shelters" insert "within a station area" On page 3, after line 38, insert the following: "(7) For the purposes of this section: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 341 2 - Official Print (a) "Station area" means a bus station area or a rail station area.
1870 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 342 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Allows permits for STEP housing to be limited during any 12-month period.
1871 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 345 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Requires the Department of Commerce to submit annual reports to the Legislature that detail any increased state spending on STEP housing as result of the act.
1872 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 347 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Requires any entity receiving state funds for the development or operation of STEP housing to submit annual financial disclosures to the Department of Commerce (Commerce).
1873 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 351 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Allows permits to be denied for STEP housing proposed within five miles of other STEP housing.
1874 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 352 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Requires a county or city with STEP housing within its jurisdiction to submit crime statistics for the areas surrounding each facility to the Department of Commerce (Department).
1875 • Jacobsen
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH JACO MORI 353 1 - Official Print By Representative Jacobsen EFFECT: Removes the requirement that design review of STEP housing be applied administratively.
2000 • Low
Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2266-S AMH LOW MORI 361 1 - Official Print By Representative Low 2266-S AMH LOW MORI 361 SHB 2266 - H AMD 2000 ADOPTED 02/16/2026 On page 2, line 26, after "(5)" strike "and (6)" and insert "through (7)" On page 2, line 37, after "(3)" strike "A" and insert "Except as provided in subsections (5) through (7) of this section, a" On page 3, after line 38, insert the following: "(7)(a) Upon receipt of a permit application for an indoor emergency shelter or indoor emergency housing with a proposed location within 500 feet of walking distance from another indoor emergency shelter or other indoor emergency housing, or within 500 feet of walking distance from the physical grounds of a public school as defined in RCW 28A.150.010 or a private school approved by the board of education under chapter 28A.195 RCW, the city in which the indoor emergency shelter or indoor emergency shelter is proposed, or the county if the indoor emergency shelter or indoor emergency housing is not proposed in a city, may enter into good faith negotiations with the sponsor of the indoor emergency shelter or indoor emergency housing to establish additional and reasonable requirements pertaining to health and safety protocols.
832 • Gildon
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS GILD S5772.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 832 By Senator Gildon ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 3, line 18, after "occupants;" strike "and"1 On page 3, line 19, after "occupancy" insert "; and2 (F) Staffing to provide services and resources to the population 3 being served comparable to standard or customary practices for the 4 particular type of housing being provided.
838 • Wellman
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS WELL S5792.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 838 By Senator Wellman ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 12, line 14, after " property" insert " or a long-term 1 lease of land at least 50 years in length," 2 EFFECT: Allows a long-term lease of land at least 50 years of length as consideration in creating a contract to establish additional and reasonable operational requirements pertaining to health and safety protocols between a city or planning county and a sponsor proposing transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, an indoor emergency shelter, or indoor emergency housing.
851 • Gildon
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS GILD S5784.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 851 By Senator Gildon NOT ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 1, line 29, after "allowed" insert "and that are within a 1 one-mile proximity to transit" 2 On page 5, line 4, after " 36.70A.070(2)(a)(ii)))" insert " and 3 that are within a one-mile proximity to transit" 4 On page 8, line 22, after " 36.70A.070(2)(a)(ii)))" insert " and 5 that are within a one-mile proximity to transit" 6 EFFECT: Adds a requirement that the zones in which cities and planning counties must allow indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing be within a one-mile proximity to transit.
852 • Short
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS SHOR S5815.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 852 By Senator Short NOT ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 4, after line 24, insert the following:1 "(8) A frontier county as defined in RCW 43.160.020 and any city 2 located within a frontier county is exempt from the requirements of 3 this section." 4 On page 7, line 36, after " (8)" insert " A city within a frontier 5 county as defined in RCW 43.160.020 is exempt from the requirements 6 of this section.7 (9)" 8 On page 11, line 15, after " (8)" insert " A code city within a 9 frontier county as defined in RCW 43.160.020 is exempt from the 10 requirements of this section.11 (9)" 12 EFFECT: Exempts frontier counties, and cities within frontier counties, from the restrictions and requirements relating to the siting of STEP housing.
