Washington State / SB 5142
The Houston Eminent Domain Fairness Act
Washington school districts must offer land back to former owners or their heirs at the original purchase price when the land is not used for its intended public purpose.
Signed into law
Named after a family whose land was taken for a school that was never built.
John Houston worked with Senator Bob Hasegawa to write and move this bill forward. Governor Bob Ferguson signed it into law in 2025.
What changed
In plain English.
Before
A school district could acquire land for a stated public purpose and keep it even if that intended use did not happen.
After SB 5142
Washington school districts must offer land back to former owners or their heirs at the original purchase price when the land is not used for its intended public purpose.
Timeline
From family loss to state law.
1960s
Renton, Washington
The Houston family was pressured to give up land for a school that was not built.
2025
SB 5142 introduced
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Bob Hasegawa.
2025 session
Unanimous Senate passage
Passed the Washington State Senate unanimously.
July 27, 2025
Effective date
Chapter 224, Laws of 2025. Effective July 27, 2025.
Sources
Where to verify.
Washington State Legislature - SB 5142
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5142&Initiative=False&Year=2025
Session law PDF - Chapter 224, Laws of 2025
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5142-S.sl.pdf
Renton Reporter - family land justice coverage
https://www.rentonreporter.com/2025/01/29/renton-familys-fight-for-land-justice-continues-with-new-bill/
Real Change - Renton family wants justice
https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2025/03/21/threat-eminent-domain-made-them-sell-now-renton-family-wants-justice
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