Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB2074

Introduced
1/8/24  
Refer
1/8/24  
Report Pass
1/30/24  
Refer
1/31/24  
Engrossed
2/7/24  

Caption

Limiting the application of certain civil penalties to protect landowners from incurring penalties based on the actions of the landowner's lessee.

Impact

The impact of HB 2074 on existing state laws is notable, as it attempts to shift the liability away from landowners when it comes to civil penalties resulting from their lessees’ actions. This change could encourage more landowners to lease their properties without fear of repercussions from lessees' conduct. It may also lead to increased stability within the rental market by protecting landowners from financial penalties that they did not directly contribute to, thus potentially affecting the housing supply and rental prices in certain areas.

Summary

House Bill 2074 aims to limit the application of certain civil penalties to protect landowners from incurring penalties based on the actions of their lessees. This legislation is particularly relevant in the context of property rights and the relationship between property owners and their tenants, ensuring that landowners are not held liable for actions taken by their lessees that are outside of their control. The bill is intended to create a more favorable regulatory environment for property owners, particularly those who may lease their properties to various tenants or entities.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 2074 appears to be positive among property owners and landlord advocacy groups, who view this legislation as a protective measure. The overwhelming support in the voting history—96 yeas and 0 nays during the House's final passage—indicates a strong consensus in favor of the bill's intentions. This support suggests a strong alignment with property rights interests, although detailed discussions highlighting opposition or reservations were not mentioned in the available documentation.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for HB 2074, potential points of contention may arise from tenant advocacy groups who may feel that the bill could lead to leniency in oversight of landlord responsibilities. Concerns might center around whether such protections might encourage negligent behavior by landowners, ultimately impacting tenant rights. However, specific criticisms or counterarguments do not appear to be prominently discussed in the materials reviewed.

Companion Bills

WA SB6260

Crossfiled Limiting the application of certain civil penalties to protect landowners from incurring penalties based on the actions of the landowner's lessee.

Previously Filed As

WA SB6260

Limiting the application of certain civil penalties to protect landowners from incurring penalties based on the actions of the landowner's lessee.

WA HB2072

Concerning penalties relating to antitrust actions.

WA SB5994

Concerning penalties relating to antitrust actions.

WA SB5323

Concerning the penalties for theft and possession of stolen property from first responders.

WA HB2260

Establishing civil penalties for the unlawful sale or supply of alcohol to minors.

WA SB6201

Establishing civil penalties for the unlawful sale or supply of alcohol to minors.

WA LB4

Change homestead exemption provisions relating to qualifications, application requirements, and penalties

WA HB1453

Protecting consumers by increasing penalties for scrap metal businesses who purchase stolen copper from telecommunication cables.

WA SB5104

Protecting employees from coercion in the workplace based on immigration status.

WA LB12

Change the statute of limitations on certain civil actions for sexual assault of a child

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.