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A new bill in the Washington state legislature could raise the cap on property taxes from 1% to 3%.

KOMONews.com reports House Bill 2049 is backed by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), the nonpartisan nonprofit that represents localities before the state government. AWC argues the existing property tax cap has been in place for more than a generation and no longer serves the financing needs of local governments.

AWC noted the state population grew 21% between 2010 and 2025 and is expected to grow another 21% by 2050, thus exacerbating the costs of municipal services. The organization added the proposed cap is tied to inflation and would not exceed 3%.

Republican lawmakers are opposed to the bill, claiming it would deny state residents the right to vote on a measure that would triple the growth cap on property taxes and force many homeowners out of their residences.

“Without a doubt, if this property tax goes into effect, many will be forced to foreclose on their homes,” said the Washington State Republican Party in a statement.