853 • Goehner
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS GOEH S5788.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 853 By Senator Goehner NOT ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 4, after line 24, insert the following:1 "(8) The requirements in this section do not apply to any city 2 with a population under 10,000, as determined by the most recent 3 population estimate of the office of financial management under RCW 4 43.62.030." 5 On page 7, line 38, after "36.70A.030" insert ".6 (9)(a) Subsections (1) through (8) of this section do not apply 7 to cities with a population under 10,000, as determined by the most 8 recent population estimate of the office of financial management 9 under RCW 43.62.030.10 (b) A city with a population of under 10,000 shall not prohibit 11 indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in any zones 12 in which hotels are allowed, except in such cities that have adopted 13 an ordinance authorizing indoor emergency shelters and indoor 14 emergency housing in a majority of zones within a one-mile proximity 15 to transit.
858 • Nobles
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS NOBL S5921.2 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 858 By Senator Nobles ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 2, line 21, after "to," insert "density limits, 1 dimensional standards, height restrictions, floor area ratio,"2 On page 5, line 26, after " to," insert " density limits, 3 dimensional standards, height restrictions, floor area ratio,"4 On page 9, line 3, after " to," insert " density limits, 5 dimensional standards, height restrictions, floor area ratio,"6 EFFECT: Adds density limits, dimensional standards, height restrictions, and floor area ratio to the list of objective development regulations that cities and planning counties may apply to transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters.
869 • Shewmake
Plain English: 2266-S.E AMS SHEW S5955.1 ESHB 2266 - S AMD TO HSG COMM AMD (S-5539.1/26) 869 By Senator Shewmake ADOPTED 03/04/2026 On page 3, line 9, after "contact" strike "and provide" and 1 insert "authorized to make decisions and take corrective action in 2 the case of an emergency, and provided" 3 On page 6, line 22, after " contact" strike " and provide " and 4 insert " authorized to make decisions and take corrective action in 5 the case of an emergency, and provided" 6 On page 10, line 1, after " contact" strike " and provide " and 7 insert " authorized to make decisions and take corrective action in 8 the case of an emergency, and provided" 9 EFFECT: Adds the authorization of a designated point of contact to make decisions and take corrective action as an item for which a city or planning county may require that a sponsor or managing agency of an indoor emergency shelter or indoor emergency housing certify in writing.
1st substitute bill substituted.
Supportive & emerg. housing
AN ACT Relating to encouraging permanent supportive housing, 1 transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency 2 shelters; amending RCW 35.21.683, 35A.21.430, and 36.130.020; 3 reenacting and amending RCW 35.21.990 and 35A.21.440; adding a new 4 section to chapter 36.70A RCW; and creating a new section.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:6 NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that Washington 7 state faces an acute shortage of housing affordable to households at 8 all income levels, resulting in housing insecurity and a growing 9 number of people experiencing homelessness. The legislature further 10 finds that local regulatory barriers, inconsistent siting standards, 11 and discretionary review processes have constrained the timely 12 development of permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, 13 indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters. It is the 14 intent of the legislature to increase housing supply and advance fair 15 housing by requiring these housing types to be permitted in urban 16 areas on the same terms as other residential uses, subject only to 17 objective and nondiscriminatory development standards necessary to 18 protect public health and safety. By streamlining permitting 19 processes and ensuring consistent treatment across jurisdictions, the 20 legislature intends to avoid unnecessary cost increases associated 21 H-2696.2 HOUSE BILL 2266 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By Representatives Peterson, Macri, Ryu, Parshley, Ramel, Scott, Mena, Reed, Obras, Fitzgibbon, Street, Thomas, Taylor, Doglio, Gregerson, Ormsby, Goodman, Reeves, Farivar, Fosse, Bergquist, Salahuddin, Hill, Pollet, and Wylie Prefiled 01/06/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Housing. p. 1 HB 2266 with delays and to facilitate the prompt delivery of safe, dignified, 1 and stable housing and to support statewide efforts to address 2 homelessness and the housing crisis. 