Washington becomes the 11th state to adopt background check reform within the private sector. 

Today, June 7, marks the date the Fair Chance Act goes into effect in effort to ensure applicants are judged by their work and experience qualifications—and not by criminal or arrest histories. The act, HB 1298, is designed to get figurative feet in the door or, in other words, to keep companies from discriminating against potential hires until applicants at least meet minimum requirements for various job types. 

If an employer determines that the applicant is qualified, the law does not restrict the employer from inquiring into or obtaining information about a criminal record.

Maurice Emsellem, program director with the National Employment Law Project, says “HB 1298 represents a major step forward for Washington state’s business community and economy, while providing hope and opportunity to all those qualified workers who have struggled to find work with a conviction record but who are ready to give back to their communities.”

Penalties for not adhering to the act are as follows: 

• First Violation: Notice of violation.
• Second Violation: Penalty of up to $750.
• Third Violation and beyond: Penalty of up to $1,000 for each instance.

HB 1506, Washington's Equal Pay Opportunity Act, also goes into effect today. Learn more about complying with both laws from BIAW.

This week, MBAKS Senior Director of Strategy & Policy Nick Harper discusses our Primary Contacts Program; this program is key to passing our 10-point legislative agenda.

Reports Confirm Home Building’s Significant Contributions to Washington’s Economy

Two newly released reports from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), commissioned by the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), highlight the substantial economic benefits generated by homebuilding across Washington state.

Together, the reports show that residential construction plays a major role in supporting jobs, generating income for residents, and providing critical revenue for state and local governments.

Economic Benefits During Construction

The first report examines the economic activity created during the year homes are built, including job creation, wages, and tax revenue. Using housing production data from the 12-month period ending April 2025 and based on estimates from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM), NAHB analyzed the direct and indirect impacts of new residential construction.

These impacts include not only construction-related employment and income, but also the ripple effects as workers and businesses spend earnings throughout the local economy.

For single-family homes, the construction of 14,348 homes generated an estimated one-year local impact of:

• $5.16 billion in income for Washington residents
• $1.25 billion in state and local taxes and other public revenue
• 44,686 jobs statewide
  

For multifamily homes, construction of 32,368 homes generated an estimated:

• $10.81 billion in income for Washington residents
• $2.18 billion in state and local taxes and other public revenue
• 92,916 jobs statewide

These figures reflect both direct construction activity and indirect economic activity driven by household and business spending.

Ongoing, Annual Economic Impacts

The reports also highlight the recurring annual benefits that continue once new homes are occupied. These impacts reflect the economic activity generated as residents live, work, and pay taxes in their communities

The annual recurring impacts of the newly built homes include:

Single-family homes (14,348 units):

• $978 million in income for Washington residents
• $355 million in state and local taxes and revenue
• 10,041 jobs

Multifamily homes (32,368 units):

• $2.17 billion in income for Washington residents
• $702 million in state and local taxes and revenue
• 22,345 jobs

These benefits continue year after year, underscoring how housing availability supports long-term economic vitality across the state.

Comparing Public Costs and Public Benefits

At a more practical level, NAHB’s findings show that every 100 homes built in Washington generate approximately $34 million in income, $7 million in public revenue, and support nearly 300 jobs—illustrating why residential development produces significant returns for both local economies and public budgets.

A separate NAHB analysis compared the public costs of residential development—such as infrastructure, services, and capital investment—to the revenue generated for state and local governments.

The findings show that, from a public finance perspective, residential development more than pays for itself within the first year.

Over a 15-year period, newly built single-family and multifamily homes combined are projected to generate:

• $18.76 billion in cumulative state and local revenue
• Compared to $9.42 billion in total public costs

Over that same period, the homes are expected to generate approximately $9.34 billion in net revenue, effectively doubling the public investment in infrastructure such as roads, schools, and essential services.

A Broad Benefit for Washington Communities

Taken together, the reports reinforce the far-reaching economic value of homebuilding in our state. Residential construction supports jobs, strengthens local economies, and provides a sustainable source of public revenue that helps fund community priorities across the state.

Resources

• The Economic Impact of Home Building in Washington: Income, Jobs and Taxes Generated — NAHB (November 2025)
• The Economic Impact of Home Building in Washington: Comparing Costs to Revenue for State and Local Governments — NAHB (November 2025)
• Homebuilders Offer Relief for State’s Budget Woes — BIAW (December 1, 2025)