WA HB2299

Creates the Office of the State Senior Independent Living Ombuds within the Department of Commerce to serve Washington residents age 55+ living in age-restricted rental communities, including independent living portions of continuing care retirement communities not licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services

Requires the Department of Commerce to contract with a private nonprofit organization to provide ombuds services, with ombuds staff required to have training in housing programs, consumer protection law, the state legal system, or landlord-tenant law

Ombuds will investigate and resolve complaints related to administrative actions affecting residents' health, safety, welfare, and rights, and must establish a statewide uniform reporting system with annual data submissions to the legislature

Senior independent living communities must post ombuds contact information in a conspicuous location and provide notice to residents before finalizing rental agreements, sales agreements, or contracts

Ombuds must refer violations to relevant state agencies, law enforcement, or the Attorney General's consumer protection division, and those agencies are required to respond with investigation results and proposed actions