Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5395

Introduced
1/16/23  

Caption

Increasing the real estate technology fee dedicated to the maintenance and operation of property tax and real estate excise tax electronic processing, reporting, and revaluation systems.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws primarily revolves around the financial aspects of managing electronic systems that deal with property taxes and real estate transactions. The increase in the technology fee could lead to enhanced funding for maintaining, updating, and innovating within these systems. However, critics may argue that raising fees could place an additional burden on stakeholders involved in real estate transactions, potentially leading to increased costs for homebuyers and sellers alike.

Summary

SB5395 proposes an increase in the real estate technology fee, which is intended to support the maintenance and operation of electronic systems related to property tax and real estate excise tax processing. This bill specifically aims to enhance the technological infrastructure necessary for efficient handling and reporting of real estate transactions, thereby improving overall operational capabilities within the domain of real estate taxation. Proponents of the bill argue that such an increase is necessary to ensure that the systems remain updated and effective in processing tax information accurately and timely.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB5395 seems to be mixed. Supporters believe that investing in technological improvements is crucial for state agencies handling real estate tax matters, arguing that better technology would streamline processes and potentially yield long-term savings and efficiencies. Conversely, there may be concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the financial implications of increased fees, which could lead to financial strain within the real estate market.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB5395 could revolve around the balance of ensuring effective technology support without imposing high fees on real estate transactions. As the bill seeks to raise the technology fee, discussions may emerge about the implications this could impose on market participants, especially small businesses and low-income homeowners. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to find this balance between operational efficiency and financial equity in the real estate sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1628

Increasing the supply of affordable housing by modifying the state and local real estate excise tax.

WA HB1791

Increasing the flexibility of existing funding sources to fund public safety and other facilities by modifying the local real estate excise tax.

WA SB5359

Establishing a responsible state spending limit with excess revenues dedicated to property tax relief.

WA SB6272

Dedicating the state share of cannabis excise tax revenue to counties and cities.

WA SB5151

Limiting annual state spending growth to median worker wage growth, with excess revenues dedicated to property tax relief.

WA SB5778

Addressing maple syrup processing operations.

WA HB2062

Addressing maple syrup processing operations.

WA SB5687

Increasing the share of sales tax revenue dedicated to performance audits.

WA HB1044

Concerning county fees for administration of the real estate excise tax.

WA HB1782

Addressing the operating and maintenance deficit of the Wahkiakum county ferry.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.