After a news conference by stakeholders and lawmakers earlier today, Sen. Ron Muzzall is echoing concerns about proposals moving through the Legislature that would eliminate or expand caps on property tax growth. He warns it could increase housing costs and affect vulnerable populations across the state

Senate Bill 5798 received a hearing in the Senate budget committee on March 31, where more than 43,680 individuals signed in to oppose the bill—a record-setting level of public feedback in the history of the Washington State Legislature.

“At a time when families across Washington are already managing higher costs of living, we need to be especially cautious about any policy that could further burden those who are struggling,” said Muzzall. “This proposal could have real consequences for renters, people on fixed incomes and those working toward homeownership.”

Muzzall noted that if the proposed policy had been in place over the past decade, it would have added more than $9,000 to the property tax bill of a $500,000 home. For this year alone, average homeowners could see an increase of approximately $2,000.

Under current law—established by voter-approved Initiative 747—annual property tax growth is limited to 1% unless voters approve a larger increase. SB 5798 would remove that restriction, instead tying it to inflation and population growth. Estimates suggest the change could cost taxpayers $6 billion over 12 years.

“This isn’t just about homeowners,” Muzzall said. “When property taxes rise, landlords may pass those costs on to tenants, which could increase rents at a time when affordable housing is already difficult to find.”

He added that seniors on fixed incomes may face difficult decisions if their housing costs increase, and younger families trying to enter the housing market could be priced out.

“We all share the goal of improving housing access and affordability, but I worry that this approach could make those challenges more difficult for the very people we’re trying to help,” he concluded.