HB 1165 passed out of Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee, with WSCAI, Department of Ecology, and League of Women voters all testifying in support. Under the bill, community association boards will no longer be allowed to outright ban low-water and wildfire ignition-resistant landscaping but will retain the ability to decide what water-efficient and wildfire ignition-resistant landscaping will be allowed and the aesthetics of the landscaping. In addition, community associations cannot fine residents who are following drought emergency guidelines issued by the Department of Ecology. The bill passed almost unanimously from both chambers (House: 93-4-1 & Senate: 46-2-1) and was signed by the Governor. The law takes effect June 11, 2020.

SB 5168 originally added a 45-day notice period before community associations could issue fines. Over the last few years, WSCAI and the Washington Commission on African American Affairs worked on a compromise solution. The bill, supported by WSCAI, stated that notice should be given in a reasonable time frame and a chance to appeal to the board should be provided in a fair manner. The bill made it out of the Senate (47-1-1) but died in the House due to lack of time.

HB 2570 and SB 6617 dealt with the issue of facilitating and promoting the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) through changes to development and zoning regulations. WSCAI was able to include language making the new requirements “subject to” recorded covenants in common interest communities. That language was challenged by certain parties in the final days of the session but we were able to keep it intact. The bill passed and was signed by the Governor on March 27.