3 NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A 4 RCW to read as follows: 5 (1) A county or city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 must allow 6 transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency 7 shelters, and indoor emergency housing in any zones within an urban 8 growth area that are not zoned for industrial use. 9 (2) A county or city may not require through development 10 regulations, ordinances, or legal agreements any standards, 11 conditions, or requirements for transitional housing, permanent 12 supportive housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency 13 shelters that are more restrictive than those required for other 14 types of residential development within the same zone, but may apply 15 any objective development regulations that are required for 16 residential development including, but not limited to, setback, lot 17 coverage, stormwater, clearing, and tree canopy and retention 18 requirements. 19 (3) A county or city shall only apply the same development permit 20 and environmental review processes to transitional housing, permanent 21 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 22 housing that apply to other residential development within the same 23 zone, unless otherwise required by state law including, but not 24 limited to, shoreline regulations under chapter 90.58 RCW, building 25 codes under chapter 19.27 RCW, energy codes under chapter 19.27A RCW, 26 or electrical codes under chapter 19.28 RCW. 27 (4) If applying design review for transitional housing, permanent 28 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 29 housing, only administrative design review may be required.30 Sec. 3. RCW 35.21.683 and 2021 c 254 s 4 are each amended to 31 read as follows: 32 (1) A city ((shall not prohibit)) must allow transitional housing 33 ((or)), permanent supportive housing ((in any zones in which 34 residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed. Effective September 35 30, 2021, a city shall not prohibit )), indoor emergency shelters, and 36 indoor emergency housing in any zones ((in which hotels are allowed, 37 except in such cities that have adopted an ordinance authorizing 38 p. 2 HB 2266 indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in a majority 1 of zones within a one-mile proximity to transit. Reasonable 2 occupancy, spacing, and intensity of use requirements may be imposed 3 by ordinance on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, 4 indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters to protect 5 public health and safety. Any such requirements on occupancy, 6 spacing, and intensity of use may not prevent the siting of a 7 sufficient number of permanent supportive housing, transitional 8 housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters 9 necessary to accommodate each city's projected need for such housing 10 and shelter under RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a)(ii))) that are not zoned for 11 industrial use.12 (2) A city may not require through development regulations, 13 ordinances, or legal agreements any development or operating 14 standards, conditions, or requirements for transitional housing, 15 permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor 16 emergency shelters that are more restrictive than those required for 17 other types of residential development within the same zone, but may 18 apply any objective development regulations that are required for 19 residential development including, but not limited to, setback, lot 20 coverage, stormwater, clearing, and tree canopy and retention 21 requirements.22 (3) A county or city shall only apply the same development permit 23 and environmental review processes to transitional housing, permanent 24 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 25 housing that apply to other residential development within the same 26 zone, unless otherwise required by state law including, but not 27 limited to, shoreline regulations under chapter 90.58 RCW, building 28 codes under chapter 19.27 RCW, energy codes under chapter 19.27A RCW, 29 or electrical codes under chapter 19.28 RCW.30 (4) If applying design review for transitional housing, permanent 31 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 32 housing, only administrative design review may be required. For the 33 purposes of this subsection, "administrative design review" means a 34 development permit process whereby an application is reviewed, 35 approved, or denied by the planning director or the planning 36 director's designee based solely on objective design and development 37 standards without a public predecision hearing, unless such review is 38 otherwise required by state or federal law, or the structure is a 39 designated landmark or historic district established under a local 40 p. 3 HB 2266 preservation ordinance. A city may utilize public meetings, hearings, 1 or voluntary review boards to consider, recommend, or approve 2 requests for variances from locally established design review 3 standards. 4 Sec. 4. RCW 35A.21.430 and 2021 c 254 s 3 are each amended to 5 read as follows: 6 A code city ((shall not prohibit )) must allow transitional 7 housing ((or)), permanent supportive housing ((in any zones in which 8 residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed. Effective September 9 30, 2021, a code city shall not prohibit )), indoor emergency 10 shelters, and indoor emergency housing in any zones ((in which hotels 11 are allowed, except in such cities that have adopted an ordinance 12 authorizing indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in 13 a majority of zones within a one-mile proximity to transit. 