Ed. Note: This bill is supported by Senate Democrats. Senator Boehnke and his fellow Republicans are hyperbolic and misleading with the claim that there would be no cap on the tax growth rate. If you read the more accurate text of this article you will see that the current fixed rate cap would be replaced by a cap determined by a formula based on the population of the local jurisdiction and inflation. Experience has shown that more populous jurisdictions have higher demands on governmental services per capita than others. And inflation only makes it worse. The expanding inflation we see now is the result of Republican actions and would bring about a sad situation as necessary government services could not be funded. Washingtonians deserve better than that. It’s appalling that Republicans express a cruelty which extracts money from the less affluent people and allows those with fortunes to avoid the tax burden.
SENATOR MATT BOEHNKE
8TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT – WASHINGTON STATE SENATE
360-786-7614 | 800-562-6000 | P.O. Box 40425 Olympia, WA 98504-0425
For Release: March 17, 2025 Media Contact: Eric LaFontaine: (206) 900-540
Tomorrow, my Senate Republican colleagues are holding a press conference on Senate Bill 5798, a proposal by the majority party to raise property taxes on your home.
I encourage you to virtually attend and let the majority party know that you oppose unlimited property tax increases.
The press conference begins at 9 a.m. and will include Senate Republican leaders, each speaking briefly on a different aspect of the bill. As a property owner, I believe this proposal could effectively triple the rate at which your property taxes are assessed. Your voices must be heard on this tax increase.
Senate Bill 5798 Press Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2025
Location: Senate Rules Room, Olympia
Virtual: Watch on TVW
What is the current state law?
Currently, we pay two kinds of property taxes: state and local. Property-tax rates can’t increase more than 1% a year without voter approval. The 1% cap was established in 2001 by the passage of Initiative 747; in 2007, after the state Supreme Court overturned the law, a Democrat-controlled Legislature and Democrat governor reinstated the limit. Because voters must approve any increase beyond the 1% limit, the law gives the people some control over the growth of their taxes while keeping government accountable.
What would SB 5798 do?
Through Senate Bill 5798, the Senate majority party would completely remove the 1% cap on the growth of property-tax rates. They would instead tie the annual growth rate to inflation and population. With no cap, that rate can grow each year – even into double digits, compounding year over year.
This is potentially much costlier than the House majority party proposal, which would lift the cap to 3%, allowing the growth rate to triple.
Who would be affected?
Everyone. The majority party likes to note that SB 5798 would exempt some senior citizens and disabled persons from part but not the entire state property tax increase. This is overshadowed by the fact that homeowners would see their property-tax bills increase much faster. The same is true for property owners who rent or lease their homes or multifamily housing units. They will be forced to pass the increases on to their tenants, making rents even less affordable than they are now. Property owners may sell their rental properties if the majority party imposes rent control. Single-family rentals could forever leave the rental market, contributing to our housing crisis.
Even worse…SB 5798 would hurt lower-income renters and homeowners the most. It’s highly regressive.
If you’re unable to attend, send comments to the legislature and tell them to vote NO on unlimited property tax increases. Below are three resource links you can access to voice your concerns and learn more about the majority party’s attempt to create unlimited property tax increases.
I hope to see you there!
