Washington Lawmaker Secures Full House Support to Permanently Lift Taxes on Senior Centers

Legislation aims to protect essential services and social connection for seniors on fixed incomes.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Rep. Stephanie Barnard, a Republican from Pasco, Washington, has championed House Bill 2133, which would permanently secure a critical property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers across the state. The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously, and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Why it matters

Senior centers often serve as a vital safety net for older adults on fixed incomes, providing essential health services, nutrition, and social connection. However, these centers are facing their own financial pressures due to rising costs. Permanently extending the tax exemption will help ensure these lifelines remain open and accessible for Washington's growing senior population.

The details

HB 2133 eliminates the expiration date on a property tax exemption originally enacted in 2017. Without this legislation, the exemption is set to expire in 2028. The bill also protects senior centers' ability to raise funds through thrift stores or farmers' markets without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, allowing them to generate revenue to cover maintenance and operations expenses.

  • The property tax exemption for senior centers was originally enacted in 2017.
  • The exemption is set to expire in 2028 without the passage of HB 2133.
  • HB 2133 passed the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously in February 2026.

The players

Stephanie Barnard

A Republican state representative from Pasco, Washington, who has championed HB 2133 to permanently secure a property tax exemption for senior centers.

Washington State House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Washington state legislature, which unanimously passed HB 2133.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Across our state, seniors are making impossible choices between paying for medicine, heat, or food. Senior centers are often the only place they can turn to for a hot meal or a check-in. But these centers are operating on razor-thin margins. If we allow their tax exemptions to expire while costs are skyrocketing, we are effectively closing the doors on our seniors when they need support the most.”

— Stephanie Barnard, State Representative (The Chronicle)

“This bill reflects a commitment to affordability and respect for the generation that built our communities. By making this tax relief permanent, we are giving these centers the certainty they need to stay open. We cannot balance the state's books on the backs of our seniors or the nonprofits that serve them.”

— Stephanie Barnard, State Representative (The Chronicle)

What’s next

HB 2133 now moves to the Washington State Senate for further consideration and a vote.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to provide long-term financial stability for senior centers, which are a vital resource for older adults on fixed incomes in Washington. By permanently extending the property tax exemption, the state can help ensure these centers can continue serving the growing senior population and meeting their essential needs.