14 Reasonable occupancy, spacing, and intensity of use requirements may 15 be imposed by ordinance on permanent supportive housing, transitional 16 housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters to 17 protect public health and safety. Any such requirements on occupancy, 18 spacing, and intensity of use may not prevent the siting of a 19 sufficient number of permanent supportive housing, transitional 20 housing, indoor emergency housing, or indoor emergency shelters 21 necessary to accommodate each code city's projected need for such 22 housing and shelter under RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a)(ii))) that are not 23 zoned for industrial use.24 (2) A code city may not require through development regulations, 25 ordinances, or legal agreements any development or operating 26 standards, conditions, or requirements for transitional housing, 27 permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor 28 emergency shelters that are more restrictive than those required for 29 other types of residential development within the same zone, but may 30 apply any objective development regulations that are required for 31 residential development including, but not limited to, setback, lot 32 coverage, stormwater, clearing, and tree canopy and retention 33 requirements.34 (3) A code city shall only apply the same development permit and 35 environmental review processes to transitional housing, permanent 36 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 37 housing that apply to other residential development within the same 38 zone, unless otherwise required by state law including, but not 39 p. 4 HB 2266 limited to, shoreline regulations under chapter 90.58 RCW, building 1 codes under chapter 19.27 RCW, energy codes under chapter 19.27A RCW, 2 or electrical codes under chapter 19.28 RCW. 3 (4) If applying design review for transitional housing, permanent 4 supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency 5 housing, only administrative design review may be required. For the 6 purposes of this subsection, "administrative design review" means a 7 development permit process whereby an application is reviewed, 8 approved, or denied by the planning director or the planning 9 director's designee based solely on objective design and development 10 standards without a public predecision hearing, unless such review is 11 otherwise required by state or federal law, or the structure is a 12 designated landmark or historic district established under a local 13 preservation ordinance. A city may utilize public meetings, hearings, 14 or voluntary review boards to consider, recommend, or approve 15 requests for variances from locally established design review 16 standards. 17 Sec. 5. RCW 36.130.020 and 2008 c 118 s 3 are each amended to 18 read as follows: 19 (1) A city, county, or other local governmental entity or agency 20 may not adopt, impose, or enforce requirements on an affordable 21 housing development that are different than the requirements imposed 22 on housing developments generally. 23 (2) This section does not prohibit any city, county, or other 24 local governmental entity or agency from extending preferential 25 treatment to affordable housing developments intended for including, 26 but not limited to, occupancy by homeless persons, farmworkers, 27 persons with disabilities, senior citizens, or low-income households. 28 Preferential treatment may include, but is not limited to: A 29 reduction or waiver of fees or changes in applicable requirements 30 including, without limitation, architectural requirements, site 31 development requirements, property line requirements, building 32 setback requirements, or vehicle parking requirements; or other 33 treatment that reduces or is likely to reduce the development or 34 operating costs of an affordable housing development.35 (3) A city, county, or other local governmental entity or agency 36 may impose and enforce reporting and auditing requirements on 37 affordable housing developments as conditions of loans, grants, 38 financial support, tax benefits, subsidy funds, or sale or lease of 39 p. 5 HB 2266 public property, or as conditions to eligibility for any affordable 1 housing incentive program under RCW 36.70A.540 or any other program 2 involving bonus density, transfer of development rights, waiver of 3 development regulations or fees, or other development incentives.4 Sec. 6. RCW 35.21.990 and 2025 c 203 s 2 and 2025 c 139 s 3 are 5 each reenacted and amended to read as follows: 6 (1)(a) Cities must adopt or amend by ordinance, and incorporate 7 into their development regulations, zoning regulations, and other 8 official controls the requirements of subsection (2) of this section 9 for buildings in commercial, mixed-use, or residential zones no later 10 than June 30, 2026. 