WA HB1044

Increases the real estate excise tax (REET) transaction fee from $5.00 to $20.00, with automatic adjustments every four years based on the consumer price index for shelter starting January 1, 2030

Creates two new county funds: a county assessor administrative assistance fund (receiving 65% of the new fee) and a county treasurer administrative assistance fund (receiving 35% of the new fee)

Funds must be used exclusively for statutory obligations of the respective county offices, with expenditure authority granted solely to the county assessor or treasurer without requiring appropriation

Exempts both new administrative assistance funds from appropriation or budget control by county legislative authorities

Takes effect September 1, 2025