Committee backs bill letting landlords set rules on portable cooling devices with tenant-notice requirement

The Legislative Sessions Housing Committee voted to report Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6,200 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation after adopting an amendment that changes how landlords and tenants handle portable cooling devices.

Vice Chair Hill moved the bill and members adopted amendment Vass 268, offered by Representative Engel, which narrows the bill’s administrative burden on landlords while preserving tenant protections. The amendment exempts landlords who already allow window air conditioners from having to re-draft leases, removes requirements that landlords query insurers about permissibility, and removes evaporative coolers from the statute’s definition of portable cooling devices because of mold and moisture concerns. Engel said the changes reduce unnecessary burdens and preserve tenant access where landlords already permit window units.

Supporters framed the bill as a public-health measure tied to more frequent extreme-heat events. The chair, citing a comment attributed to Senator Slatter, called the legislation “not only a housing bill, but … a health bill,” and said seniors and children face elevated risk during heat events. Representative Engel said the amendment resulted from collaboration with housing providers and would prevent well-intentioned landlords from being forced to overhaul leases statewide.

Opponents did not produce a sustained floor-level challenge in committee; several members expressed lingering concerns about clarity in some requirements but voted in favor of the amended bill. The clerk recorded a roll call with the following votes: Peterson, Hill, Richards, Lowe, Manjaras, Engel, Entenmann, Gregerson, Licanoff, Reed, Thomas, Timmons and Zahn voting yes; Jacobson, Barkis, Connors and Dufo voting no. The clerk announced the tally as 13 ayes and 4 nays, and the bill was reported out of committee as amended with a due-pass recommendation.

The committee’s action sends SSB 6,200 to the next legislative stage where the floor or subsequent committees will consider the measure. Proponents said the measure is a modest step to reduce heat-related health risks while limiting administrative work for landlords; opponents urged attention to lingering implementation questions.

The clerk’s roll-call record is part of the committee file; amendments adopted in committee—Vass 268—will be incorporated into the striking amendment before the bill moves forward.