11 (b) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section apply and 12 take effect in any city that has not adopted or amended ordinances, 13 regulations, or other official controls as required under this 14 section by the timeline in (a) of this subsection and supersede, 15 preempt, and invalidate any conflicting local development 16 regulations. 17 (2) Through ordinances, development regulations, zoning 18 regulations, or other official controls as required under subsection 19 (1) of this section, cities may not: 20 (a) Impose a restriction on housing unit density that prevents 21 the addition of housing units at a density up to 50 percent more than 22 what is allowed in the underlying zone if constructed entirely within 23 an existing building envelope in a building located within a zone 24 that permits multifamily housing, provided that generally applicable 25 health and safety standards, including but not limited to building 26 code standards and fire and life safety standards, can be met within 27 the building; 28 (b) Impose parking requirements on the addition of dwelling units 29 or living units added within an existing building, however, cities 30 may require the retention of existing parking that is required to 31 satisfy existing residential parking requirements under local laws 32 and for nonresidential uses that remain after the new units are 33 added; 34 (c) ((With the exception of emergency housing and transitional 35 housing uses, impose )) Impose permitting requirements on the use of 36 an existing building for residential purposes beyond those 37 requirements generally applicable to all residential development 38 p. 6 HB 2266 within the building's zone, including requiring a change of use 1 permit; 2 (d) Impose design standard requirements, including setbacks, lot 3 coverage, and floor area ratio requirements, on the use of an 4 existing building for residential purposes beyond those requirements 5 generally applicable to all residential development within the 6 building's zone, except as provided in RCW 36.70A.810 and 36.70A.812;7 (e) Impose exterior design or architectural requirements on the 8 residential use of an existing building beyond those necessary for 9 health and safety of the use of the interior of the building or to 10 preserve character-defining streetscapes, unless the building is a 11 designated landmark or is within a historic district established 12 through a local preservation ordinance; 13 (f) Prohibit the addition of housing units in any specific part 14 of a building except ground floor commercial or retail that is along 15 a major pedestrian corridor as defined by each city, unless the 16 addition of the units would violate applicable building codes or 17 health and safety standards; 18 (g) Require unchanged portions of an existing building that have 19 been used for residential or previously permit-approved conditioned 20 space purposes to meet the current energy code solely because of the 21 addition of new dwelling units within the building. When any other 22 existing building is converted to new dwelling units, changed 23 portions of each of those new units must meet the requirements of the 24 current energy code, except if: 25 (i) The square footage of new dwelling units does not exceed 26 2,500 square feet or 50 percent of the total building square footage, 27 whichever is greater; 28 (ii) The building owner submits documentation, in a form 29 acceptable to the city, showing the building's residential units' 30 projected energy use intensity is less than or equal to the energy 31 use intensity target in accordance with the clean buildings 32 performance standard in RCW 19.27A.210; or 33 (iii) In all areas zoned for residential housing, an additional 34 housing unit is created within an existing home; 35 (h) Deny a building permit application for the addition of 36 housing units within an existing building due to nonconformity 37 regarding parking, height, setbacks, elevator size for gurney 38 transport, or modulation, unless the city official with decision-39 p. 7 HB 2266 making authority makes written findings that the nonconformity is 1 causing a significant detriment to the surrounding area; or2 (i) Require a transportation concurrency study under RCW 3 36.70A.070 or an environmental study under chapter 43.21C RCW based 4 on the addition of residential units within an existing building.5 (3) Nothing in this section requires a city to approve a building 6 permit application for the addition of housing units constructed 7 entirely within an existing building envelope in a building located 8 within a zone that permits multifamily housing in cases in which the 9 building cannot satisfy life safety standards. 10 (4) For the purpose of this section, "existing building" means a 11 building that received a certificate of occupancy at least three 12 years prior to the permit application to add housing units.13 Sec. 7. RCW 35A.21.440 and 2025 c 203 s 1 and 2025 c 139 s 4 are 14 each reenacted and amended to read as follows: 15 (1)(a) Code cities must adopt or amend by ordinance, and 16 incorporate into their development regulations, zoning regulations, 17 and other official controls the requirements of subsection (2) of 18 this section for buildings in commercial, mixed-use, or residential 19 zones no later than June 30, 2026. 