SPOKANE, Wash. — Some Washington lawmakers are pushing to keep our state’s most vulnerable homeowners in their homes.
January 13 is the first day of the Washington 2025 Legislative Session. Over the next month, hundreds of bills will be introduced on the House floor.
House Bill 1179 proposes a ‘property tax evaluation freeze’ and was created by 6th District Representative Mike Volz. The bill aims to prevent property tax increases for disabled veterans and seniors.
“They’re getting taxed out of their houses and we don’t want to see that, especially for seniors. All the studies I’ve seen say the outcomes are far better if you can keep them in their own homes for longer,” said Volz.
According to a study from the University of California, keeping seniors in their own homes as they age fosters a better sense of belonging and independence.
1179 is supported by both Democrats and Republicans who are working to combat inflation and keep people from losing their homes.
According to Zillow’s county-wide housing report, the average cost of a home in Spokane County has increased from $188,871 in 2016 to $407,157 by the end of 2024.
“A lot of [seniors and disabled veterans] have their houses paid for, and they’re still paying property taxes. And we’re hearing from more and more of them that they’re paying more in property taxes than they ever paid for their mortgage, so that’s what inspired this bill,” said Volz.
As of now, Washington does have some property tax evaluation exemptions and deferrals, but they’re very specific. Volz’s bill aims to increase eligibility.
“There are certainly folks who have benefitted from selling homes as prices increase, but older and disabled residents often want or need to stay in their existing homes and can’t afford to sell or replace them,” said Volz. “These are the most vulnerable. And they shouldn’t have to suffer while corporations buy houses and land in a speculative housing market to make billions.”
It’s unclear what, if any, impact this bill might have on public funding that comes from property taxes.
All proposed bills must be approved for further consideration or dropped by mid-February. The Legislative Session ends on April 27.
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