The Senate Ways and Means Committee, shown here Feb. 26, 2024, did not vote on a rent stabilization bill before a key cutoff deadline, dooming the measure's chances this Legislative session.
Jeanie Lindsay/Northwest News Network /
A hotly debated bill aimed at slowing rising rents in Washington has apparently stalled for the final time in the Legislature this year.
The measure, House Bill 2114, would have capped the amount landlords could raise current tenants' rent each year. But the Senate Ways and Means Committee did not vote on the legislation before a cutoff deadline Monday. That most likely means the bill will no longer be considered this session.
The legislation included a 7% cap on the amount most landlords could raise rent for existing tenants each year. It also capped fees and late fee charges for tenants.
The policy would not have applied to new buildings.
Lawmakers went to a closed-door meeting to discuss the legislation Monday morning, and once they returned, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) said the bill would not be brought up for a vote.
In a brief interview, Robinson said not enough Democrats and no Republicans on the committee would support the bill.
She did not explain which aspects of the bill kept it from being voted on.
"I don't feel like I can comment on that," Robinson said.
The House bill’s demise comes weeks after a similar version stalled in the Senate Housing Committee.