SHB 2014, providing additional protections to tenants of condominium conversions, having passed the House on January 18, has been tentatively set for public hearing before the Senate Consumer Protection and Housing Committee on February 5, 2008 at 1:30. Having worked out some of the kinks last year, this bill seems fast-tracked for enactment this year. See our prior article re this bill here.

SB 6215, regarding reserve studies and accounts, was passed out of the Senate committee on January 18 and has been in Rules since January 25. See the original article regarding this bill here. 

SB 6745, the HOA Act Committee bill was set for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Housing on February 1, 2008. See the original article on this bill here. 

Two new bills propose to create task forces to study condominium issues this year. SB 6875, sponsored by Senator Rodney Tom, would create a task force to study condominium governance issues and would be staffed by condominium board members, homeowners and attorneys. In contrast, SB 6724 would be staffed with developer entities and no homeowner representatives. While this bill purports to create a task force to review condominium liability in the insurance context, it is expected that unless limited, the task force may attempt to make recommendations for amendment of the condo act to reduce builder liability. 

SSB 6385, creating a cause of action for negligent construction for single family homes, was amended in committee and passed the house on February 1, 2008. It has now been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for review.

Find info on these bills and others by checking out the legislative website bill finder. Also, a good overview of the legislative process can be found on the Washington State Legislature website here.