OLYMPIA – A series of bills designed to help support families and increase housing supply have been signed by the Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen, House Bills 1042, 1046, 1088 and 1262 are important steps in addressing some key challenges facing Washington residents.
“Families across Washington are facing difficult hurdles,” said Walen. “Daily realities include struggling to find housing, tracking down childcare payments, and going through the heart-wrenching process of resolving family conflicts. More than ever, families across the state are asking us to step up and help. I am proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to continuing the work next session.”
Housing
House Bill 1042 will help rapidly convert unused or underused existing buildings into new housing. Existing buildings are already financed, have parking and are connected to services. Removing barriers to create housing within them will house families quickly.
House Bill 1046 finances affordable housing by increasing the benchmark for area median income, opening resources to low-income households. This legislation significantly improves opportunities for partnerships between public housing authorities, who have access to financing, and private developers, who can put projects together quickly.
Supporting Families
House Bill 1262 – Millions of dollars in back child support are due to custodial parents in our state. It is incredibly unfair when those who can pay, refuse to do so. Currently, only a few employers voluntarily report bonuses and other lump sum payments to those who owe child support. HB 1262 requires employers to report these payments so they can be intercepted for kids who need support.
House Bill 1088 adopts the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act which provide families going through separation with an avenue to resolve nonfinancial matters without having to go to court. This increased flexibility provides a quicker and less formal process to make parenting plans and custody decisions. House Bill 1088 will also ease the burden on family courts.
All four of these bills have been signed by the governor and will soon go into effect. The 105-day legislative session ended April 23.