20 (b) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section apply and 21 take effect in any code city that has not adopted or amended 22 ordinances, regulations, or other official controls as required under 23 this section by the timeline in (a) of this subsection and supersede, 24 preempt, and invalidate any conflicting local development 25 regulations. 26 (2) Through ordinances, development regulations, zoning 27 regulations, or other official controls as required under subsection 28 (1) of this section, code cities may not: 29 (a) Impose a restriction on housing unit density that prevents 30 the addition of housing units at a density up to 50 percent more than 31 what is allowed in the underlying zone if constructed entirely within 32 an existing building envelope in a building located within a zone 33 that permits multifamily housing, provided that generally applicable 34 health and safety standards, including but not limited to building 35 code standards and fire and life safety standards, can be met within 36 the building; 37 (b) Impose parking requirements on the addition of dwelling units 38 or living units added within an existing building, however, cities 39 p. 8 HB 2266 may require the retention of existing parking that is required to 1 satisfy existing residential parking requirements under local laws 2 and for nonresidential uses that remain after the new units are 3 added; 4 (c) ((With the exception of emergency housing and transitional 5 housing uses, impose )) Impose permitting requirements on the use of 6 an existing building for residential purposes beyond those 7 requirements generally applicable to all residential development 8 within the building's zone, including requiring a change of use 9 permit; 10 (d) Impose design standard requirements, including setbacks, lot 11 coverage, and floor area ratio requirements, on the use of an 12 existing building for residential purposes beyond those requirements 13 generally applicable to all residential development within the 14 building's zone, except as provided in RCW 36.70A.810 and 36.70A.812;15 (e) Impose exterior design or architectural requirements on the 16 residential use of an existing building beyond those necessary for 17 health and safety of the use of the interior of the building or to 18 preserve character-defining streetscapes, unless the building is a 19 designated landmark or is within a historic district established 20 through a local preservation ordinance; 21 (f) Prohibit the addition of housing units in any specific part 22 of a building except ground floor commercial or retail that is along 23 a major pedestrian corridor as defined by the code city, unless the 24 addition of the units would violate applicable building codes or 25 health and safety standards; 26 (g) Require unchanged portions of an existing building that have 27 been used for residential or previously permit-approved conditioned 28 space purposes to meet the current energy code solely because of the 29 addition of new dwelling units within the building. When any other 30 existing building is converted to new dwelling units, changed 31 portions of each of those new units must meet the requirements of the 32 current energy code, except if: 33 (i) The square footage of new dwelling units does not exceed 34 2,500 square feet or 50 percent of the total building square footage, 35 whichever is greater; 36 (ii) The building owner submits documentation, in a form 37 acceptable to the code city, showing the building's residential 38 units' projected energy use intensity is less than or equal to the 39 p. 9 HB 2266 energy use intensity target in accordance with the clean buildings 1 performance standard in RCW 19.27A.210; or 2 (iii) In all areas zoned for residential housing, an additional 3 housing unit is created within an existing home; 4 (h) Deny a building permit application for the addition of 5 housing units within an existing building due to nonconformity 6 regarding parking, height, setbacks, elevator size for gurney 7 transport, or modulation, unless the code city official with 8 decision-making authority makes written findings that the 9 nonconformity is causing a significant detriment to the surrounding 10 area; or 11 (i) Require a transportation concurrency study under RCW 12 36.70A.070 or an environmental study under chapter 43.21C RCW based 13 on the addition of residential units within an existing building.14 (3) Nothing in this section requires a code city to approve a 15 building permit application for the addition of housing units 16 constructed entirely within an existing building envelope in a 17 building located within a zone that permits multifamily housing in 18 cases in which the building cannot satisfy life safety standards.19 (4) For the purpose of this section, "existing building" means a 20 building that received a certificate of occupancy at least three 21 years prior to the permit application to add housing units.22 --- END --- p. 10 HB 2266