OLYMPIA – Last Saturday, the Washington Senate passed two bills sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond) that take meaningful steps to address two of our state’s most urgent challenges: housing affordability and community safety.
First, the Senate voted on HB 1859 with a near unanimous vote, expanding opportunities for affordable housing on properties owned by religious organizations. Across Washington, faith communities sit on underused land and are eager to be part of the solution to homelessness and rising housing costs.
This bill makes it easier for cities and counties to grant density bonuses when religious organizations commit to long-term affordable housing. By allowing more flexible affordability thresholds, the legislation helps projects “pencil out” while ensuring homes remain affordable for decades.
“Faith communities have always stepped up to care for their neighbors,” said Rep. Salahuddin. “This bill removes red tape so churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples can turn underused land into stable, affordable homes for working families and seniors.”
The Senate also passed HB 2320, updating Washington’s ghost gun law to address the rise of 3D-printed firearms and digital manufacturing files. The bill prohibits the unlawful manufacturing of firearms, frames, and receivers using 3D printers or CNC milling machines, and restricts the distribution of digital gun-making code, while preserving lawful activity by federally licensed manufacturers.
“Our laws must keep pace with technology,” Rep. Salahuddin said. “No child or prohibited person should be able to bypass a background check with a downloaded file and a printer. This bill protects communities while respecting responsible, legal gun ownership.”
Floor remarks from Rep. Salahuddin on HB 1859 can be viewed here and HB 2320 can be viewed here.
House Bill 2320 returns to the House for a concurrence vote, while HB 1859 heads to the governor’s desk for signature.