Will Representative Janice Zahn Fix HB 2266?

Below is the email I sent to Representative Zahn this morning. I hope she will commit to fixing the problems with the law before low-barrier PSH puts our community at further risk.

While we await her response, please consider strengthening our movement by sharing this petition with five of your friends, family, or neighbors. The more supporters who sign, the more power we have to stop harmful policies.

HB 2266 Commitments and Mercer Island Community Engagement

Dear Representative Zahn,

As a constituent and the author of the petition regarding low-barrier housing regulations on Mercer Island, I appreciate the opportunity you provided to residents to discuss concerns regarding HB 2266. I am submitting this inquiry through your campaign office, as the current primary election cycle involves critical questions regarding your legislative priorities for the upcoming term.

As Assistant Majority Whip, Vice Chair of the Local Government Committee, and member of the House Housing Committee, you are in a strong position to address the unintended consequences identified by our community with a targeted correction bill in 2027.

Mercer Island residents seek clarification on the following matters:

1. Will you formally request an interim House Housing Committee work session on HB 2266 before the 2027 legislative session?
2. Will you request draft corrective legislation before the 2027 session that would:
   1. Allow cities to meet their obligations through binding regional or interlocal agreements;
   2. Restore authority for common sense, objective siting with separations from schools and parks, and operational and safety protections;
   3. Require pre-approval notice, meaningful public participation including public hearings, and written responses to community concerns before permitting decisions are made; and
   4. Offer alternative compliance options for smaller or geographically constrained cities lacking medical centers, treatment facilities, or other resources required to safely provide Permanent Supportive Housing?
3. If reelected, will you commit to serving as the prime House sponsor of legislation addressing these issues? If so, when will you begin the drafting and coalition-building process?
4. Will your campaign host an in-person public community listening session for 41st District residents and voters before August 4 to hear their concerns about HB 2266? If that timing is not feasible, will you commit now to an August date?

We would appreciate a concise response to these questions, including any relevant explanations or proposed timelines, by Wednesday, July 29, at 5:00 p.m.

To ensure transparency, we intend to publish your response in full so that residents may directly review your commitments. Should we not receive a response by the stated deadline, we will note that no comment was provided. Please be advised that this inquiry is for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement.

Thank you for your time and consideration.