WA SJR8209

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article VII allowing the legislature to create a homestead exemption from state property taxes for owner-occupied principal residences, with the exempt value stated as a uniform dollar amount across all qualifying properties

Requires the state levy to be reduced to prevent the exemption from shifting tax burden or causing higher tax rates for non-exempt properties

Authorizes the legislature to establish a renter's credit providing qualifying residential tenants a refund of a portion of rent paid on their primary residence

Caps the renter's credit at no more than the maximum tax reduction provided by the homestead exemption for homeowners

Requires voter approval at the next general election, with the Secretary of State publishing notice in every legal newspaper at least four times during the four weeks preceding the election